The Ford Barn

buzz882 · 11-02-2018, 07:16 PM

Can I use a 26 chassis for a model t speedster kit, I plan on the flat fender, with square hood and brass radiator. Some kits say up to 1925. Some say you can use 1926-7 chassis, and relocate hand brake and floor board brackets.

gz · 11-02-2018, 07:25 PM

I assume you are talking about the Rootlieb Speedster kit? I have built more than a few of those.

You can use a 1926-27 frame, but the problem is that the rear crossmember is too long. If you cut the crossmember, it will work. You will also have to cut the "ears" off the 1926-27 front cross member that are part of the fender mount. It would be easier to find a 1925 or earlier frame. They are common, cheap and make for a nicer installation. The rest of the 1926 chassis parts (front end, rear end, springs, engine assembly, etc) will fit onto the 1925 and earlier frame.

Also, if you decide to use Rootlieb's speedster rear crossmember, which will lower the chassis, it works much easier on the 1925 and earlier frame.

Let us know if you have any other questions. Model T speedsters are lots of fun and a great way to experience early motoring. Good luck with your project.

buzz882 · 11-02-2018, 09:37 PM

Is the rootlieb same as the one Mac and others sell

gz · 11-02-2018, 09:55 PM

Yes. I believe Lang's, Mac's etc sells the Rootlieb speedster bodies and parts. Here is the Rootlieb website:

http://www.rootlieb.com/speedster-kits.html

Sundiesel · 11-05-2018, 01:26 AM

Hi buzz882,
I've almost finished building one of these now and I agree with gz regarding the earlier chassis being the better one for the job. Knowing what I've learned with this project, I'd stay away from a 26-27 chassis.
However, I elected not to buy Tom Rootliebs lowered rear cross member or the dropped front axle. Instead, I installed a set of John Bolens reproduction Laurel Underslung brackets. But to do this you must cut the frame to install the rear brackets. It also means that the front axle will be located in front of the spring. This in turn means that the wheel base will be approximately 2 inches longer and that the front wheels will not fit in the same arch as the curved front fenders, requiring the purchase of the flat topped fenders.
Cheers,
Rob

stevests · 11-05-2018, 10:19 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

It's Bill Bohlens.

Sundiesel · 11-05-2018, 11:30 PM

Correct.
And this is his website http://www.antiquetmotorsports.com/home
and his eBay store https://www.ebay.com/str/antiquetmotorsportsllc
Cheers,
Rob

11-02-2018, 07:16 PM	#1
buzz882 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 23	Model t speedster kit chassis Can I use a 26 chassis for a model t speedster kit, I plan on the flat fender, with square hood and brass radiator. Some kits say up to 1925. Some say you can use 1926-7 chassis, and relocate hand brake and floor board brackets.

11-02-2018, 07:25 PM	#2
gz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,666	Re: Model t speedster kit chassis I assume you are talking about the Rootlieb Speedster kit? I have built more than a few of those. You can use a 1926-27 frame, but the problem is that the rear crossmember is too long. If you cut the crossmember, it will work. You will also have to cut the "ears" off the 1926-27 front cross member that are part of the fender mount. It would be easier to find a 1925 or earlier frame. They are common, cheap and make for a nicer installation. The rest of the 1926 chassis parts (front end, rear end, springs, engine assembly, etc) will fit onto the 1925 and earlier frame. Also, if you decide to use Rootlieb's speedster rear crossmember, which will lower the chassis, it works much easier on the 1925 and earlier frame. Let us know if you have any other questions. Model T speedsters are lots of fun and a great way to experience early motoring. Good luck with your project.

11-02-2018, 09:37 PM	#3
buzz882 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 23	Re: Model t speedster kit chassis Is the rootlieb same as the one Mac and others sell

11-02-2018, 09:55 PM	#4
gz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,666	Re: Model t speedster kit chassis Yes. I believe Lang's, Mac's etc sells the Rootlieb speedster bodies and parts. Here is the Rootlieb website: http://www.rootlieb.com/speedster-kits.html

11-05-2018, 01:26 AM	#5
Sundiesel Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 25	Re: Model t speedster kit chassis Hi buzz882, I've almost finished building one of these now and I agree with gz regarding the earlier chassis being the better one for the job. Knowing what I've learned with this project, I'd stay away from a 26-27 chassis. However, I elected not to buy Tom Rootliebs lowered rear cross member or the dropped front axle. Instead, I installed a set of John Bolens reproduction Laurel Underslung brackets. But to do this you must cut the frame to install the rear brackets. It also means that the front axle will be located in front of the spring. This in turn means that the wheel base will be approximately 2 inches longer and that the front wheels will not fit in the same arch as the curved front fenders, requiring the purchase of the flat topped fenders. Cheers, Rob

11-05-2018, 10:19 AM	#6
stevests Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Longbranch, Washington Posts: 513	Re: Model t speedster kit chassis Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It's Bill Bohlens.

11-05-2018, 11:30 PM	#7
Sundiesel Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 25	Re: Model t speedster kit chassis Correct. And this is his website http://www.antiquetmotorsports.com/home and his eBay store https://www.ebay.com/str/antiquetmotorsportsllc Cheers, Rob