Need Tips - converting roadster to pickup

[MKotar]

I'm converting a 1926 T roadster to a slide in pick up box. I'm wondering if anyone has tips (experience) for removing the turtle deck/trunk of the roadster body.

Thanks, Mike

[Lil Teezy]

The turtle deck on your car may have the floor built in or it may be a separate stamping. Either way it unbolts from the back of the body and the sub frame rails all the way around the perimeter. You may find some body welting in there that you’d want to replace if the turtle deck goes back on and your spare tire mount will also be in the way if it’s in place…

If you don’t have help you can gently pry it up, slide some lumber under it, lift the whole car on stands then string the turtle or the bed up to the rafters in a garage. Once you drop the car out from under it it can be rolled clear and a cart (which I’d recommend having ready to move and store the turtle) or stands can go underneath. Or course two or three extra helpers makes it a lot easier. I’m sure the slip in bed will have its own instructions or logic for mounting but the turtle deck is really only held on by a series of bolts. I’m also not sure how the rear fenders mount on a wood bed, but it should be fairly straightforward…
Good luck, have fun and please post up some pics for us! -Chris, in Boulder

[DanTreace]

Or......just leave the turtle deck on, remove the lid and rear deck panel. Then make a slide in box

Box with rear fenders bolted to the bed sides.

Factory painting the deck before it gets bolted to the runabout subframe.

[MKotar]

Dan and Chris,
Thanks for the information and especially the pictures. I found that it was simply attached with 6 bolts. After the bolts were removed it took just a little prying at the back to release it and slide it off. I really appreciate the help.

Mike

[TXGOAT2]

If you are going to haul or tow, you may need to use a different rear spring. The roadster came with the lightest duty spring, and the pickup used a different, stouter one.

[Original Smith]

I notice the beds pictured above are the first style.

[Mark Gregush]

Or......just leave the turtle deck on, remove the lid and rear deck panel. Then make a slide in box



roadster with animal box .jpeg



Box with rear fenders bolted to the bed sides.


600224.jpg


Factory painting the deck before it gets bolted to the runabout subframe.


485682.jpg

the first shot is how I read the question. A slide in box.

[Dennis_Brown]

If you are removing the full turtle from your roadster you may find that the rear fenders on a roadster are different from a roadster pickup.
I have a 26 roadster body that did not have a turtle and I found an old metal pickup box for it but the fenders do not match up to the sides as there is about a 2 inch gap. Roadster fenders just round down on the inside edge while pickup fenders extended about 2 inches from that rounded down portion and then bent down for bolting to the sides.
I may be wrong on this but check with others on it,
If you are just removing the decklid and lower back panel to slide a box in, that is a different thing.
If you are building a full pickup box, you can adjust the width to fit to the fenders you have.

[Lil Teezy]

When I pulled the turtle deck off my ‘27 car and added the early ‘26 bed I used an orphaned set of rear roadster fenders and they lined right up, hole wise, but had a lot of damage. According to my feeble memory the research indicated that there are some subtle differences among the roadster fenders through improved car production, but the mounting holes and overall dimensions were consistent. Fitting up hundred year old fenders, running boards and aprons involved some coercion and there were certainly gaps to overcome. Keen observers may notice that the rear fenders were customized and “clocked” foreword to remove damage and give a little more of a “bobbed” look to them.

Since it was, in fact, my first rodeo and the only one so far it’s possible my situation was not standard. If one is adding a wooden box I’d think any odd gaps could be addressed pretty early and the manufacturers of any kits will have an idea and information for fender attachment.
Mike- did the turtle deck from your roadster have the floor built in or did it stay on the subframe?
-Chris, in Boulder

[Dennis_Brown]

I do not have access to a VF index at this time but if you do, there was an article on building a pickup bed several years ago with drawings and materials needed. It looked good. If you can not find it maybe one of our members can copy it and email it to you. I do not have access to my back issues right now .
It is amazing how much has been covered in the VF over the years and how much more can be covered,