I already did a search and came up blank. I am getting ready to build a frame for my 27 coupe and need some input on over-all frame length and wheel base length. Any body who has built one have any pics and numbers to help me out? I am building a 27 coupe with a small block chev. Can I use blue prints for a T-bucket chassis or will it be too small for a T Coupe?
A couple feet should do it. Duh. OK I was being a smartass. A friend has an early T telephone booth doctors coupe, with an SBC - stock wheelbase with hood. And not chopped !! The photo is somewhere in one of the HAMB threads.
I really believe that this is something you're going to have to mock and measure. There are a lot of variables to consider. I just did some searching and the opinions varied. One guy mentioned three feet of space from the radiator to the firewall and another fit it in the stock location, these being in an A, however. That being said, the vehicle doesn't much matter if you're scratch-building a frame.
I'm setting up a TT frame for my lakes/Indy-styled thirties cut-down T and what I'm planning to do is set the front suspension (ahead of the radiator) and then the radiator followed by front motor mount (I'm running a banger motor). After that I'm sticking to Model A specs as far as the frame and mount points and such. Now, I already have a frame, well, 3 frames actually that'll donate bits and pieces to become one. Overall, the wheelbase will be stretched about 4 inches. What I had to do to come up with the figure was crunch a lot of numbers, search and read, and continually measure and compare.
I wouldn't guesstimate that's for sure... measure your engine, and body and frame. Go from there. You really only want to make the frame once!!
Stock T wheelbase is 100". Many early hotrods with T bodies, even full-fendered use Model A frames with a wheelbase of 103 1/4" or in hiboy flair the 32 frame with wheelbase of 106".
I always say the shorter the better but if you get to Tweety Pie proportions then turn back and add 3 inches. This is my favorite T Coupe ever. I will own something very close to this soon er or later.
As far as wheelbase goes, it would depend on how you are setting up the frnt suspension as well. I would mock everything up and then take your measurements.
Grabowski's T was reported to have a 96" wheelbase. Ivo told me his was 101. I think the difference was that Ivo used an early banjo diff. with the spring on top of the axle housings and Norm used the later one with the spring mounted behind them. Mine is 96" like Norm's.
post #1 sixth photo, see how the engine is tucked in..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=379109&highlight=ribby+dionne
Might take ya awhile to look, but here's a site... http://www.carnut.com/photo/list/ford/ford27.html my '27 after market frame...
Speedway sells T frames & chassis with motor mounts installed (& I would think they're for the sbc), so you might call them & ask what their measurements are & exactly where the mounts are placed in relation to the front & rear crossmembers.
make sure you ask the wheel base on a prewelded T frame..Mine came in at 123" (yes 123)...I hope to be shortening it about 6-8" in the near future...
My new little track roadster looks like it will be 102" but it will have a 261 Chevy 6-banger. I'm gonna need a little more room than a SBC powered car. Kevin Ooltewah Speed Shop
Too many of the T's being built today have way to long a wheelbase in my opinion. I find those with a wheelbase of 106 inches or less most pleasing to look at, all things considered. Rodrobb's coupe (pictured above) looks just about perfect.
Mine is 106" and I think it's perfect on somedays and 5 inches to long on other days. Depends on you taste. Royalshifters is 96" and that car is perfect. Here is my T with 106" WB...
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