MTFCA Forum

OK everyone, I’m looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. I’m looking for someone, preferably on the west coast (southern half of California) who is very knowledgeable about early T’s (preferably has worked/restored one or more) who would consider taking on the task of putting one together.

When I say early this is a 2 lever 2 pedal build. I have the complete running chassis. Very little needs to be done to it other than possibly cosmetic work. I have about everything else that is correct for the car. Body in excellent condition, new fenders, splash aprons, running boards, correct excellent condition top irons, new bows, hood former, new Rootlieb hood, correct headlights, correct sidelights, all brackets, braces, etc, etc. So, this somewhat of a giant model car kit that needs to be put together and painted. One reason I’ve thought it best to look for someone in CA (southern half) is I want the guy who does the fantastic upholstery work to do it and the top. I’ve not seen anyone else’s work that’s as good.

I’d chat with someone outside of CA, I just know it seems as there are more early T experts there than anywhere else.

I’d chat about simply hiring someone or preferably I’d trade you a brass T (14,15) to do the work.

With your add stating you would trade for a 14-15 brass t, I am figuring that you are looking to spend around 15k. Good Luck. You probably be lucky to get someone to paint it for that price in So.Cal. With assembly, a good upholster and the paint in Southern Ca. your probably looking to spend at least 30-40k. probably more. If you could even find someone that will do it. Why? its expensive to have a shop in Southern Ca. It is expensive to live in Southern Ca. My shop use to be in San Diego and I have restored 20+ model Ts in my days and would not even touch one for less than 40K today. I would change my search to a different part of the country you should have better response.

In the 70's I would take that job. I had a booth, room, etc.

Now, in So Cal, no one can legally paint anything but water base clear coat systems. That's a big hurdle. It just doesn't look right on a T.

I know of no one around here that would touch a T rag top.
Still looking myself. I may just do it myself.

Pebble Beach guys ship them to Az. for paint.

Good luck in your quest.