Winter build project T body

[32 chevy vett]

I cut down sum ash and had lumber made. About ten years ago.I had staked up stairs. So thought it was time to build a six post delivery express wagon.
I started with making the body mounts.

[32 chevy vett]

I primed and painted the frame work. Worked on the floor boards and side boards.

[ora masters]

keep the pictures coming i built a 1929 and 1930 huckster wagon from hard maple that i cut down had one man saw mill saw up let air dry all summer then staked in my heated shop all winter had a lot of fun next two years more fun working with wood than metal have fun keep us up to date

[visionary]

Very cool project, one of these days i'd like to do one myself. are you working from prints or pictures?

Thanks
Scott

[32 chevy vett]

Thanks guys I said at the beginning I had the lumber made up. I just had a C.M.S. attack. I milled them up my self with a Alaskan chainsaw mill.
Visionary I bought an original that was all a part.The firewall and roof were missing.
I made them up. And traced all the parts on a roll of paper. After ten years in the shop. I saved all I could. And went by photos for the rest.

[32 chevy vett]

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I bent and welded up all the flair irons. Cut,bent and drilled most of the steel for the six post. Drilled bent and finished the tail gate.

[TnA]

thanks for posting this build. somthing I have been running thru my head for a while now, however never being able to leave any thing stock or original, I was planning on using a 29 Reo Flying Cloud. post lots of pics. as I would like to follow this build very close thanks

[32 chevy vett]

Hi TnA There is no reason you can't do that. As long as you got a 29 Reo frame.
I will try to give more detail photos. If you come to a spot. You need help. Let me know.

[TnA]

well , as a matter of fact, I purchased a 28 AA frame as it has a worked over front end, as for thr rear end I can use parrelel springs, and I have a 54 dodge flat 6 to install under the hood . ohoh tradional forum builds only, my bad

[32 chevy vett]

Rear floor showing battery box and opening. Seat showing gas and tool box opening.

[32 chevy vett]

Looking in tool box. Added flair irons and side rails. Added trim 1 1/4"x 1/4"

[OLDTGUY]

Very nice work, Thank you for posting. I'm planning to start my project, a 15 closed cab pick up. The timing is perfect.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Hi OLDTGUY Check this out. For your pickup build. I hope it will help you.http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1227341120

[32 chevy vett]

A few more photos. Fire wall,floor boards and side posts.

[32 chevy vett]

For some reason i can't send six photos. So heres rest.

[tombia]

I built the one in my avatar about 25 years ago, no plans used. Just finished a woodie body for a 29 model a last fall

[32 chevy vett]

Hi tombia Is yours a six post. It's hard to see it good in the avatar.
I had this original to copy.

[tombia]

No , Its only 2 posts, The post is right where my left shoulder is, Sometimes not to comfortible and I used touring fenders, wished I had used hack fenders so it would be wider, other than that its been a ball and lots of miles. Wish I could post better pic's.

[OLDTGUY]

Hi 32 chevy vett,
Thanks for the information, I'll make good use of it. Express wagon looks great
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Hi OLDTGUY That is great . I thought you could use it. I would like to see sum photos. When your done.

[32 chevy vett]

Finally I can get back on the six post. Clamped a board up top. So I can lay out
the shape I needed. I started at the front post with 1/4 circle. Went from the top of the circle to the bottom of the board. In an arch. Now I started at the
second post 2" above the first arch. All the why to the end of the board.
Cut this out with a jig saw. Traced it out for the second side.

[32 chevy vett]

I thought I should take a different approach. So anyone that wants build this. Will have sum numbers to go by. Starting at the bottom. We work on one section at a time.

[32 chevy vett]

Starting a T frame and six body mounts. We will need two pieces 1 1/2"X3 3/8"
X103" The are so long. I will need to use few photos. To get them all in.

[32 chevy vett]

More photos same piece.

[32 chevy vett]

The rest the photos of the stringers. Plus the two parts that need to be glued to
the stringers. That hold the floor boards.

[32 chevy vett]

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The two here will go on later.

[32 chevy vett]

Next is the four cross pieces 1 1/2"x2 1/4"x 43". That will complete the frame work. Thy this all together with 1/4-20 carriage bolts.

[32 chevy vett]

Can I get some feed back on this build. So I know if it is a waste of time.
It's a lot of work if no one is using it.
Thank you.

[yachtsmanbill]

Originally Posted by 32 chevy vett

Can I get some feed back on this build. So I know if it is a waste of time.
It's a lot of work if no one is using it.
Thank you.

I know how you feel ! When I do mine here it feels like Im sharing, yet with little feedback it ultimately feels like "venting" LOL. Look at my two major threds here then look at the "times viewed column... that says a LOT! ws

" Model T... all 12 volt all the time."

"Jetzt, da der Staub gelegt hat, seine Zeit bei der Arbeit "

The second one ended because it takes too long to read with all the pics posted when yer on a dial up OS. "Get with it... afterall it IS the 90s LOL"

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by yachtsmanbill

"Get with it... afterall it IS the 90s LOL"

Really? awesome!

Originally Posted by 32 chevy vett

Can I get some feed back on this build. So I know if it is a waste of time.
It's a lot of work if no one is using it.
Thank you.

Well i am not building one but if i was it might be useful to know.

[Jack of Arts]

Hi Guys I'm new here & find this thread to be excelent help
I'm working on a pile of '25 parts & will build some kind of
truck out of it. BIG THANKX to all that contribute.

[32 chevy vett]

On the stringers, and the last 4 cross pieces. I used a router to round off the bottom edges. To give it a more finished look. If you do this. Do it before you do the cut outs and drill the bolt holes.
Thank for the feed back.

[OLDTGUY]

Hi 32 chevy vett,
I don't get a chance to visit this site every day, I do appriciate you posting the information, it sure is going to be a big help to me. I need to finish up a couple of other projects before I start on the T body. Thanks again for your posts.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Hi OLDTGUY That's great. That makes it all worth the time. If I guff up let me know. I may get wagon before the horse.
Thanks for the feed back. Don. P.S. Model T meeting tonight I have to go.

[AlanD]

Thanks for starting this thread. I've started a 1923 REO Speedwagon restoration and I appreciate the pics and updates. It is certainly a pleasure to see the artistry of your fabrication and construction. Helps me to learn!
Alan

[32 chevy vett]

Your welcome AlanD. I only hope we can both learn from my mistakes.
Make 2pcs. 3 3/8" X1 1/4" X 79".These are the sides.
1 pc. 2 1/2" X 1 1/4" X 53 3/4". This is the rear bumper.
These both will have a 1/2" deep rabbit for the floor boards.
Make 6 pcs. 3 1/2" X1/2" X 63 3/8" And 5 pcs.3" X 1/2 " X 63 3/8".
Take 3 of the 5 pcs. and cut them 41 1/2".These will stop at the battery box.
The ends will make the cover for the battery box.All the 1/2" pcs. are the floor.

[32 chevy vett]

The last photo of the rear bumper. It is marked 1 5/8"X 1/2".For the rabbit.
It should be 5/8" X 1/2".

[OLDTGUY]

Hi Don,
Quick question, did you glue the joints at the main rails and the crossmembers? I would think the floor is only screwed dry, and the mortis and tenon glued. Thanks again for your help.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Hi OLDTGUY All cross members are bolted with 1/4"-20 bolts as are the side rails.
That are rabbited for the floor boards. The 1/2"rabbit will come flush with the tops of the
cross members. Then screw your boards to cross members and bumper.
The side rails have a mortis and tenon. At the bumper this also is bolted with a 1/4-20.
Do not glue any thing! Thank you for asking.

[32 chevy vett]

Sorry guys I goof that up. I should have told you to use 1/4 -20 carriage bolts.
Countersink the heads on the cross members. Just so the floor boards can lay flat. Also the two that hold the mortis and tenon together. The bolts on the two side rails are counter sink. But nuts on the cross member ends are. Also all bolts should have washers. Keep me strait guys. I may know how to. But if I don't tell you. How do you know.

[OLDTGUY]

Thanks Don, now I'm on the right track, after thinking about my post yesterday, I realized you need to let the joints "give" a little. Makes sense now how the body is fastened together.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

I did not give the size of the wood fire wall. Check page1 photos#2. The fire wall should be 39 1/4" X27" X 3/4". The wood fire wall must be in place as it determines were the body mounts go. I used a pre 23 windshield.
The body sides are 2 pcs. 9"X 77 1/4" X 7/8". Seat (front) 9 1/2" X 42 1/2"X 7/8"(back)9"X 77 1/4" X 7/8".
For this I went to Home Depot. Got sheet of poplar PLWD 23/32" 4' X 8'.$39.28
I had them cut it 2 pcs. 9" for sides. 1 pc. 9 1/2" for seat. Cut the last pc.to size.Then strip 1/2" off 1pc.. They will do the cuts Free.
Now you should get a Qt.of oil paint start your painting.

[32 chevy vett]

Add the trim 1 1/4"X 1/4". Where you see it in last photo.Before you add the front trim. You should make a piece of tin for the front corners.4" X 6" bent over and screwed to side of and front of seat. These are painted black. Thats up to you. Now that trim can go on over the tin.

[redmodelt]

I went with a quick build on mine. I have had it on the road for over 5 years. Ash framing, fir slats for top, ash plywood for sides. The side boxes are pine. I did drop the top down about 4 inches as it looked to tall and narrow along with the wind really blew over the top of the windshield. The next change would be to enclose the cowl area a little more.
MarkG

[32 chevy vett]

Hi redmodelt That's a neet little T. Those rear springs must help when the wind bad.
As you know a cross wind is bad on a model T.

[32 chevy vett]

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I tore mine apart to clear coat and paint before I got to far along. But you will need the tail gate size.8 1/2" X43 3/4" X 3/4". You will need 125 1/2" of 3/4"X 1/8" steel. To go around the tail gate.

[32 chevy vett]

I will give it 3 coats of clear. Steel wool it between coats. Then tape it off and
paint it. And paint all the steel. Before I put the steel back on. I will take photos
and measurements. Then you can have fun making the steel parts.

[redmodelt]

I added the Hasslers only on the rear. She had too much sway going around some corners. I did find they do help. The same corner at the same speed, more stable.

[32 chevy vett]

Took it apart and started to paint. This is what I have done so far.

[OLDTGUY]

Hi 32 chevy vett,
Looks great, I like your color choice, beautiful work. Thanks again for sharing the project with us.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

6 pcs.15 1/4" X 1"X 3/16" Bend as in photo. 9"up make a 90* go 1" make a 38*.
Shape the bottom. Cut off a 3/8" bolt 2 1/4" long and weld it to the shaped end.
Lay flat so the bolt is offset then fill offset with weld. Then grind to shape.
Now drill for 1/4" carriage bolts. Up on the 38*1 1/2" drill first hole 3" more
drill second hole. Now you have to line the body with the tail gate in place.
You have to drill 3 3/8" holes.From the back of the rear bumper 10 1/4"- 32"-54" set the piece you made in place put a nut on it and tighten. Now drill the hole in the center of your trim.

[32 chevy vett]

I use this to get all my centers.

[mvweaver]

I'm a bit of newbie here and this is an awesome build thread. Like others have said, I've got a pile of parts and was trying to figure out what type of body to build and your thread is really encouraging and inspiring. Can't wait to see more. -Matt

[32 chevy vett]

Thank you Matt. Welcome to the site. We will need 4 pcs.2 1/2" X 3/4" X 58 3/4". These will be the side rails.

[32 chevy vett]

For the steel in photos. You need 2 pcs.1" X 3/16" 18 1/2" long.
2 pcs. 1" X 3/16" X 20' long.
Drill before you bend. Drill and countersink for the screws.
From bend on bottom 1"-4". Countersink for #12 X1 1/2" screws.
These hold the front post to the seat.

[32 chevy vett]

I drilled all 1/4" holes out to 5/16" for carriage bolt heads. I painted all steel hardware. Next is the final fit and finish. Replace the philips screws with slotted.
Replace all hexagon nuts with square nuts. Put washers under all nuts. Save a small amount of mixed paint in a air tied bottle. To paint the nuts and screws.

[32 chevy vett]

This is the last of the steel. i picked this one up at Hershey. I still have not made mine. You will need 2 pcs. 12" long X 7/16" round stock. Drill a 7/16" hole 3 3/4" from trim.

[32 chevy vett]

Top sides. 2 pcs. 4" X 3/4" X 9'. Rear 1 pc. 44 3/4" X 3/4" with 1/4"rise in center.
Clamp rear piece to two rear posts. Clamp the 9' side piece to rear post. Over lapping the rear piece.Now clamp to #2 post. At post #1 make a 6 3/4" circle
down 2" from top. Make a curved line. From top of circle to the bottom front end of of piece. Make a curved line from post #2 - 1 3/4" above the lower line.
I got the curve by clamping a 3/4" X 1/8"piece. To starting point and finish point. And adjust the curve. Then trace the curve I got. Do the same with all top pieces. After you get the first piece cut out. Trace on the second piece.

[Curt Campbell]

Chevy Vette....I am so impressed with your work!!! Your EXCELLENT documentation is a blessing to us all.

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS....YOU ARE A MASTER!!!!!!!!

[OLDTGUY]

32 chevy vett,
Thanks again for posting your project, I really appriciate all the information you are sharing. I think Curt in the last post said it all!
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Got the roof wood done. 2" X 3/8" X 9' - 23pcs. You may need a air gun.
And 1 1/4 brads.

[OLDTGUY]

32 chevy vett,
Any progress on the "T"? Hope all is well with you, looking forward for the next update. Thanks again for posting.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

OLD T GUY i just started to cover the roof. Will post photos soon. I was going to
just build the body. But I got into my parts and think I will build the whole car.
It will be a 1919. To make it correct I have to change the firewall to wood.
And find some front and rear fenders. I think I have the rest. Thanks.

[OLDTGUY]

A "19 sounds great, can't wait to see the roof.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Covering the roof. Mark the center on both car and covering. Line up the marks front and rear.Best to do this on a hot day in the sun. Then start tacking.
When done tacking trim up cover. And add hideim. I did mine alone but it is alot easier with a little help.

[32forddump]

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That certainly is a lot of hidem to nail on. You must be a patient soul. Looks great cant wait to see the undercarriage working under it.

[32 chevy vett]

Started stripping frame. I goofed on this one about ten years ago. I put primer sealer on. And run out of time. And could not paint it for two days .Wrong! I should have done sum sanding. Now I have to strip the paint off. And sand and prime it. Learn the hard way.

[32 chevy vett]

Back to work on frame and parts. Got frame and some parts primed.

[32 chevy vett]

No photos. I goofed.

[OLDTGUY]

32 chevy vett,
Thanks for posting, your project is looking good, making good progress.
JJ

[32 chevy vett]

Painted some parts today.

[32 chevy vett]

I worked on the wheel jig. I have my spokes for the four wheels coming. $7 a spoke good saving. Thanks again Steve. For the address and the prints for the jig.

[toms32]

Looks awsome ! Great work. Tom

[32 chevy vett]

Finale getting back to work on T project. This is as far as I got. When i left it.

[32 chevy vett]

Today I done sum sandblasting. I will prime and paint tomorrow.

[zzlegend]

I don't go on this t site very often but I spotted this winter build thread and thought I would check it. Gotta say chevy vet, you work is very impressive. Your wood working abilities and patience are outstanding. Cant wait to see the final build. Keep it up. Mark.

[big job]

Very nice work, I'll tell you, you gave me a hellofa idea. Being wooden boat
minded, what if, I remove my body replace with something like yours, I will
enclose it like a truck for getting hay in the winter, then in the summer put the touring body back on. Now I got two cars right. I'll just stick a farm plate on
it. My kid can do that. Yes I got the room the shops 50 x 40.
sam

[32 chevy vett]

Sounds cool to me Big Job.

[32 chevy vett]

I made a few changers to my spoke press. I welded a crank ratchet into a crank pulley.Then welded a 5/8" washer in the crank ratchet to center it. Then I welded a 2"x1 3/4"
exhaust pipe to a hub and welded a 5/8 washer inside the end of the 1 3/4" pipe and a 2"
washer over top of that. Added a bearing and washers and my nut.

[32 chevy vett]

I finished the wheels today. I have always done them in black in the pass. So I thought with all the clear wood. They would look good clear. I also done a few front hubs to put away for later.

[32 chevy vett]

Did great at Hershey. Got 5 - 30 X3 1/2 tires white walls. For the six post. Sand blasted three rims. Two more to go.Then its three coats of zinc. And I can mount them. Truck should look cool with white walls. Also found ignition switch assembly with ammeter.
Got rained out before I could find sum good fenders and splash aprons.

[32 chevy vett]

Buttoning up the rear end. Mounted new tires. Put the body on frame. Will need to build new firewall for low hood. And make a pair of windshield brackets. I picked up two rust free front fenders from Don. Lang. I will sand blast and paint them. Have the running boards. Need a set of hack rear fenders. And splash aprons.

[32 chevy vett]

Got the dash done today. Will paint and clear coat it tomorrow.

[racemo]

Very nice work, your'e on your way. Working with Ash is quite rewarding. I made ALL my wood for my '25 Coupe.

Good luck...

[32 chevy vett]

Yes your right. Ash is good wood to work with. The big thing. It's light.With 18hp. to 22hp.
You have to make it light.

[Thomas T]

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Thanks for sharing your work and photos. I really appreciate seeing a project like this going together.

[32 chevy vett]

After changing dash. I thought I should make new windshield stanchions. This is what I came up with. I drilled a hole in the center. So if I find a set of side lights. I can add them
later.

[Thomas T]

Originally Posted by 32 chevy vett

A few more photos. Fire wall,floor boards and side posts.

G' day 32 chevy vett, what year model metal firewall is this?

[32 chevy vett]

The metal one I took off. Was a 24-25 high. The new one I made of wood. Is a low 19-23 with starter. Low metal fire walls are very hard to find. 1922-1923 Wood or Steel. Only a few metal ones each year. Reason I made the swap. Was I a have a mint low hood and grill shell. All painted ready to go. When I paint I have extra parts ready. So I do not waste paint. I put the parts I do not need in plastic bags. At 71 I have C.R.S. When I start looking around. I never know what I will find. These bags are filled with all kinds of goodies.

[Thomas T]

Originally Posted by 32 chevy vett

The metal one I took off. Was a 24-25 high. The new one I made of wood. Is a low 19-23 with starter. Low metal fire walls are very hard to find. 1922-1923 Wood or Steel. Only a few metal ones each year. Reason I made the swap. Was I a have a mint low hood and grill shell. All painted ready to go. When I paint I have extra parts ready. So I do not waste paint. I put the parts I do not need in plastic bags. At 71 I have C.R.M.S. When I start looking around. I never know what I will find. These bags are filled with all kinds of goodies.

Thanks so much for this info. Is it possible to get you to give me the outside dimensions for the firewall? I would be glad to pay for a cardboard cutout pattern to be mailed to me. I can draw up a new pattern in AutoCad and then have that cut out by waterjet process. Roger on the CRS, I am ready to turn 73. Again thanks

[32 chevy vett]

Hi Tom If you need a cut out pattern. Of the wood one I made. I will make one when I take the fire wall off. I have to paint it.That may take time. I have to wait for the weather.
That part of my garage is not heated. My old wood fire wall pattern is in pieces. Your best bet is Langs Model T catalog. He has all the hood dimensions.Page 176
www.modeltford.com or 1-800-872-7871

[Thomas T]

OK thanks, I will try another way.

[32 chevy vett]

Set up the windshield. Having the glass cut tomorrow. Done the penstriping today. My hands and eyes are not as good at 71. As the last time I did it at 40.

[32 chevy vett]

I made up a jig to clean red oxide from the windshield channel. And to polish it so I can nickel plate it. I plained sum oak to 1/4" and glued them together. Traced out the windshield and cut it out.

[32 chevy vett]

I nickel plated the windshield channel and set the glass. This is the N.O.S.radiator I picked up at a swap meet.Talk about luck I needed a 1917 to 1922 low radiator this was marked 27 I thought to my self thats a low not a high one.

[FlatheadTed]

Nice work Mr Vett ,there's a few tips there for when I do my Ts Ted

[32 chevy vett]

It was time to get to work on the T again I just finished the engine. 27 crank all new rods, aluminum pistons,s.s. valves,springs,adjustable lifters, 27 transmission

[Fredb_]

Very nice work!

[32 chevy vett]

Installed engine runs great, I set it up with coils set the magneto clearance.
She runs great on mag. and batt. Got the new rear fenders and splash aprons.
The price took a big jump from when I did my last six post WOW!

[OLDTGUY]

Hi 32 chevy vett,
T really looks good, did'nt get to work on my car yet, all the information you shared will really help me out, Thanks again.

[32 chevy vett]

I put a hood away after i painted it ten years ago. Remembering it as a low hood
but it turned out to be a high one. I guess I will have to pickup a low one at Hershey along with a few more parts to finish up this project.

[32 chevy vett]

I got back to on the six post put together the spare tire carrier. All so got the hood reddy for paint. I need a few more good days. to finish it then it will be for sale.

[41panelmark]

Sheesh that is very nice, lots of talent for sure.

[al's28/33]

You are an excellent craftsman! Thank you for sharing your work !!!!

[32 chevy vett]

This little truck is for sale please help me put a price on it. Tire carrier is not in these photos.