Speedway Motors T-buckets
offer street rodding fun
that’s affordable and easy to build The Model T roadster has been a staple of hot rodding for more than 80 years now. Heck, you can argue that Henry’s Model T provided the spark that launched the hot rodding movement, since it was the preferred vehicle for speed enthusiasts to strip down and hop up for racing on the earliest board tracks and dirt ovals, not to mention the dry lakes out West. The T roadster was also at the forefront as street rodding came of age in the 1950s. Thousands of rodders scrambled to build “T-buckets” like those popularized by Tommy Ivo and Norm Grabowski, whose famous “Kookie Kar” T graced the small screen on the TV show “77 Sunset Strip.” Around this same time, Speedway Motors led the aftermarket in introducing all-new fiberglass T-bucket bodies and, later, body-and-frame kit packages from which rodders could build their own rods for the street. The result was an explosion of T-bucket street rods in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Today, Speedway Motors is reviving interest in these fun two-seat machines with a fresh lineup of T-bucket kits. With more than 50 years of T-bucket experience to build on, Speedway’s latest kits are easier to build and more affordable to buy than ever! The chassis are engineered for true bolt-together assembly, while a variety of body options – including pre-installed floors and doors – make it easy to get your T on the road quickly and safely. Speedway’s new lineup includes four different versions the venerable ’23 T-bucket. The newest is the radical-looking Tribute T. The Tribute T pays homage to the vital role T roadsters have played in hot rodding by incorporating elements of early dry lakes and circle track cars, ’50s hot rods, and the throwback-style retro rods of recent years. A fresh frame design gives the Tribute T an extra-low stance, while wishbone-style radius rods, a dropped I-beam front axle and a transverse rear spring all contribute to its classic, traditional appearance. Tribute T kits will be available in early 2011 and can be set up for small-block Chevy or Flathead Ford V8 engines. Speedway’s other three ’23 Ts are a bit more conventional, but no less fun. The Basic ’23, Nostalgia ’23 and Deluxe ’23 are all based on a 102-inch wheelbase frame with a spring-behind front axle, but each with different suspension configurations. The Basic ’23 has hairpin radius rods and a coil spring rear suspension. The Nostalgia ’23 uses coilover rear springs with front and rear hairpins, while the Deluxe ’23 features a four-bar front suspension and an innovative triangulated four-bar rear suspension to deliver the ultimate in T-bucket ride and handling. All of Speedway’s T-bucket packages are designed for straightforward assembly using basic hand tools, making them perfect for novice rodders. They also make great father/son (or father/daughter) projects – the simple construction process is perfect for teaching the fundamentals of automotive technology to the next generation of rodders. What better way to spend your winter than to build a T-bucket with your family! We recently photographed four of Speedway’s ’23 T kit packages to better illustrate the differences. Keep in mind, though, that each of these kits is merely a foundation – it’s up to you, the builder, to interject your own style to create a car that reflects your taste and personality. That’s the real beauty of T-buckets: they’re the perfect platform for street rodding self-expression! In addition to these T-buckets, Speedway offers a longer-and-lower ’27 T roadster kit, plus thousands of parts to help you finish virtually any street rod project you can imagine. You can check it all out in their new T-Bucket Master Catalog, or learn more online at www.SpeedwayMotors.com. Source: Speedway Motors P.O. Box 81906 Lincoln, NE 68501 (800) 979-0122 www.SpeedwayMotors.com Captions: Multiple T photos: The lineup of exciting new ’23 T-bucket kits from Speedway Motors includes (front to rear): the Tribute T, Deluxe ’23, Nostalgia ’23 and Basic ’23. Tribute T photos: Here’s a different look at the low-slung Tribute T, shown here with Speedway’s new Cool Man wheels. Notice the Model A-style rear crossmember, medium-arch rear spring and Winters quick-change rearend. Yellow T photo: The Deluxe ’23 T features a four-bar front suspension and a triangulated four-bar rear suspension, giving it great ride and handling characteristics. Speedway’s yellow display car is outfitted with a small-block Chevy engine topped with three 9 Super 7 carbs. Blue T photo: The Nostalgia ’23 T uses hairpin-style radius rods front and rear, with coilover rear shocks to provide great ride and adjustability. The Deluxe, Nostalgia and Basic ’23s all employ cross steering with Vega-style steering boxes to eliminate bumpsteer and provide a more comfortable steering column angle. White T photo: The Basic ’23 T is Speedway’s entry-level kit. It has a coil spring rear suspension and has a shorter frame extension after the kickup, making it ideal for using a simple spun-aluminum fuel tank like the one shown. Interior photo: Speedway Motors offers virtually everything you need to build your T-bucket from start-to-finish, including easy-to-install interior kits. Catalog pic: You can learn more about all of Speedway’s T-bucket kits – and find thousands of great parts – in the company’s newest T-Bucket Catalog. You can get one free by calling or request one online.
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