Well I did it...after over 2 years of looking, wanting, and deliberating; I finally picked up a T project. Here she is, a '27 Touring (or what's left of one). The body is pretty straight, only one (very) small rust issue on the lower right side of the cowl. Found a set of front doors for her yesterday, still needing the rears. Firewall is bent up and ripped on the passenger side, so I'm looking for a replacement.
At some point, the rear seat, seat back, and quarters were cut off - but thankfully the sub rails were left intact. "Replacement" rear components were added back, but I'll have to do some patching back there - it's a little rough.
The body was evidently painted silver at some point, but beneath the rust stains and 'repaint', one can see traces of the original (Channel Green?) paint peeking thru.
This is going to be a blast!!
I have an extra firewall.
Jack, just sent you a message
Restore or Rat Rod?
I despise 'rat rods'. If I can save the rear section, I'll build an early-30's "gow job" similar to what Clayton has done. I have a Zenith accessory intake & S4BF carb and a Waukesha-Ricardo head (that I'd like to trade + some cash for a Giant/Haibe/Simmons head). Back when I was toying with building a speedster, I picked up a set of LimaCo underslung brackets and reversed-eye front spring, so I'd love to use those jewels to accomplish something like this; (please be gentle)
If the rear section cannot be salvaged, I'll build a 'slip on' accessory bed.
(cough)
grin...
Seriously though, anything to bring that touring back to life in any form is a great nod to the Model T.
Best of luck sir!
I have rear doors
Go Gary, GO ! Hope we all get to watch stage by stage ! Wish I had a Real Garage !
If you need a 26-27 frame I have a really nice one of those available.
Think twice before changing the firewall, over 100 rivets its a BITCH to change, my original 26 touring came w/out one, ears are still ringing after 40 yrs
It might be less trouble to cut a patch from another firewall and weld it in, using an oxyacetylene torch. Compared to some of the other 26-27 touring bodies I’ve seen, yours is not that bad. You can get a repo back panel from parts suppliers. Most of the rust-out on the side can be patched with new metal. Most of those places are flat. So, you could make your own patch panels with little trouble. The doors are getting a little hard to find, but they are still around. You can get new skins for the doors.
Gary, If you need a powerful engine I have two Joe Gemsa Specials attached to pressurized engine blocks. The heads are crossflow twinspark complete with intake and exhaust systems, Water pumps mounted on the heads like a Model A B C and lots of trick stuff. I can deliver to "texas if the price is right. Also have Buffalo wheels with hubs and caps and lots of go-fast stuff if you are interested in staying up with modern traffic. They are equipped with Ford C4 automatic transmissions but you can install a T flywheel and run a T transmission if you wish. This is all high zoot stuff and at 9.5 to one compression ratio they are up there with the big boys. You don't have to run them fast but they are very strong.
I have lots of pictures and details if you can send me your e-mail address to fhmhlb@verizon.net. Fast Frank
Gary White;
I have a few parts and my Grand son goes to Texas Tech. He travels back and both to Berthoud. Maybe I can help you with some 26 parts. I thinkI may have a 26 cowl but no fire wall. I am currently out of state but will check when I get home.
In other words you are going to build a Touring Speedster, or is it a Speedster Touring? Looks like you should have lots of fun and lots of support from the forum. Will enjoy watching your progress on this project. Have fun.
How about "Tourster"? Gary, you are a brave fellow! Good luck and have fun. If I could wiggle my nose "ala Bewitched" and reproduce that "gow job" in your posted picture, I would gladly trade my '72 Vette for it......
Dream a little dream for me.