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Moyock13

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Morning ya'll! Signed up last year but never posted an introduction! Oop's!

I'm an old school rodder and am currently piecing together a 23 T Bucket. So, for you old school fans which is the better motor choice; 59 A/B / 8BA Ford Flathead or 1953 Chrysler 331 Hemi?

Also, I'm looking to identify a T Bucket frame builder. Anyone recognize "Top Notch 23T"? This is stamped on the frame I'm building up.
 
Welcome.
Rick & Grumpy are the T-Bucket experts.
They should know who made the Frames.
I am the Pontiac V8 & C4 Corvette Expert.

My vote is for the Flathead V8.
I really like them.
I worked at a shop during the peak of the Recession 2009-2010.
Boss had an old 1953 Ford 1 Ton model pickup with a Flathead V8 3-speed stick.
Was a local Vintage firetruck.
Was bored...No work nothing to do.
So I got it up and running after sitting dead for 10 years.
Drove it around daily.
Had shop key & locked the doors.
Went for rides in the Flathead V8 Ford.
They Run Nice.
Suprising power torque.
Smooth.
Like an Electric motor but much better.

Many Flathead Race cars were built here in past & Street Raced back in the Day.
Historical Engine.

Hemi 331 is neat too.
 
Nice! I'm torn between the Flathead and Hemi... Might have to build 2 T Buckets!

One of my other dream projects is a early 50's Ford f6 ramp truck. Something to haul the T Bucket around with.
 
I've never built a flat head ford V8 ,up from scratch, but Ive worked on a few over the years ,
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_specs-85to100mid.htm

http://www.tildentechnologies.com/Cams/FlatheadPerformance.html

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_drawings_engines.htm

http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_specs-90to125late.htm

http://www.35pickup.com/mulligan/fhtime.htm

http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

http://www.wrljet.com/fordv8/flathead.html

http://www.honestcharley.com/hot-rod-parts/flathead-ford-performance.html

http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/history.htm

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/mc/manifolds/ford/flathead.shtml

http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_mercury_early/?ne_ppc_id=1163&ne_key_id=21578194&ne_sadid=2110976207&cm_mmc=Microsoft-_-1932-48+V8+Non+Branded-_-p-_-ford flathead&cm_guid=4-_-18527056272-_-2110976207-_-p

http://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/ford-flathead-v8/

http://www.wilcap.com/flathead.html

http://flatheaddrag.com/flathead_basics.html

and I have built a few early hemi's
(one of my very favorite engines too work on),
so I guess you can figure out where I,d go in selecting an engine.

1923_tbucket.04.gif


http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-early-hemi-my-favorite-engine.491/#post-2592

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...d-some-426-hemi-related-info.4543/#post-12111

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/t-bucket-project-so-far.11577/#post-53650

btw we have a whole section devoted to links to finding parts for engine swaps and accessories
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?categories/engine-transmission-swaps-related-info.37/
 
Last edited:
Just want to thank you for the 2 links you sent! ;) So, now I'm headed for the garage instead of those honey-do's! I'll hear about that later! o_O
 
Welcome to the forum !!!

My frame is scratch built in 1978-80, so I don't know who built your frame either......sorry about that!!! I think I would have to go with the HEMI for my motor given the choices above. Maybe it's just an individual that like to stamp his frames for later ID, but not really a business.

Got any pics of the car so far?
 
I think I need to post a few more times before the picture upload function is turned on. But as soon as I'm able I'll post a few pictures.
 
There is no limit before you can post a picture. I've made a change to your permissions,
do you have the "Upload a File" button now???
 
In a T bucket I wood like to see an early '60's Max Wedge V8 with the long cross over ram air.
 
I went back in the archives at SEMA 1987. There was a vendor at booth 414H registered as Top Notch T Buckets. "Features custom ordered early Ford T Bucket frames and metal tubs" Calabasa, CA
 
Here are 2 pictures of the Top Notch frame. My biggest problem is identifying the brackets on the back of the frame, especially the shock brackets and why 2 per side?
TopNotch1.jpg Topnotch2.JPG
 
Adding one more picture. Heres my other dilemma. There are two threaded studs on the front of the frame, trying to figure out what they're for.
Topnotch3.jpg
 
Moyock13 said:
Heres my other dilemma. There are two threaded studs on the front of the frame, trying to figure out what they're for.
Click to expand...
That's for friction shocks. They are not as good as the hydraulic shock you see today,
but they are adjustable by tightening the nut more.

FrictionShock01.jpg FrictionShock02.jpg FrictionShock03.jpg
 
I suspect you will have to drill a hole or attach to one of the bolts that hold the
suspension links to the axle. If you plan on buying a chrome axle and drilling a
hole, this presents a problem where rust can start. I've done it on mine and it's
held up OK, but your mileage may vary.
 
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