Idea for a new project... what do you think?

[SamIyam]

Ok, I want to build something to haul the whole family... so, I came up with the idea to build a retro T-bucket... but instead of doing just a T-bucket, what about doing a '23 T touring ala 70's T-bucket style?
Use the new Radir 12 spokes with brakes, polished.
Mold two two t-bucket bodies together to form a touring.
American five spokes out back, polsihed.
SBC, polished Ridge Runner Ram, velocity stacks, M/T valve covers, Speedway "Roadster" headers.
Chrome tube axle, hairpins etc.
Tall windshield.
Heavy flake paint job... paneled out with striping.
Chrome '57 Chevy rear end, transverse spring... maybe mount the rear behind the body along with a gas tank above the rear end...
semi-tall windshield... lantern tail lights... Am I missing anything?
Have the welding fumes finally gotten to me?
Can I pull it off?
Sam.

[flyin'eye]

The ultimate family hauler would be a copy of the Munster's coach. A close second would be the one Barris' did for Paul Revere and the Raiders.

[Fat Hack]

You had me up until the small block Chevy part! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Seriously, though...I've seen a few cool "family tubs" over the years. Several based on T-bucket/touring/phaeton body styles...but also other starting points.

One that sticks in my head was the yellow 32 tub that Tom McMullen built back in the 80s. It appeared in the video to "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen...Roth did a smokey one cuttin' away from the school at the end! Very cool car capable of hauling a few curtain-climbers around with ya!

(That yellow car had a blown sbc with a 5-speed...I'd change that...but dug the car!)

You need a Poly 318 with in your project! (as I duck under the desk to avoid the return fire on that!)

[Unkl Ian]

http://www.cruisenight.net/HotRod%20Bus%2001.jpg http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Harrison]

I like it Sam. Knowing you, the family will be cruising in it next spring.

JH

[Kevin Lee]

I'm sitting here trying to think of something positive to type but I just can't do it. Do you mean you pull it off as in build it? From what I've seen I'd think so. But can you "pull it off"? Uhhh... can anyone really? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I just don't get 70's style. Maybe I'm missing something but I guess I'm okay with that. Lantern tail lights?...Really?

[hammeredabone]

Sam,
How about backhalving the Roach Rod? You may have to extend the wheel base alittle to get a seat and tank in the back.

[InPrimer]

check this out from carnut.com...

[SamIyam]

Maybe Grimlock is right...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6472&item=24410076 91#ebayphotohosting

Or maybe I just see it as a challenge... or maybe I should just stick to building a regular retro t-bucket... that would be a big enough challenge as it is...
Sam.
p.s. When I say "pull it off" I mean do it and make it look bitchen'...

[InPrimer]

another idea........

[scarliner]

Sam, I like your ideal and really liked the ideal about using two T bodies for a touring.The only problem I see with it is this:When you include your family in the deal,you include a lot more headache.I have 3 kids, two in thier twenties and one is 12 going on twenty.First of all you will need to pull a trailer,with glowing lights, for the killer stereo and big screen to entertain the older ones and also have room for the younger ones two buds to come with you.Also the wife wont ride,cause it might mess up her hair!Dont get me wrong!Family and good health are the two most important things in anyones life. I love my family and would do anything for them,but a T roadster is not a family friendly car!Anyway I think if you are building it to use,thats great, but you may want to have a chase car and let the dependents take turns riding and driving.Then I believe it would be a huge success.

[4t64rd]

Poliform made a T touring body, but they discontinued them.

I wrote to these guys:

http://www.showcars-bodyparts.com/ford6-23.html

and they said they could pop one out.

[DrJ]

There's always the extreme.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
http://www.barris.com/images/gallery/munsterkoach.jpg

[SamIyam]

scarliner, I have kind of a unique situation... I have a track roadster... and the wife just can't get enough of it... she likes it because it has a four speed and is fast... but we cannot fit my two year old and my five year old and me in it with her... so, it's probably going to get sold off to start another project... and we also have my Model A... which I'd sell, but it's been in the family since '74 so... it's a keeper.
Anyway, I'm thinking a tub of some sort... but I'm also thinking the "retro" thing needs to expand into the 70's...
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Sam.

[Dreamweaver]

Inprimer , that one is way cool for a 4 seater.

[av8]

Or, you could go a bit more trad . . .

[av8]

Another view . . .

[SamIyam]

av8... I'm liking that...
Sam.

[redbeard]

Sleeper has a 24 studabaker touring in the classified
section as a project. I saw it this weekend. I think
it would make a very cool tub, just like you are talking
about. Talk to him about photos.
good luck

[lowsquire]

Sam, the seventies style rods WILL come back into fashion,its inevitable.
the question is do we really want to start it all just yet?? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
lets leave it a few more years...........

[Donzie]

Sam, regardless of which body style you decide on, I don't think we're ready for the '70s look yet.....please, not yet!

[Sancho]

This one is on the Radir website. Although it doesn't appear to have a real
rear seat area (just a longer top, maybe more legroom?) It seems to fit your
general description. This is what I pictured when reading what you had in mind.
http://www.radirwheels.com/NewPics/rattub.jpg

[Deyomatic]

Sam, the only thing I see from a family standpoint is safety. The "walls" on a touring aren't very tall and you are kind of "out in the open," so if the jackass next to you decides he isn't going to check his blindspot or use a blinker, it wouldn't be good for any of you. But that just means you will have to keep it loud. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I would just always be worried about one of the little ones climbing out or getting something caught up in the rear wheels.

[SamIyam]

Yea, you're probably right.

I'm really liking av8's pic there of the tub... I may try to do a '26-'7 2dr sedan made into a tub ala Roach Rod...
Sam.

[lowsquire]

deyomatic has a good point.
heres an option for a family rod that ive yet to see done nicely,
a 36 tudor! Chop it hard,flake it up,lotsa chrome...
you could go with a seventies wheel and tyre package to satisfy your disco leanings http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Roothawg]

70's cars make me wanna barf........

Do something more traditional. Like what Mike posted.

[Fat Hack]

Here's the only picture I could find on the web of the McMullen "Tom's Tub Two" used in the Van Halen video...not how it looked in the video...but it gives you an idea.

<img src=http://home.planet.nl/~visser70/ford.jpg>

6-71 blown 350 with Doug-Nash 5-speed!!

[Plowboy]

I was thinking of doing about the same thing with a Hupmobile 4 door Phaeton that is in a barn near me. I probably will if I can get it cheap enough (no lanterns though!). I would be concerned about little kids climbing out of it. I suppose you could put 5 point racing harnesses in it and strap 'em down!

[SamIyam]

I don't know Roothawg... there are some styling cues that were bitchen in the late 60's early 70s'... we've just forgotten about them because they were drowned out by all the ugly... now that I think about it, I have a steel '23 T bucket body... hmmmmm...

Sam.

[Flipper]

A bigger version of your idea is what I thought about when I bout my firetruck....except I'm gonna have seating for a few more than 4 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[BARNETT]

Somebody posted this, for me, one time...

[Levis Classic]

Hoe about this one?

[safariknut]

Sam:Back in the late 60's-early 70's there was a guy from Connecticut(Kevin Maloney I think)who had a T touring(shortened body)that was very similar to what you are proposing.I think he went into business with Mickey Lauria(Total Performance)as they both belonged to the CSRA.Mickey had a real nice T touring at the time.I'll see if I can dig up some pics of it and I'll scan them for you.
safariknut

[fab32]

I sure dig the one posted by Inprimer. I think you could put something like that together on a fairly tight budget Sam. For one thing you wouldn't need a real T body, the price of which is going upward daily.

Frank

[SamIyam]

After seeing av8's post... I'm thinking this (see pic) but raised up a bit so I can drive it, the belt line cut down like I did the RR... and the Kelsey Hays bent spokes I have... I think I may be on to something... can anyone photo shop this up about 6"-8" and whack the top off with the back curved up like the RR???
Sam.

[Django]

Now you're talking! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have that guys original scrapbook on the buildup of that yellow tub. Been in the same family for over 60 years, I did a feature on it last year. Love that car! I thought I was too tall, but the owner now is like 6'2".

[Rocky]

I like the touring idea but the 70's influence puts me off. I'm glad the 70's is over. I'd prolly do it with a 60's flavor.......finned accessories on the 327 with big and little Americans, split bones, powerglide and a rubber rake. I'd prolly make a few consessions for safety, like safety belts and "under the car" exhaust to keep little legs from getting burned.
I think I'd base it on a home-grown perimeter frame under the body that allows the seats to sit really low in the body. My buddy, John did that with his 29 RPU and his windshield is super chopped but he sits loooooooow in the chassis. The rails came back to looking original forward of the firewall. Dropped axle and heathy kick in the rear gets it low....

[SamIyam]

ok, thinking back I agree the 70's tub is a bad idea... but I WILL save my '23 roadster body for a 70's style t-bucket that I WILL build when America is closer to being ready for it...

So I think I'll start looking for a '27 Sedan... the idea in my head is churning into something cool...
Sam.

[Paul]

Sam,
don't give up too easy,
I think your onto something there,
take Barnett's example and do the flake, pannel paint,
your wheel combo and gas tank treatment,
do a white top,

could be tasty,
stay away from the brass and give it some attitude,
not roller disco, but cool, tough and flashy.

and sing S.A.T.U.R-D.A.Y.!

...or not http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Paul

[av8]

Think Li'l John's '27 Tudor. Model T Haven usually has good '26-'27 bodies in stock for fair prices. Add '28-'29 fenders, aprons, and running boards, don't mess with the top, do just about anything you want with wheels, and you've got a classic killer ride with tons of rooms for Katie, you, and the little guys -- who, of course, will not remain little guys. But wait . . . there's more!

Add Model A frame horns, mount a plated Model A front bumper and rear bumperettes for some protection (so long as the other vehicle is a skateboard). You could carry a covered spare on the back (uh . . . maybe, maybe not). You could easily add a hitch for a tidy luggage trailer. The car wants to be dark and shiny (it'll tell you what it wants when it's time), and it's best to avoid the '70s silliness like brass lamps, etched glass, bud vases, a MotoMeter radiator cap (although a dogbone cap would be kinda cool).

Power it with something compact and interesting, like a Ford turbo four from an older T-bird, along with the AOD and you could move the little shed through the air with reasonble performance and economy.

Final cautions: Don't even think about Dayton wires. Red or yellow Kelseys are a little too cute, altough they'd look sharp in body color with stainless rings and caps. Ford solids in ivory (!) with caps and rings would look great with BW tires, and the same wheel and trim combo in red or a complementary color would be hot with big-and-little wide whites.

Or something like that . . .

[Tman]

Hmmm, a touring car? I dont think you can pull it off http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Tman]

Wrong pic

[fatassbuick]

The guy who built the scoop for my coupe (poetry) hand built this touring body out of aluminum sheet in his garage.
It's a blast to ride in (even with 5 people) and it was relatively cheap.

[fatassbuick]

Here's a back shot:

[Sam F.]

[ QUOTE ]
The guy who built the scoop for my coupe (poetry) hand built this touring body out of aluminum sheet in his garage.


[/ QUOTE ]

see,this is why i feel like such an idiot! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

so many people building so much cool shit out of nothing!

[fatassbuick]

Yeah, he pretty much did it with a small welder, a crescent wrench, an engine hoist and a couple of hammers. The scoop I mean. I'm sure he used some other stuff to make the body, but he is really amazing to watch. We all felt like idiots that day.

[Unkl Ian]

?

[hemi]

I think a retro-bucket family tub would be rad. I saw the survivor T Bucket at Famoso this weekend, 74 Grand National competitor, and yeah, when done with taste, they are pretty neat.

I say do it....but I'm a little biased. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Shiva69]

unkl Ian...

it took me a while but you took something very important out of that picture.

Garth

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
you took something very important out of that picture.



[/ QUOTE ] I figured the rear view mirror,air bags,and seat belts weren't period correct. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Not sure I ever saw Hemi and the picture below it together- HEMI WINS!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Man that '27 Looks plain without a top! Real Touring looks a WHOLE lot better. The rear tub is actually pretty tall if you don't channel it to death. Seat belts Sam!

[a/fxcomet]

I pictured the yellow tub that av8 posted when you were describing your Tacky Tub(tm). Even thought of trying to find some pics of it in my old magazines, but I figured somebody would post it http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif (I'm lazy)

av8- who built that??

[Sailor]

Im one of those that gets a little put off by 70s estethics, even if I love watching Cannon, The Streets of San Francisco ("A Quinn Martin production, starring..") and so forth.

But how about a tub-vertion of someting a little Tommy Ivo-looking or maybe this:

http://www.showrods.com/images/little_t/little_t_big

Nothing wrong with lanterns and sbc's... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[modernbeat]

Sam, I think you started off with a good idea, but mentioning the '70s makes folks think aobut the silly '60s showcar stuff that eventually bled onto the street scene. '70s doesn't have to be tacky.

For a hauler, I'd stick with fenders. Personally, I'd skip the "T" and go with an "A". More room, less Ko-Ko looking, and better curves. Or, at least use "A" fenders on a "T".

Next, I'd keep the body stock, and probally go with one of the dark, solid colors that were in vogue during the early '70s. Look at the ET cars for inspiration. Hell, look at them for plain good taste in the '70s! Wheels, stance, color, etc....

I don't see anything wrong with a SBC. Just try to keep it compact enough that you can close the hood with minimal bulges. If you insist on going fenderless, then keep the hoodsides off and you'll have to throw some detail on the engine.

When it comes to '70s and looking good, my tips again:
Keep the body stock, don't use homemade body parts.
Keep a roof on it.
Keep the engine hidden.
Make it low, real low.
Use 15 inch dia wheels.
Use radial blackwall tires. Some of the Pirelli tires resemble the old Michelins that are somewhat hard to find. Don't go too overboard with the big &amp; small thing. Keep the wheels inside the fenders.
Keep the body a dark, solid color.
Don't add '20a period accessories to the car. It looks good enough as it came from Ford.
Wheels? Solids from a '50 Merc, or a Ford truck, or Buick wires, or any American Racing wheel, or Halibrand wheel, or ... but stay away from the Cragars, Daytons, Astros, Raidars and other inexpensive aftermarket wheels.
Interior? keep it late '60s simple. Medium to dark colored diamond pleat, or wide-wide straight pleats in vinyl.



I've posted this photo a number of times, but here it is again. This is my idea of a good looking '70s ride and what I intend on building after finishing my mod.

http://lonestar.texas.net/~mcdaniel/rpu/disco.jpg

[hammeredabone]

Sam,
I still think you could do up a touring section for the back of the RR, you might have to modify the frame and maybe extend the wheelbase slightly but you could do this off a vechicle you already have that has everything
you love except enough seats. Post a pic of the RR and let me try photoshoping it. Making the rear section out of metal
I don't feel would be too difficult. I know I could roll out 3 pices on my Ewheel probably do it in a weekend.Got any trading material?

[hammeredabone]

Roach Tub?

[Petejoe]

[ QUOTE ]
I've posted this photo a number of times, but here it is again. This is my idea of a good looking '70s ride and what I intend on building after finishing my mod.


[/ QUOTE ]
I don't recall ever seeing low profile tires like that in the 70"s. Good looking rod though.

[modernbeat]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't recall ever seeing low profile tires like that in the 70"s. Good looking rod though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that photo was taken around '75 or so.

Those aren't low profile tires. They're 75 series, but they're 135 (most likely) or 145 Michelins stretched out over a 6 inch Buick rim. Lots of guys did it, and most used the Michelins because of their much higher load rating for such a small tire and their longevity when used inappropiately. A Pirelli is a poor substitute, and the Eastern European and South American tires that are still made in that size scare me. What Michelins that are left are so old that I don't think I'd run them, or they're being made in Mexico/South America. So, my version probally will have a 60 or 55 series Pirelli 165 that can stand the heat.

Sam, that Roach-Tub looks GOOD!

Too bad, if you had brought this up last week I wouldn't have sold the back half of my '29 Phaeton and doors to a lurker from SanAntonio. He picked it up on Wednesday!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Those tires aren't low profile. That's an honest to goodness '70s rod built by "Fat Jack" Robinson who is talked about in Fat Hack's recent post. I said he built them the lowest and that Model A is proof. Those are Michelin 135's most commonly used on Cal-Style VW's in the '70s. The rears are 225 Michelins.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What the hell!!! You sold off that Phaeton??? I would have loved to get that! I have a '29 Phaeton top. There was an Early Times '29 Phaeton (Buick spokes) that was AWESOME! Let me know if you are selling any more A parts. Thanks Jim

[**DONOTDELETE**]

That Roadster hit the street about '79/'80- but was being built for a good part of the seventies. "Fat Jack" cars usually have a long build time, but when they are done they are perfect. He still has a '36 Tudor sedan that wowed everyone in about '75 when it started making the rounds with the running boards an inch off the ground. It was solid axle on both ends and it was soo low you couldn't see underneath it. They ran a picture in Street Rodder of guys trying to look under it and that's exactly what guys were doing the first time I saw it.

[SamIyam]

I like it!
But I think I'l start over... I'd hate to mess up ol' roachy just to let the little ones ride along... it is its own car, I built it... and now I feel the need to create something a little different...

I also like Unk Ians rendition... but maybe someone (Unk?) could cut it down below the belt line reveal, and keep it straight until it gets about a foot from the end...also, ditch the windshield for now and the blackened interior (to keep it simple)... and, the steering wheels is what's missing. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Sam.

[Petejoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Those tires aren't low profile. That's an honest to goodness '70s rod built by "Fat Jack" Robinson who is talked about in Fat Hack's recent post. I said he built them the lowest and that Model A is proof. Those are Michelin 135's most commonly used on Cal-Style VW's in the '70s. The rears are 225 Michelins.


[/ QUOTE ]
I stand corrected http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[modernbeat]

Jim, I just sold off the back half, and the back doors. The front half is the body I'm using for my modified. The part I sold is destined to be repair panels for a near-stocker in Kerville, Texas.

Anyway, you've already got multiple projects.

Finish the book. I wanna see ET photos in print.

And damn, should have know that inspirational car was a Fat Jack creation. So low it couldn't roll over a pack of cigaretts on their SIDE!

As far as other Model A body parts, I've still got a '30 Roadster cowl with minor rust at the bottom of the side panels.

[Rocknrod]

How about a lowered van of some sort... with the roof cut off to form the biggest tub anyones ever seen?

Throw up some roll bars and tack the sheetmetal to em... Drop it to the under the scrub line an par-teh! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Jive-Bomber]

Sam-

I'd go for something a little more "full fendered"- Katie and the boys would dig this:

[hammeredabone]

Sam, Here we are with a little more wheelbase and a toneu cover.It's funny photoshoping my original cut and paste
drawing. I am glad you kept it.

[4t64rd]

Willy's Touring body in TX

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=2440974346&amp;category=42 606

[Unkl Ian]

Looks like lots of leg room in the back of that Willys.

[Tman]

Unk, they already have kids.....no need for the back seat http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sam, I like your idea. Tourings have always been on of my faves. Good luck.

[4t64rd]

Reviving this post by hijacking it, with a question, I think this would be considered a traditional T touring, in the style of the late 60's, am I wrong? blast away.

[Unkl Ian]

[ QUOTE ]
... in the style of the late 60's,...

[/ QUOTE ] I would think more of an early '70s Resto Rod. Which isn't to say that this style didn't start earlier somewhere.

[Southfork]

There was a chrome yellow '29 phaeton on the cover of one of the mags in the 80's I think, complete with a light tan top. The picture was a teaser, because mostly all you wanted to look at was the bitchen blonde also in the cover shot, but at the time I really liked the car, and wanted to use it as the model for my 29 phaeton rod. Anybody got any photos of that car??? And JimA, if you want to get rid of your 29 Touring top, give me a holler.

[4t64rd]

5 year old post, but still not a lot of people building tourings and pheatons...

[cabriolethiboy]

I like this;
http://www.carnut.com/photo/contrib/hourie/pic0591.jpg
Pic thanks to Carnut.com

[cabriolethiboy]

Definatly 70's
http://www.carnut.com/show/nats73/nat080.jpg

Pic thanks to Carnut.com

[cabriolethiboy]

Another 70's T thanks to Carnut.com

http://www.carnut.com/show/nats73/nat081.jpg

[6t5frlane]

The ultimate family hauler would be a copy of the Munster's coach. A close second would be the one Barris' did for Paul Revere and the Raiders.

I have not seen The Raiders Coach in years. I rermeber seeing models of it. As I recall it was powered by 2 Potiac V8's and towed a Stagecoach type thing...PICS ???