It’s been some time since we placed orders for most of our larger items and we’ve learned quite a bit in that time. That’s a good thing and a bad thing. For example, we’ve always known that we wanted a manual T-5 transmission in our car. I don’t have a problem driving a standard (manual) transmission and the T-5 will... Read More →
Filed under: Transmission, Uncategorized | | No Comments »
We were talking about paint with the guys at NAPA one day and got on the subject of license plates and other Virginia DMV-related issues. One of the guys mentioned that there was a guy in town who collects, restores, and sells vintage license plates. After spending several minutes later that night on Google I came across Tom Smith in Goochland,... Read More →
Filed under: Body, General | | 1 Comment »
The biggest leap of faith on this project, besides the project itself, is the installation and use of a stereo in the car. It’s an open-top car with a large engine that exhausts near the passenger and driver doors. Will you be able to hear anything other than the roar of the engine and the wind? I’m not sure, but I’m going to... Read More →
Filed under: Education, Electrical, General | | 1 Comment »
I’m currently trying to wrap my head around the issue of valve cover venting. It’s an issue because I want to use non-venting cast aluminum Corvette valve covers that were used until 1967. There are a few variations out there, but the general appearance is of a sand-cast aluminum cover with 7 or 9 fins and a raised script Corvette across... Read More →
Filed under: Education, Engine | | 3 Comments »
I’m not sure why, but probably 90% of hot rods out there run with an automatic transmission, and generally of the Turbo 350 variety. This strikes me as a little odd, given that automatic transmissions are sometimes considered a little more “sissy” than the manual type. Strange for such a masculine endeavor. Whatever the reason... Read More →
Filed under: Education, Engine, Transmission | | No Comments »
Instead of the standard key switch, we’ve decided to use a start button to get the engine going. This isn’t a new idea in the hot rodding world. And many production vehicles made today are configured with a key that turns on the electronics and an engine start button to start the motor. You can see it in certain Audis, Mustangs, Hondas,... Read More →
Filed under: Electrical, Engine, General | | No Comments »
One of the great things about building a T-Bucket Hot Rod is the overall simplicity – and that carries over to the electrical system as well. There are no power windows, no air conditioning, and not even a radio to worry about due to the noise of the engine. Now there are folks out there who can cobble together a auto electrical system with... Read More →
Filed under: Electrical, General | | 2 Comments »
While we’ve been waiting for our chassis to arrive, we’ve spent a good deal of time trying to learn as much as possible about vehicle assembly. There are books, blogs, videos, and magazines out there that together can begin to fill in the pieces. Books Most of the books out there on hot rod construction deal with a specific component;... Read More →
Filed under: Education, General, NEHR, Speedway Motors | | No Comments »
Well the kit isn’t ready yet, but we’ve got plenty of work to do to get ready for its arrival. And one of the questions we’ve got to tackle is gauges. There are so many things to monitor in an engine, but there are a core set of gauges that display the bare minimum information that you need to drive safely. Oil Pressure –... Read More →
Filed under: Education, Electrical, Engine, Gauges | | No Comments »
The single most intimidating part of this T-Bucket project is the engine. I know they require oil, water, and gas. I also know through years of watching the Speed TV Saturday morning lineup the function of cams, lifters, crank shafts, carburetors, and other engine components. And I understand the 4-cycle concept: Open the intake valve and draw... Read More →
Filed under: Education, Engine, General, NEHR | | No Comments »
