1/8 Lindberg T bucket rod - building a short-wheelbase version

[vtecfour]

Inspired by Oldmopars T bucket posting,

I've started on my first 1/8 scale build, a Lindberg T bucket rod.  One of my favorite hot rods of all time is the original "Tweedy Pie" built by Bob Johnston before Ed Roth took ownership and changed it.

Mine's not going to be a faithful reproduction but I'd like to get the short-wheelbase look.  Revell's 1/25 Tweedy Pie kit will be my reference.

I'm missing some suspension bits from my estate sale purchase of Lindberg Bobtail and Custom "T" parts but there's enough.

Started with,

- shortening the wheelbase 3/4" by relocating the rear transverse spring that's attached to the rear axle.  Want the tire edge to be in line with the rear of the chassis.

- sectioning the oblong gas tank into a round one.

- mock fitting the parts for an idea of the overall look.

It's working out.  I like where it's going.

Dan in Canada

Edited February 24, 2022 by vtecfour
Updated pics

[Bullybeef]

Dan, have you done any more work on this? I’m liking the beginning a lot. 

[Oldmopars]

I am also very interested in where you take this. Looks like a good start. 

[vtecfour]

Not much progress.

Trying to see what parts I have or don't have from the glue bomb parts purchase.  Pretty hard to tell from the Custom "T" instruction booklet as it's only pictures of a completed car.  Having the Tall "T" instructions with parts illustrations made it much easier.

Starting to de-chrome some parts.

Had heard that Easy Off Heavy Duty oven cleaner works well and wasn't disappointed.  Seconds after spraying on the grille, it was down to it's black plastic and any remaining was easily tooth brushed off. Very impressed.

This encourages me to de-chrome the suspension and paint black or maroon, my choice for the body and frame.

Slow going but we're moving forward.

Dan

[Oldmopars]

29 minutes ago, vtecfour said:

Not much progress.

Trying to see what parts I have or don't have from the glue bomb parts purchase.  Pretty hard to tell from the Custom "T" instruction booklet as it's only pictures of a completed car.  Having the Tall "T" instructions with parts illustrations made it much easier.

Starting to de-chrome some parts.

Had heard that Easy Off Heavy Duty oven cleaner works well and wasn't disappointed.  Seconds after spraying on the grille, it was down to it's black plastic and any remaining was easily tooth brushed off. Very impressed.

This encourages me to de-chrome the suspension and paint black or maroon, my choice for the body and frame.

Slow going but we're moving forward.

Dan

Let me know if you need any parts. I have a bunch of parts for the Big Red Rod. 

[Sam I Am]

On 2/25/2022 at 6:08 PM, Oldmopars said:

Let me know if you need any parts. I have a bunch of parts for the Big Red Rod. 

I have leftover parts as well.

Glad to see another one built, and the short chassis is a great idea.

[vtecfour]

Got enough parts so can continue without delay, thanks all.

Good progress.

Frame and suspension were painted with Tamiya Maroon and Matte Black then assembled.

As mentioned to achieve the shorter wheel base, the rear transverse spring was re-located 3/4". Drilled 1/16" holes into the rear chassis deck for the new retaining pad held by metric M2 nuts and bolts.

The front suspension retaining pad had only one good locating pin so I replaced the three broken ones with M2 bolts and tapped their pad position with an M2.

Mocked positioned the motor and transmission painted Tamiya Yellow...

...then the body and modified gas tank.

Pleased that it's going in the right direction.

On to finishing the motor.

Dan

 

 

[Mr. Metallic]

This is looking good. You're nailing the short wheelbase look of the Kookie and Tweedy T's

[vtecfour]

Took some day light shots for a better view.

Got the short wheel base look I was after.

The 3/4" shortening was just right for another reason.  The hangars for the rear suspension arms ended up just in front of the transmission cross member mount without any modification.

Dan

[cobraman]

Coming along nicely.

[vtecfour]

Pretty much done, except for that droopy carburetor horn.

 

Pleased with the short wheel base, less chrome and more paint look.

Gonna give 1/8 scale a breather and get back to 1/32 slot cars.

Dan

Edited March 14, 2022 by vtecfour
changed pic

[Sam I Am]

That turned out great. Gives me an idea on what to do with the leftover parts I have from an old rebuilder.