T-Buckets are hand-built hot rods, using Ford Model T bodies, or at least part of the body. In most cases they also use a chopped down Model T radiator, and a modern V8 engine. The National T-Bucket Alliance held their 13th annual convention in Dayton and attracted cars from 30 states and Canada.
While many of the cars arrived in trailers, the week was spent touring all over the area. McCoy said local police agencies supplied escorts for the huge caravan when they traveled to the Air Force Museum, D &D Classics in Covington, Brookville Roadster, and to Richmond, Ind.
“They met us each morning at the hotel, and helped us get going. It’s pretty hard to keep over 100 cars moving smoothly but with police help, it worked out great,” McCoy said. “I hope this will have a long-term impact on Dayton. Maybe one of the guys will move his company here, or use a local firm to build something. I wanted to spread the word about all the goods things going on in Dayton.”
Dale Wigfield of Schellsburg, Pa., was attending his first T-Bucket gathering, and was having a great time.
“This is a really cool town, and a great facility,: he said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s better than I thought it would be.”
Wigfield’s T-bucket really fits the mold for the unique hot rods.
“I started building it in 1992, and have had it on the road since 1998. I built everything myself. I even use a trick horizontal coil over front suspension that a buddy of mine designed on his computer.”
“I drive it everywhere, cruise-ins, car shows; it’s what driving is all about. You’re out in the wind, it rides a bit rough, it’s really loud and really fast,” Wigfield added.
His T-bucket should be fast — a Ford 427 single overhead cam engine with Hilborn style fuel injection powers it.
“Only 500 of these engines were built, specifically to be ‘Hemi-killers’ in NASCAR,” Wigfield explained. “I found it as a bare block and boxes of parts, but it turned out perfect for this car. I bored it out to 455 cubic inches, and it’ll throw you back in the seat every time you stand on it.”
To learn more about T-Buckets, go to www.nationaltbucketalliance.com.
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