Hot Rods The Belly Button Bucket Build Thread

Tim, since it seems like you are about at that point, I'll mention a tip I read somewhere a while ago.
To make a trans tunnel in a tight car without a ton of work, cut some carpet to fit over the trans, cover it with plastic sheet, then lay the 'glass over the form. it will clear the trans and allow a bit of airflow, but be as small as possible with all the compound curves needed.

 

I feel the same sometimes. But it aint gonna stop me to finish my bild.

 

You guys are too kind. Remember, I had 2 other iterations of a floor that were discarded prior to this one. As with most things on this car, it has taken me 3 times to get it right, and even then, it's still a "best guess".

 

You can't learn that in school either!

 

I like that you haven't settled for less than what you want and your vision coming to fruition is indeed impressive!

 

Today I managed to weld and dress the windshield posts.

 

I got the windshield frame mounted today, using some cut down repro Model A mirrors as mounting studs.

 

Great idea on cut down Model A mirror studs!

 

Windshield and mounts look great!

 

I have a couple updates in the works, but not quite ready for a full post. Here’s an in-progress shot for now:

 

Nice

 

That last pic! Just so “right”!

 

I’ve been cleaning out the garage in preparation for a full remodel, which has been pretty time consuming. However, I did manage to snap a couple pictures of the cars while I had them out last weekend.

 

So Tim, any updates? We're hanging in here wanting more...

 

Apologies for the delay: been really busy with work and stuff around the house. If all goes well, I'll be re-roofing the garage next week, and after that, I should be able to take some time for hot rods. I've had a couple heavy rainstorms show my roof is on borrowed time, so that's been my priority this summer. Funny how to do that, a whole pile of other things need to get done as well, mainly clearing out the clutter and projects I know I won't get to. I spent an entire week burning misc scrap lumber I had stashed away for some reason. Trying to do that somewhat responsibly before a burn ban.



Another pretty big job for me was finishing the pavers down my driveway. That took a lot out of me physically, but was well worth the effort. Lemme see if I can post a picture of that.






I've been using a Harbor Freight portable garage as a staging area in front of my garage, which I managed to fill with junk of course. I also managed to fill the side yard of the garage with junk, all of which I need to move to get access to do the roof. This past weekend, I think I got enough out of the portable garage I can take it down, and I got the side of the garage cleared. So that's been my party as of late. Thanks for checking in.

 

The driveway looks good. I can appreciate the time and effort you put into that project. Frank P.S. that work is hard on the back and knees

 

Looking good

 

That all looks really good! We all understand life getting in the way. Just keep one thought in mind: regardless of the project, do something constructive on it every day no matter how big or small, and it will get finished.

 

looks good man! cant wait to see it screaming down the highway!

 

Okay Tim, 6 months, time for an update.

 

Yeah Tim WTF!

 

Lemme try to find some time this afternoon to roll the car out for a picture.

 

Okay, we'll give you a few hours...

Not that I have room to talk!

 

Wellllllllllll I haven’t gotten much done unfortunately. Last summer/fall, I ended up re-roofing both the garage and the house, which was a massive job to do while working full time watching the rainy season get closer and closer every day. HUGE thanks to my dad and friend Jeremy for help on that.

Lately, I’ve been distracted tinkering on a slightly more plush daily driver than my single cab pickup - plan is to basically early restore the chassis/drivetrain then sell the little pickup. I’m on the slow roll, but I managed to completely gut the interior to a bare shell over the winter to clean that up/insulate/sound deaden etc. Currently I’ve managed to work my way from the rear of the vehicle to front, and ready to tackle front suspension/steering, then more or less I’ll be done. The previous owner had replaced the engine with a GM crate, rebuilt the rear axle, and front brakes, so I’m just picking up where they left off. Sneaking a picture of that in, with some kitchen remodel evidence, as well as most importantly, THE T SEES THE LIGHT OF DAY.


I’ve had some time to scheme a few things on the T, most visibly apparent are a couple pairs of repro rumble seat handles to use as a luggage rack of sorts on the bed cover. I’ll be redesigning the bed cover a bit to make that work.


Also, I changed the shifter to a shorter/more upright one, and adapted the Norm skull to fit. In addition to this, I plan to add a center console/split bench of sorts to house my switches previously in a panel bolted to the bottom of the dash - I’ve drawn a rough concept in CAD but it needs more science-ing out.




Lastly, I am thinking of making the 32 a more tame 1950s style build, so I had these 1 3/4” Sanderson headers freed up that I really like and want to put to use. I think I can make these work with the T, and I think it makes the T look a lot cleaner. It will require a couple tweaks in steering linkage, and I’m currently waiting on parts to see if I can make that happen, but I think it will work.













Thanks for checking in, guys. I’m really trying to clear up my nightmare of projects to get to the more interesting ones!

 

TOO

 

I’m learning this car is better captured with a long lens type picture, so here are a couple more pictures.

 

I must be going blind or something. I just noticed the headers you used. Did you build them, or are they available/part number/application? With some slight changes they'd be just right for the Whatever project.

 

They are 1 3/4” plain steel Sanderson headers intended for like a 32 Ford.

 

Man what an evaluation of a car! Love the direction your headed!

 

Thanks! Also glad they're plain steel, as I intend to alter their lower shape a bit.