I just recently purchased a 1927 T Coupe Body for a project. I am currently looking at options for the frame. I have looked at a few options such as buying a frame from Speedway Motors or just building my own. However, I`m not sure on the quality of Speedways products, so I have been considering building my own; but have not had much luck locating any frame specifications. Does anyone sell a set of specs for the frames for updated suspension and engine options?
Do a bit of search on this one. Hot Rod Don and I answered the same basic question about a month ago for some one else. The answer basically was mock up what you have, keep the wheelbase as short as will work comfortably, and build something to suit.
Thanks! I did some searching, but sometimes the search isn't quite specific enough. I will take a look at your post. I'm a seasoned welder, but this is new territory for me. I will be learning a lot and asking many questions. Never built a frame and chassis on something this old. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
I like buying products from Speedway when I cant get vintage products to serve the purpose at local swap meets. Speedway is resonably priced and the service and deliveries are quick. The quality of my purchases has always been very good. That being said, I have never bought a frame from them.
I built a frame with 2x3 tube for my first build. I can send you picks if you give me an email. It was the.first one I ever built from scratch. I used wood 2x4's to mock up the basic shape, used a repro model A front crossmember and a round tube for the rear. I had all my suspension parts under it with the springs rachet strapped down to ride height. When I was happy with it I measured across the tops of the wood and figured everything for 2x3 tube. Just build one side at a time and make them identical, you are half way to square right there. Gussetted every weld inside and out. Drove it for 3 years and no problems. Sent from my Droid powered Samsung Galaxy S
I like to modify an 'a' frame for the 't'. The 26-7 T is a transition from the model t to model a and they kinda go together anyway. Mostly it depends on what you want to build, the look - fenders/no fenders; tall t or chopped; lots of variations and the frame you need to work with has a lot to do with the finished piece. How about posting up some pics of t's taht have caught your eye and builders (like Clarke, he makes a very nice t) might be on here and give you some do's and don'ts.
I like to fab parts for all kinds of hot rods but I always try and re-use what is already made. Try and use all the vintage parts/pieces you can, modify when and where needed, fab new if you have to, buy new only when needed. I would go with a modified model A frame as suggested, or another make of similar vintage with sweeping lines.
If you fab your own you can get the look you want and not have to go with what they supply you with that may not be all that great with your build plans. As the others said above there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Fenders or no fenders? Channeled or sitting on top of the rails? Suicide front end or spring under frame like and A or 32? A lot of us have gone to the lumber yard and picked up a few 2x4's and used them to lay out the design of the frame to see what it will look like and if it fits our plans. That beats welding up a couple hundred bucks worth of steel and then having to take a few steps backwards. You can't make a roller out of it or really have it hold up an engine and trans but you can see if things will fit the way you planned.
Check out web sites for tbucketeers.com and nationaltbucketalliance.com . You can download some plans from tbucketeers, and nationaltbucketalliance has them, but you have to join to get access to them. Worth checking out. Good luck! Bob
Good info, so for my stupid question for clarification. What is the difference between the suicide and spring under front end?
Just stop where you are and gather up some parts catalogs and pictures of Ts that you may want to "copy". The T frame is a simple ladder and replacing it with an A frame is no problem. Ts are 100" wheelbase and As are 103 1/4" with both front rear springs directly above the axles. It's no problem to adapt the A frame to move the rear spring back of the axle and be able to get the rearend down, a dropped axle up front will do the same. Do your homework and spend some serious time getting a handle on old Fords, the terminology and how things work. Then start planning your car. Enjoy.
Never mind my last, I figured it out. I was thinking it was something else, just never heard it called a suicide. I am looking towards a solid front axle, I think it will help me keep within budget, IFS can get expensive and I`m going for more of a traditional look.
front spring can be in front , behind (suicide) or above the axle. rear axle can be above or behind.... myself i would buy an A frame and then work with the parts you find.
No worries, I`m in no rush, that`s for sure. That is why I come here for help. I research things for weeks even months before I go crazy and start buying everything I see. I have already learned a ton from this thread and using the search I have found even more. This place is great!
I bought the deluxe '27 T frame from Speedway, when I was building my roadster. I was happy with the product, and especially happy with the support I got from them after the purchase. I would definitely buy from them again.
ahhhhh..........if only I wasn't a 300 pound fat sack of shit a 26 or 27 T Coupe would be it for me. Anyway, my problems aside you need to lookup Mercury Charlie and check out the frame he sells that he used under his last tall T coupe, it is sweet meat pete and he sells them for under $2k and they are already z's and stepped and perfect for one of these cars. Damn if only I could drop 150 pounds I could build one of these!!
Yes, I am the one who posted a similar question previously, simply asked for some info on a chassis a post a pic to show its stance. Simple I thought, but got my thread stonewalled by people who know better what I want. I will be watching to see if you can achieve more and I'd be happy to also gain from the info. It is not a difficult question for somebody who has built a T already.
fiftyV8, I'll bet you think I'm one of the people that stonewalled you. I promise I didn't. I gave the same advice I did to the original poster on this thread, then referenced that thread to him. Nobody can tell you dimension for dimension how to build your frame. I recomended that you get all of your components together, measure them, draw a basic frame design and put it together. It really doesn't have to be any more complicated than that. Really. Everyone of us that has ever built something like this has done it the same way, and there has to be a first time for everything. I think on your thread I mentioned Mercury Charlie's as a car to look at for inspiration, 'cause i like the way that one looks - simple. You may not. I'll register an opinion to you both. A frame should be built for a car that takes the owners personal tastes as far as wheelbase and stance, 'cause with these cars if you try to repurpose say, a "T" bucket frame, it never quite comes out right. I will add that it is loads easier to answer a question like this when you show a picture of what you would like the finished product to look like. I promise you, after you get the first one together, you'll wonder what the fuss was about.
Nothing to worry about, the model T coupe is only a whisker narrower than a model A (across the doors) and the coupes have the same if not more leg room for folks like you and me. We aint fat, just fluffy and have better traction control...
I'm almost finished with my '27 roadster frame. It's my first. Probably a couple of things I'd change if I had to do it over again but for the most part, I'm pretty happy with it. I too was intimidated in the beginning but after cuttin' and weldin' a few pieces, I now know what everyone means when they say "it's only metal"! The WB is 109", rear width outside rail to outside rail is 42" and front width is 28" (x-member is 24"). The rails taper to the body. Hope this helps.
You might want to check out Wintec Fabrication. I just got one for a full fender and the quality is good.
There are a couple of reasons people build their own frames, the first is MONEY or lack of, the second is pride/ego and the third is a original frame is over seventy years old! Do you think that metal is in great shape? A huge issue in California is DMV and frame numbers which we try not to discuss on line. If you buy a aftermarket frame be sure you can register it as a Model A not a 2012 Model A. Building a frame is fairly simple but all of the assorted sub assemblies can really bog you down. Good Luck DTW
Good point about the registration. It's about the same in Canada. Glad I spent the time to get that done before I start anything.
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