A LONG OVERDUE UPDATE

Mercury Charlie's T. Nice, but not precious. The ultimate driver.

Lately, I've been thinking more about the T and how I will eventually build it. As I continue to acquire rare, traditional and period-correct parts for the '29, I"m realizing that I'm going to have a lot of parts leftover that I'm not using because they're A. used B. non-period correct, or C not aesthetically pleasing.

I going to use all those parts for the T. For instance, the slightly surface rusted Zoomie style exhaust will be wrapped in header tape to hide the imperfections. And the clunky ass steering box that was in the roadster and its crude steering column that came attached to it in the roadster? I'll be using that, too. The junkyard 12-bolt I yanked out of a 66 Riviera? Good enough. What I'm beginning to realize is this. Life's too short to be all precious about building a perfect car. At least not two in a row. My goal for the T coupe is simple. A clean body in suede paint. Dark eggplant in color is where I'm still leaning. The engine will be the 425 nailhead that came originally in my roadster with its Turbo 400. I want to sound deaden the living shit out of the car's interior and make sure the doors and windows seal a well as possible. Same goes for the roof. I want it to feel rock solid without tons of rattles. And I want it to have air conditioning, a hidden stereo and comfortable seats. Simply put, I want a real world driver that can go anywhere in all types of weather and be surprisingly comfy in the process. Not a rat. But definitely not a queen.

A CLUSTER OF COOL

Not a great photo but you certainly get the idea.

We had a good walk around the Bandimere Swap Meet yesterday, just a couple miles from our new digs. After walking by it twice, I bought a really cool instrument bezel that I hope to use in either the 26 Tall T or my '29, or (that's a whole 'nother blog). Anyhow, the instrument cluster's old owner thought it was from a early fifties Buick, but so far, I haven't been able to corroborate that fact. It really doesn't matter in the great scheme of things as the reason I bought it is that I really like the three piece bezel and think it would look great centered or free floating in the center of a model A or model T's dash. As I was rooting around trying to find out exactly what kind of instrument cluster I had gotten myself into, I came across a company that is making some beautiful instrument bezels themselves and while they may not appeal to the hardcore traditional rodder, I certainly do like what they're doing. I'll let you judge for yourself: CCM Rod Shop Check 'em out. Meanwhile I'll clean up my new instriment cluster and get some shots loaded on here as soon I have.

NOTES: Measurements are as follows: Center Speedo is 4&1/4" at interior of face, edge to edge.
Side pods are 4&1/4", inner pods are 2&1/4" outer and 1&3/4" inner, edge to edge

NEW THOUGHT ON CAR'S NAME

The T project lies in waiting.

Still diggin' the idea of adding goth influences in regard to colors and overall feel but in thinking further about the Tall T concept, and the proportions of the car,  I've come to the realization that while "Lilly" is a fine name, "Lurch" is probably just as appropriate. At least for the exterior treament. Does this mean I'm ready to jump back on the T project? Nope. But I still enjoy thinking about it when I'm not too busy obsessing over the '29 roadster. More later.

TEASE

A few new shots I've found and wanted to share.

NOTE TO SELF: FEED THE DREAM, BUT CURB THE DAMN SPENDING!

To those of you who follow this link, I offer the following apology and admission. Over a year ago, in the midst of another build -- a 1929 Model A Roadster shown below -- I did a very stupid thing. I purchased a Tall T body. Why? Because I've always wanted a tall T. But the effect that purchase had on my other project was devastating. I'm not a wealthy cat. I have businesses that require investment, mortgages to pay. The last thing I need -- or can afford-- is two projects. Nonetheless, I will keep the T coupe and will continue to build it in my head and blog about it, even putting up posts with the latest thoughts and inspirations. But what I will not do is continue to buy parts and spend against this dream, when there is another dream to pursue first. It's the only way the '29 will ever get done. There, I said it.

The Austin "T" Party

I'm in cahoots with four fellow Austin-based Model T coupe owners to start a new club. More details to come if we can get it off the ground.

CHARLIE'S T

Well, we're just hours from the beginning of the Lone Star Round Up and I finally got Charlie to agree to leaking a few shots of his new T which will be rolled into the event to introduce his new Zee frames. Here are a few sneak preview shots.http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee111/CamsCars/050-2.jpg?t=1270698567