600 hp 1923 T-Bucket | Seriously Built LS | Total Badass

I've never been a T Bucket guy but this one has caught my eye the times that I've seen it and the owner/builder, Bill has an incredible background in drag racing and building drag motors so we had to shoot this one.
Enjoy!
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Bill Maropulos - Owner/Builder:
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Music:
"Spit" - Chuki Beats
• Old School Boom Bap Cy...
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Thanks for watching and help spread the word by telling your friends to check out AutotopiaLA! New episode every Tuesday and Friday at 5 pm (pst).

[@impc2505]

I love t buckets because they are minimalist cars. Open wheel. Open top. Open engine. Absolutely fantastic.

[@AutotopiaLA]

And I love how much he drives this car. If it’s not raining he’s driving.

[@butteredbiskit3497]

I agree. No accessories on the motor because they're unnecessary on a 1700lbs gocart.

[@blaketaylor9850]

@Dwight Storie no need to be a stickler. This is minimalist compared to modern cars.

[@braydenpaxton8091]

You prolly dont give a shit but does someone know of a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me

[@amosismael4060]

@Brayden Paxton instablaster ;)

[@jameswhite8453]

That is the kind of car that makes this channel so special. The story of camaraderie behind it's construction. The style of a true hot rod and OMG the power that really makes it one! Man, what a sweet ride. This channel never disappoints. Thanks for sharing and God bless.

[@AutotopiaLA]

James White thanks James and yeah, serious build by an incredibly cool guy. Glad you continue to follow and enjoy what we’re doing here.

[@deadchewie]

This is what happens when you have a guy who completely understands the importance of proportion and stance in a T.

[@AutotopiaLA]

He really gets it. Bill built this to drive and does. A lot.

[@01firstlast]

I agree it looks perfect. But I don’t mind when people go absurd with a T

[@hyabussa5747]

@@AutotopiaLA His smile when under power tells it all!

[@kaileenharmon2436]

What an awesome build!! I love what he did with the manifold to showcase the engine. Super sweet!! 👍

[@jackiemonell6829]

I never cared for t buckets either, but somehow ended up with 2. They are fun to drive!

[@Kevin_747]

Everything is just right on that car. He started with a proven chassis and body and made it his own. I'm an old sprint car racer so I'm building a T bucket for my old man car. No fire breathing LS though, 302/AOD. Thanks for the vid.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you enjoyed it. Bill wanted to show his engine building skills so that’s part of the reason for this plus he’s a former pro drag racer so loves the power

[@Chong1975]

Never driven a T-Bucket...but it looks terrifying!! I'm usually heavy footed, but I would fear for my life in this tiny thing!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

J.F Cote you definitely can’t go heavy footed in this one. The slightest input and you’re moving...fast!!

[@jogmas12]

No donuts huh?

[@idmaft]

Once you get in one you love it and don’t want to hurt it so you don’t get stupid driving it you want it to last. I have never got a ticket in one but I have lots of fun

[@grabber_blu_angel]

I hit a tree in one going about 50 mph with my uncle. Definitely not a car to drive heavy footed in.

[@slipknotfan2217]

@@grabber_blu_angel How are you not dead?

[@Battlewear]

As a T-Bucket guy, omg this car makes me drool! Seriously WOW Love the look of the engine. He is right, no 2 buckets are the same, there are things Id do differently but damn, if it was mine, I wouldnt complain!!! Would drive that bad ass machine daily, until the snow flies anyways!

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVE ROADSTERS!!!!! That is what hot rodding is all about. That must be so much fun with an LS!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! You made my night!!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you enjoyed it. This thing is such a killer build and Bill drives it constantly

[@rexmayn3171]

Amazing car and I’m not a T-Bucket guy either. Beautiful.

[@wc6975]

So do you "now want a T bucket?" Probably one of the funnest rides on the street. Love IT!!

[@user-tb9rw7dh2t]

Super clean and simple. Love it ❤

[@dwightstorie1242]

Bill is legendary.....drives the wheels off this car

[@chrislovett87]

That thing is bad. Love the engine and all the donated high end parts.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Chris Lovett I know. It’s a great story and show of support earned through the years. Such a unique build.

[@yodawunn6700]

Clean well executed T. Fully modernized without sacrificing tradition.

[@AutotopiaLA]

He really nailed it on this and I love that he drives it all the time. If sun is out he’s driving it

[@yodawunn6700]

@@AutotopiaLA I noticed the carpet in the one close-up of the dash, daily use kind of dust and such. Reminds me a little of the "rail job" in Hollywood Knights, a beast for the street.

[@jakespeed63]

Almost passed over this video tonight. Glad I hung in there. Fantastic craftsmanship and overall look. Lil' John Buttera would approved. Damn thing goes like a scalded dog.

[@AutotopiaLA]

This thing moves...fast! And Bill is such a great guy and still passionate about what he does. And he drives this all the time!

[@MWPoss]

I’ve checked out a lot of t’s. This is the best built one I’ve ever seen!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Agreed and he drives it all the time. He’s about to hit 30K miles and it’s just over 2 years old!

[@dustbat]

What a beautiful job! Love the not straight up steering wheel. You are right to be proud.

[@christophermarechal5017]

Great story Shawn, Bill is cool, knowledgeable and experience, scary tho, no meaningful safety devices!! Badass for sure 💯👊💯

[@AutotopiaLA]

Christopher Marechal scary and cool and Bill is just great. A humble legend.

[@davidwiner8571]

Wow I love t buckets they are true hot rods and so classy and cool. I'm planning on putting one together

[@mynameis63]

Very cool build. I've never seen a distributer on an LS before.

[@AutotopiaLA]

mynameis63 bill builds motors for a living and this one is just cool 😎And he’s an incredibly cool guy. Stoked we got to shoot with him.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Wow that’s what I’m talking about, I’ve seen a lot of cool T buckets, but that one is perfect locks awesome. The color is beautiful and yeah those three carburetors and intake sweet. Appreciate your sharing I’ll be watching for the next one until then peace and chicken grease 😁👋👋😎

[@nathanbeutler1059]

Love it it’s like a motorcycle with four training wheels

[@ryanwinkler7767]

Hell yea so badass!! Please do more hot rods!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Ryan Winkler we will. We’re always on the look out for stuff that catches our eye. I wanna find a great rat rod to shoot. Never done one.

[@davidhimeback5455]

T bucket is a fun car to have an drive. I myself have one powered by chevy 383 with the old school tri power, putting out 425 hp. An like you said you can not mat it , it will just fry the tire's. I did the true old school load an fast lol.... But I love driving it.....

[@michaeltedeschi7675]

I would love to have that car that would be a dream come true .

[@AutotopiaLA]

It was Bill’s dream car as well and he drives it everywhere

[@WKelleyLucas_KustomScatterguns]

This is one incredible t-bucket.

[@tmr626]

Love the T-bucket and the sound! Shawn, you have to do more videos on older street rods in general. Say, what about a vid or two on some wild blown Willy's or '58 -'62 pro street Vette's some day? I'm also liking that Cobra in the background. Later!

[@AutotopiaLA]

tmr626 some great ideas there. Always looking for anything that hits our passion button. Later!

[@tonyhenderson3242]

I see Bill and his bucket alot on the National T bucket Alliance page. This is a great clip, heaps of info and details..

[@AutotopiaLA]

He’s hardcore! Has driven it over 12K miles in just over a year now. Awesome!

[@ztwntyn8]

First I have seen with suspension done right ... since ours. It went low 9 qtr. the other thing right on this bucket is the LS because low torque low down. Some hints guys. Mine was in the mid 70s to late 80. George Montgomery engine. 👊🏼

[@AutotopiaLA]

Sounds like you had a great one as well. I love that Bill drives this all the time too

[@eddieyanez3210]

Love this T super job!

[@colehara]

Smiles per gallon! 👍

[@idmaft]

I really like the way you built that bucket t I am building another one because I have to ask my wife if I can drive the one she claimed. Like you said every one is different. But mine will have same tires and wheels headers but different color. And different motor. Thank you for the short movie. I like every thing about it

[@AutotopiaLA]

Glad you liked this and feel free to contact Bill. He built everything you see including the engine

[@idmaft]

@@AutotopiaLA I am a welder and weld stainless steel. So I have been making the t out of as much stainless steel as I can bent a pipe and machined the king pins and I have my grandpa’s old 1925 t truck he hauled dynamite to mt Rushmore with and it has what they called shocks but they are overloads so I am using that idea only putting air bags where they had coil springs. And I am building a rack and pinion steer inside the front cross member so you can’t see hardly any of it. Doing same on back of car. I would like to show you mine when I finish it. I am putt

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I LOVE THE NEW SCHOOL T BUCKET!!!! TOTALLY AWESOME ENGINEERING!!!!

[@arymonem]

The definition of FUN in Webster dictionary should have a picture of this car! I can’t even imagine the thrill this car would bring to one’s sole!

[@JohnW1711stock]

He was successful in NHRA Comp, so he's a genius! You can see the engineering in this car. Science meets style. Great car, and a nice guy.

[@JnixMarshel]

I had a gnarly split duration cam in my 67 c-10. In a 40 over 11.5/1 compression 350. That truck was the love of my life till my friend wrapped it around a light pole one night. Still not over it and was over 15 years ago.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Bummer about your truck. Hope your friend fared better than the truck?

[@sambaaam7268]

Beautiful!

[@johnmaxwell258]

Nice when you have connections and donations

[@paradiseroad6405]

...T Buckets are for engine guys... ...engine of your dreams... ...and just enough to make it go down the road...

[@jameshutchins3396]

His smile says it all.

[@myhotrodtv]

Great Video. Thanks for sharing.

[@DM-eb2ye]

Seen a t bucket like this drive past me yesterday, dude was doing 80.. Not sure why I never considered one but their is something cool about Rollin a 100 year old car.. be nice to have this guys connections.. have to start one of these after my c10 is done

[@donadkins9742]

Cool car, and a nice guy

[@AutotopiaLA]

Bill is awesome and I love how much he drives this bucket

[@EricScott-jr8wl]

I love it. Yes, I am a T-bucket fan. I think you are not into them is, cuz you were not a teenager in the early '60's. Kookie Burns drove one on "77 Sunset Strip", TV show. They were on all the covers of Car Craft n Hot Rod magazines....but the model we boys made.

[@MrAndyLocksmith]

Just because you don’t like something is no reason for someone to be offended. I’m no fan of T~Buckets and not really an American car fan, but I love the skill in the builds and seeing other people build what they like.

[@steveleary6473]

I love seeing his videos with the music. Total california dreamer here!! Im up in WA and head to California every year for the GNRS. Two reasons. Cool cars and get away from the winter blues. I see Bills videos and wonder why I live here in WA. The summers great but damn. Having 14 cars and 7 bikes, Im not at the right place on the planet!! LOL!!! Oh well You make home where you live and Im living through bills Videos the other 5 months of the year. Are those al Bills cars in the video? If so he's living the life like most of us Autohaulics want!! LOL!! Oh well Im doing good enough but I wish I could post videos of my Hotrod with 50's/60s music and palm trees. LOL!!Like i aid, I'll live that part through Bills videos!! Thanks for tis video and all the details on the car. I mor of a period crrect Hotrod kind of guy but this T-bucket has its place in my heart now!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Love this comment!! Bill is such a cool guy but the cars in the garage are my clients. I have a vehicle storage business. So cool that you keep up with Bill!!

[@ulisesbugarin3265]

Oh men is a really mini monster!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Ulises bugarin total monster! What a blast and just a great build.

[@derrick_v]

Another great video and car. Thanks

[@AutotopiaLA]

derrick v thank you and I completely agree. Just a cool build and built to drive.

[@user-un9mr1rw7n]

Beautiful car

[@wyattfortune5494]

As I said on instagram this car is definitely something scary! 80 within 3 seconds is completely bonkers! Basically a Shelby Cobra isn’t the only scariest car to exist. But what is really cool and unique about this T bucket is that air ride suspension because that’s something pretty uncommon on a custom T bucket!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Wyatt Fortune yeah, you don’t have a lot (or any) protection but what a ride. And I love the he drives it all the time.

[@butteredbiskit3497]

@@AutotopiaLA it's like a motorcycle your old lady would let you have because it's "safer". Lol

[@rodcognito002]

Sorry been sick catching up. Killer bucket. Look like a back snapper.

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s a total beast. And Bill is just the coolest guy. Awesome build!

[@dax6376]

Love it ❤️

[@funkmasterblaster5921]

Very nice...wow..

[@AutotopiaLA]

Really cool build. And I love how much he drives it

[@johnnygeorgopoulos4072]

This is the perfect Bucket

[@jeremyfaint5291]

Insaniyt on wheels !

[@pablocruise678]

#4!!! Yes!!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Pablo Cruise this is a great one. We’ve started off 2019 with some killer cars and more to come bro. Lots more.

[@pauldurrance1405]

Love this car !!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Me too! And he’s now put over 50K miles on it!!

[@tonygee3284]

That's cool wow its awesome

[@rickydyess8869]

Ive always wanted a T bucket but im too big for it. And now that im older I'd want a roll cage..but id sure ride this one on cruise nite

[@dylandurant1058]

I absolutely love them

[@robertc4311]

2 words: Billy BadAz! It’s the first T-bucket I have ever liked....

[@richardwoolley7854]

Ditto me.

[@michaelanderson3063]

I do not care if you like "T"s or not. There is nothing like the rush you get when you slamming the throttle on a light open car with a big engine. I got to be in one in the old days running up and down Woodward (Detroit)( I guess I'm showing my Age).

[@AutotopiaLA]

This thing accelerated so hard! He recently did 0-80 in 3 seconds. It moves!

[@michaelanderson3063]

@@AutotopiaLA It is like have a double A fuel dragster motor in a go kart.

[@markthompson2440]

It's definitely badass..

[@TheCecil64]

Very Nice.

[@butteredbiskit3497]

$20000 motor in a $6000 car. I like it!

[@AutotopiaLA]

😂 Bill will love hearing this!

[@rayperkins4506]

Yup

[@johncollins6023]

But there is an air about a t-bucket with a blower. Maybe it's the sound, the look, or both.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I hear ya but this thing makes more power than it can handle already

[@kevingrant2326]

When I see a T Bucket , I immediatly start thinking back about my all time favorite drag car . The AA/Fuel altereds of the 60s and 70s . The Winged Express for one.

[@MichaelBrown-um8qc]

🏁🏁top "T" 🏁🏁 . 🥂👀.

[@lsvip1820]

Not normally into them. Can’t explain why !!!! But the details are incredible. And he seems a really nice guy. Great stuff

[@AutotopiaLA]

Bill is awesome and this build is just cool. The entire package works for me and I love how much he drives it.

[@baddaddybrady2]

Great build .. 👍😎

[@aronguardado6580]

I would like to own a t bucket for 2 reasons Looks and street legal

[@AutotopiaLA]

This thing is such a beast too. And he drives it all the time

[@jogmas12]

If it started life as an original Ford model T it would be legal but I don’t about a T bucket that was a kit car???

[@minozemstan]

Such a cool channel! I wish you way far more subs, because your content is amazing. And you have also increased the production value of your videos in the recent months. Best of luck!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. The upgrade in quality is Paul shooting better and Kyle now editing all the vids. He’s a way better editor than me! And hopefully we have a big increase in subs.

[@ajksfda]

Love it!

[@rickmckillip7382]

What gears do you have in your rear end on that

[@AutotopiaLA]

That would be a question for the owner Bill. His info is in the description of the video

[@nathanbeutler1059]

That’s an Old man motorcycle!

[@mgbchuck6527]

I LIKE IT!! Under 3lbs. per hp-IMPRESSIVE (my MGB is scary and it's 500hp@2300lbs.)

[@AutotopiaLA]

Charles Royer yeah, the power to weight is intense on this little monster. And I love how much he drives it.

[@bennyvazquez3547]

Not into T-Buckets either but this thing is sick af!! Sweet ride bruh🙌🏾

[@AutotopiaLA]

Benny Vazquez yep. Hard to not love this car. And Bill is as cool as it gets. Loved shooting this little badass!

[@jb2oldies69]

Hellllllllllll ya

[@AutotopiaLA]

james burke 👊👍🇺🇸💪

[@geemail369]

👂🏻❓ 3:18 - _Wait ... WHAT did he say bout the _*_weight?!_*

[@AutotopiaLA]

yep, 1770 lbs...crazy for how much power this thing makes!

[@sheriffroylambifs894]

THAT IS “MY 23-T” !!!!!!!

[@angelmotorsportsyanez2135]

Yeah don’t let me drive this thing 😂😂😂

[@AutotopiaLA]

Angel Yanez right?!?! I’m right there with you.

[@danielvallejo1316]

I love mine. Empty weight 2000 lbs. It gets crazy fast quick.

[@dalemac7355]

Thank is SWEET

[@AutotopiaLA]

Such a killer bucket right here

[@bigross1990]

I would love to see a Pontiac Tripower T-bucket.

[@pierredecine1936]

Not really into T buckets either, but this is Sweet !

[@denniscliff2071]

That is the best T-Bucket that I have ever seen.

[@dougatdesertdemongarage7777]

But it's not real it's a kid car all new parts nothing on it was built-in the 60s

[@josephlopez141]

woah wait a sec, i saw the stick but i didnt see him shift when driving... is it an automatic transmition?

[@RobertGonzales-ri8iw]

Who build the headers

[@willsummers1245]

You dont like them but you have one ! Lol

[@greggoryhopkins8077]

I have a 23 need restoring, ford edelbrock V8- high performance,electric fuel pump. One problem, I'm 68 w/a uncompleted 'Bucket list' therefore I'm financially strapped - so I'm building /restore'n from the dirt up. No other choice or option. Thnk-u

[@blackericdenice]

I want one with a Northstar engine. Efficient heads my butt. If it’s making 600 hp. It’s has a racing cam.

[@a.k.a.A.E.]

A real aluma rod t bucket new age pro stock style engine in a old classic body ! Why have it airride ??? On rear axl ?? For a smoother ride ?

[@mgpunya1]

😍😍😍

[@dtruth5769]

What do u think it'll do in the 1/4???

[@icebreakers8378]

How’s it do with bugs?

[@AutotopiaLA]

Don’t think he cares about bugs. He just loves driving this beast

[@icebreakers8378]

@@AutotopiaLA do they hurt? you get dirty? My actual question lol. has a rock ever hit him

[@blackericdenice]

3:30 Heads flow well my butt. To make 600 hp, it has a high lift cam. 9:11 now he admit the cam has a lot of duration. To turn 8k rpm. It take more than ls heads.

[@idmaft]

How do get ahold of Bill. I would like to let him know like the car a lot. And he should be very proud real nice Craftsmanship.

[@pablocruise678]

Friends!!!! How many of us have them??..... FRIENDS!!!

[@pelvicthrust119]

I know who my friends are... And the next neighborhood I go to they'll get crack

[@AutotopiaLA]

Pablo Cruise friends!

[@michaelcousins2526]

Umm Shawn?? Wanna bet this one cost a bit more than that $250,000 GTO that Pure Vision basically did for parts?? (Yup, Im going there!! Haha!)

[@AutotopiaLA]

Michael Cousins ahh!! 👊 That’s not a fist bump...it’s a punch in the mouth 😂😂😂😂

[@michaelcousins2526]

@@AutotopiaLA LMAO!! The logic of basic cost analysis strikes again! Ive been punched in the mouth before, no worries.. Im still here! Hahaha!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Michael Cousins awesome!

[@johnnymayo8534]

Just sub'd....Not to be an echo....I'm not a fan of t buckets either....but this one is awesome!

[@AutotopiaLA]

johnny mayo thanks for the sub and yep, this car is just cool 😎