Last month we showed you the background on Darryl Starbird's original Big T that was originally built to promote a 1/8th-scale model kit for Monogram in 1962. The original full-scale car had long ago disappeared, but Darryl really wanted an example of the historic T-bucket to display in his museum. When the opportunity came up to build a giveaway car for Clear Channel radio, Darryl decided it was the perfect time to replicate the Big T not once, but twice! He would build one car to be given away and another for display in the museum.
Still busy promoting his car shows, Darryl handed over the chore of building the two vehicles to the capable hands of Predator Performance in DuBois, Pennsylvania. The Predator Performance crew quickly got to work building the two cars and we'll show you how the Big T clone for Darryl's museum got started this month, with a story on the final half of the build next month, and a full feature on the finished vehicle in the following issue. Follow these pictures closely as your opportunity to build your own Big T awaits you at the hobby store with Monogram's recent re-issue of the Big T 1/8th-scale kit in its exact original 1962 configuration.
The Big T recreation for Starbird's...
The Big T recreation for Starbird's museum (right) and an additional clone (left) built by Predator Performance in DuBois, PA, to be given away to a lucky Clear Channel radio contest winner, begin to look like hot rods during the mockup phase.
For the recreation of Starbird's...
For the recreation of Starbird's Big T, the crew at Predator Performance began with the frame, which replicates the original item exactly. An original Model A Ford rear crossmember stays true to the original.
A Chevy small-block fits nicely...
A Chevy small-block fits nicely in the new chassis. The original engine used in the Big T would become the standard in T-buckets for the next four decades.
These custom batwings are...
These custom batwings are an exact copy of the innovative originals. This early four-bar setup was way ahead of its time.
The installed batwings work...
The installed batwings work as well as they look. Well-planned design also incorporates a lower mount for the front shocks.
Predator Performance employee...
Predator Performance employee Chad Vogele stiffened up the body with a custom wood upper body surround. After all the pieces were glued together, Chad shaped them to follow the upper contour of the bucket.
Components including the suspension,...
Components including the suspension, driveline, windshield, lights, and radiator were all test fitted before the cars were ready for paint.
A quick-change unit hung between...
A quick-change unit hung between a pair of '48 Ford axle housings and mounted under a Model A spring with modified wishbones replicates the original setup under the rear of the Big T.
These custom batwings are...
These custom batwings are an exact copy of the innovative originals. This early four-bar setup was way ahead of its time.
The flat dashpanel is a perfect...
The flat dashpanel is a perfect recreation of the original after being fitted with six Stewart Warner gauges.
The abbreviated pickup bed...
The abbreviated pickup bed was given the same modifications as the original Big T unit.
To replicate the original...
To replicate the original interior, bucket seats with the exact same contours as the set used in the first Big T were tracked down and purchased.
The clone wouldn't have been...
The clone wouldn't have been a clone without the original Starbird sunken antenna in the cowl.
With the final bodywork complete,...
With the final bodywork complete, the body sits in final primer, ready for some color. We'll show you how the paint and the rest of the assembly looked next month!