Hot Rods Cab's 1927 T Roadster Pickup Build Thread

Thanks for the suggestion Dave, may need to see what that looks like?
the only reason why i might not need to do that is because if you've ever been in a Model T, they are really skinny and tight inside. the dash is not that wide and very narrow compared to most coupes or 32's. If i set it in there and i cant see the gauges then a slight tilt might be the option and still look good in the center, thanks again.
cheers,
cab

 

I wish I would have known you were looking for one of these. I have 2!!

 

UPDATE #5
More frame and boxing plate work, plus some metal finishing

So I was able to make it to Chuckles Garage yesterday and spent all day working on the frame with Scotty. We cut the frame off the Jig so we could flip it back and forth as i grinded the welds on the bottom and also layed a couple beads on the X-member. Check out that weld, i think i'm getting the hang of it



We then flipped the frame back over to mount the top and bottom tranny plates to the X-member.



Since the frame was pinched so much to fit the 27 T cowl we had to trim off some of the metal so it would fit better.



Scotty offered me to cut the excess off with the plasma, but i declined, that tool still scares me, plus i didn't feel like messing that part up



Much better now and ready to weld in. Scotty layed the beads and i'll grind them down later.



We flipped the frame back over and proceeded with the bottom plate, but this time we decided that it would be better to it bolt on and not welding to the x-member for easy transmission access if we ever need to drop it. Scotty drills the holes.



After... we found some nut and bolts that fit and i cranked them down with a ratchet and wrench. ( note- the access metal will be ground off later) I was finally able to cut off the rest of the braces on the bottom of the frame, now that all the cross member were intacked.



Once that was done, i worked on the welds on the front horns with the hand grinder to get them prepped for Scotty. Check out Scotty's cute socks!



Scotty wasn't gonna let me leave home without his metal finishing touches, plus i wanted to stick around to see the results



and with much patience, the end result looks amazing on both the top and the bottom of the front horns...







the top view



we tried to get the spreader bar back in there, after a long day we were both to tired to deal with it, plus i had an hour and half drive home at 10:30PM. Super stoked on what we got done today and looking forward to the next visit.
thanks for the peeps, compliments and support everyone!

Grace and peace†
cab

 

Awesome work, Steve! Two brothers sharing that experience....I wish there was someone over here that could help me out like that!

SDG
Brett

 

Thanks Brett,
Yea, it's great to be able to have the ability and the means to do this with Scott, it's such a blessing for both of us! We are like the Blues Brotha's... we are on a mission for God
Cheers,
cab

 

Its nice to know that Cab thinks I wear cute socks.

 

wow thats looking fantastic.. I love following this post super stoked for you Steve,,
building Hot rods is a fun process...even tho its allot of work..and man your welds
are kicking butt... now you can build a bridge )

 

This build is looking good
i started building the frame for my first project today
This is a big inspiration for me
thanks
-ian

 

Looking good...i really need to get up to the shop & check it out, Steve, your welding is coming along great!

 

You are getting the hang of it, very nice welds. Oh and as far as the plasma, play with it a little the welder is probably a bit more dangerous - I have had completely amateurs use ours, as long as your safety conscious your good to go - and that doesn't mean wearing your pads and helmet

Oh and, for some reason I feel compelled to add this

 

now that's a Motley Crew, those kids and their silly skateboards, when will they ever grow up?

Never ...i'll still be riding mine in my 50's hopefully, hey that's only 5 years away

Thanks for the encouragement Probesport!
cheers,
cab

 

Thanks Piero,
Super stoked your digging on this, maybe it can make it into one of your future vids, hint, hint

Fun and hard work, yes-, but lower back doesn't like being bent over like that for long periods working on this frame, plus lifting constantly.

I Think i'm a weld-a- holic, i just wanna weld everything while i'm there, give me a bridge and i'll weld it. May not look pretty, but it'll be strong!
I can't wait to visit ya in Texas with this ride someday, i wanna visit Austin Speed shop and see what goes on there.
peace†
cab

 

I'll do a MFS piece on it that would RULE... and yes make your way to Austin car or not just come to visit... you will be taken care of for sure...

 

Isn't there any Skate demos going on in TX?

 

some real nice work there
Keep it up

 

Lookin' great Steve! Your welds have really come along. This is going to be a nice ride when you're done... Well not done, cuz they never really get finished. But at least to where you are able to enjoy the drive!

 

Looking good Steve, props to all who are making it a reality.

Although, looking at a few of those photo's I think you should 'shout' the guys a pair of boots each (with long socks) as I imagine with all that grinding going on there would have been a few embers flying down into the shoes.....ouch...

Keep at it, look forward to the updates.

Cheers,

Drewfus

 

The RPU is looking good. Steve and Scotty are doing a great job. I can not believe how well Steve's welding has come along in such a short time.
I love 27 RPUs. When I was a little kid my dad had a 27 RPU stored behing his garage for years for a friend. It was fenderless and I think it had a Caddy engine. My brother and I would play bank robbers and crawl all over it using it as our get away car. Today, I don't think the two of us could fit in it sitting side by side. I wonder what ever happened to it?

 

Andrew, 36cab, Taildraggin and T-Roy...
Thank you guys for all the compliments and kind words of encouragement!

So you guys are probably wonder what's going to power this RPU we are building?

We'll this 59AB Flathead mill below, i bought awhile back, was something i was gonna tear apart, build up with some nice speed parts i've collected and use for my motor choice. Sometimes things change during a build



I had it for sometime, but never got around to looking to see if the block was cracked or not and even useable yet, since i've heard that most old flathead engines found are usually cracked and need to be fixed

until...

I came across another 59AB motor short block that was professionally remanufactured and ready to go, just add speed equipment, other accessories and run it!

I bought this one and had it shipped to me from Minnesota on a UPS truck, Thanks Kevin for getting this motor to me safely!

The back of the block


The front


Cam valve valley


Crank side


Cylinder bank


Here's what was done to this short block by a flathead specialist in Faribault, Minnesota:

This block was boiled for 3 days with the correct chemicals to really clean it out. Next they had it magnafluxed by a Flathead expert. This engine only had the typical cracks from the water jackets. None of these cracks went into a cylinder or valve seat which are either fatal or require a sleeve which can leak if not done correctly or an extensive repair to the valve seat area. The webbing and oil pan rails which are the scene of many fatal cracks were also in great shape.

This block was then sonic tested to make sure after it was cleaned out the water jackets there was enough iron left to allow an overbore. They "squared" up the engine when they machined it by making the bores perfectly perpendicular with the crankshaft and then skinned the cylinder mating surface and intake manifold surface for good sealing.

It was pressure tested to 35 lbs. which is a critical procedure because you would be surprised how many engines test crack free and still leak when you pressure test them.

The crank was reconditioned (0.020 - 0.020) and polished, new bearings and seal installed. Bored 0.060" oversized and installed new high quality pistons and rings and properly reconditioned connecting rods. The valves seats were reconditioned with a three angle valve job. None of the valve train was reused. A 3/4 race Isky cam, new valves, springs, guides, seals, and retainers were installed as well.

It wasn't cheap $ by any means, but it did save me a headache of looking for a good block to start with and also saved me some time getting this motor together and ready for the next step, the build up!

I was recently given the awesome opportunity to bring this motor down south and have another flathead specialist help guide me through putting this motor together myself and also put me to work at their shop

So this Monday i'll be driving down to H & H Flatheads Forever in La Crescenta, Calif. to meet up with Mike Herman, one of the co-owners, and start to add all the fun stuff to it.

I will post more pics of the engine build after my visit to H & H Flatheads next week.
best wishes and thanks again for following this build,
cab

 

That engine looks like crap! I think you have been well and truely screwed over with that one! I have got a 307 SBC here out of a station wagon that would be much more suitable for your aplication!

Ha!! Great score Cab! Keep the updates comming. I am really enjoying this build, especially the fact that you are putting in the hours yourself.....the best way to learn!!

 

the motor sounds just right....and the money dont matter, from experience it's better to spend the money and get it right first time rather than piss around with stuff you don't know the history/quality of...you always end up with problems and end up spending the money anyway!...

 

Power to you CAB ... Been watching your winding path to build your own , and must say it is refreshing to see how it has come together for such a kind hearted soul such as yourself .....

Chuckles and co. , Great stuff ....

 

Thanks Paul and that's what i thought as well
Hope you had a fun time out here on your visit, i heard from Dave you got to spend some time with Cole. I bet that was a treat and you got some good footage
You back home now?
Cheers mate,
cab

 

Looking good Steve, H&H have a good reputation...can't wait to hear this one running.

And the trip to Cole's was awesome.

 

that motor RULE stevie... smart choice to just get one already set up.. that just shaved
at least 6 months off your build,,, and the fellas at H&H will do you right.. they are the
best...

Man you'll be blasting down the coast in no time!!!

do you have paint Ideas yet?

 

Thanks Piero and that's good to know about the time frame!

As for paint, i'm going back and forth on a few options, just like i did with the Coupe-De-CAB when i was trying to decide what color to paint it

I was also trying to keep it a pretty traditional color for that era, but black and dark blue hot rods (original Ford colors) are just so plain to me and not very exciting, but safe though.

I also thought of keeping the same theme as my old coupe and running: Gold Suede, Black and creme white pine stripe accents and top... not too sure and haven't made a final decision yet.
Thanks for asking,
cab

 

This prewar Weiand (why-and) dual high-rise intake and two 97's will be mounted on top of the 59AB flathead motor.



Can't wait to see this motor all come together!
peace†
cab

 

your hot rod is gonna be sick man

 

Looking good....that intake is gonna look great!!

 

Ya thats the difference between building an early style car and a Late 50's/60's style car..
There a few choices Black, White, Burgundy, Green , Blue.. and thats about it..
Once the late 50's started thats when they started messing with metallic and getting
"Jiggy" with it.. Gold might be pretty neat tho ... I don't know how "Period Correct" it is
but it would be neat...

And that intake is the Bomb..