Sans turtle deck the XL27...
Sans turtle deck the XL27 makes a great modified, or in our case, a roadster pickup.
Henry Ford didn't invent the automobile, or the assembly line (although he was the first to apply the technique to building automobiles). Ford was a mechanical genius, a stern taskmaster, a bit of a grump by all accounts and the 15 million Model Ts he built from 1909 to 1927 put America on wheels. Ford pledged, "I will build a car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one-and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces."
After World War I, board and dirt track events were held at just about every fairground in the country, and thanks to their availability, Model T Fords became the affordable racer of choice. By the early '20s, an entire industry was born-all the parts and accessories necessary to turn a Flivver into a competition car were available-overhead valve conversions, chassis parts, complete bodies could all be sourced from any number of suppliers. And it didn't stop with race parts. There were kits to turn Ts into speedsters (the street rod of the day), tractors, snowmobiles-T engines were even adapted for use in airplanes and industrial applications. The Model T not only fulfilled Henry Ford's stated vision but also was, indisputably, the foundation the automotive aftermarket was built on.
Shadow Rods XL27 is a larger,...
Shadow Rods XL27 is a larger, improved version of the last in the Model T roadster production run from 1927. Along with a wider, deeper passenger compartment, the new body fits a '32 Ford frame.
While the Model T was the basis for the original hot rod craze, the fact is they do have some limitations in a contemporary context-most notably their diminutive dimensions. Today most roadster builders opt for something that is roomy, comfortable, and deep enough to sit down inside the body, which means the T isn't often seen as a viable option. But thanks to Jon Hall, of Shadow Rods, the T's shortcomings have been addressed, and to prove the point we offer this year's AMSOIL/STREET RODDER Road Tour roadster pickup. Based on Shadow Rods new XL27, the passenger compartment is 3 inches taller and 4 inches longer than an original '27 T providing an interior that is similar in size to a '32 Ford. Produced to current OEM specifications, the body is made of galvannealed steel that is reinforced with a stamped inner structure and is equipped with stainless steel door hinges, bear claw door latches, and upper and lower seat supports.
The Ford Model T XL27 is available in two configurations: with or without a turtle deck. Without is perfect for modifieds and pickups while with offers the convenience of a spacious trunk compartment. Another option to add fenders for an entirely different look. Regardless of the combination, Shadow Rods XL27 retains the character of the original Model T in a larger, user-friendlier package. We're sure Henry would agree, this is the ultimate T.

Looking for something unique?...

Looking for something unique? How about an XL27 with '32 fenders and grille shell?

Shown here are the stampings...

Shown here are the stampings it takes to make a basic XL27. Body panels are made from 19-gauge steel, seat supports are 11-gauge.

Thanks to modern manufacturing...

Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques the fit of the Shadow Rods bodies is exemplary-a minimum amount of work is required to get one ready for paint.

These all-steel bodies feature...

These all-steel bodies feature stamped inner structures; those in the cowl are recessed to increase foot room.

The flat firewall preserves...

The flat firewall preserves the T's interior room while the longer '32 wheelbase provides an engine compartment capable of housing just about any popular powerplant.

Here the recessed cowl reinforcement...

Here the recessed cowl reinforcement panels can be seen from the passenger compartment side. Dynamat was installed on the inner surface of the firewall to insulate against heat and engine noise

After welding, the areas where...

After welding, the areas where the tunnel and body meet are ground smooth. Note the mounting holes in the bottom flange of the body.

The driveshaft tunnel and...

The driveshaft tunnel and supports are installed while the body is on the assembly jig.

A combination of tubing and...

A combination of tubing and a stamped reinforcement strengthen the back of the body-note the openings that can be used to mount stereo speakers. More Dynamat was added to the back of the body.

An additional stamped brace...

An additional stamped brace wraps around the back of the body and is welded to the quarter-panel reinforcements on each side.

More reinforcement is found...

More reinforcement is found behind the latch posts. The doors on these cars close with the solid sound and feel of a bank vault.

Individual floor panels are...

Individual floor panels are used on each side of the transmission tunnel-they are bead rolled for stiffness.

As an option, 1-1/2-inch dropped...

As an option, 1-1/2-inch dropped floors are available.

At this point it probably...

At this point it probably doesn't come as a surprise that the doors have a stamped inner structure. Leather check straps are used to limit the doors travel when open.

Wiring and the body attachment...

Wiring and the body attachment bolts are accessible on each side through holes in the bodies' sills. Covers conceal the openings after installation.

The door hinges on the XL27...

The door hinges on the XL27 are made from stainless steel; the latches are the bear claw type.

A fixture attached to the...

A fixture attached to the top locates the windshield posts so the mounting holes can be drilled.

A length of square tubing...

A length of square tubing ties the hinge posts together, reinforces the dashboard, and provides a mounting point for the steering column.

To position the steering wheel...

To position the steering wheel at a comfortable angle and make the steering shaft hook up easier, a Flaming River steering column was used.

The steering wheel is from...

The steering wheel is from Flaming River and the flat '32-style dash panel is standard XL27.

In our case, the Road Tour...

In our case, the Road Tour XL27 will be a roadster pickup. These are the stampings to make the chopped bed.

The front stake pockets are...

The front stake pockets are made from individual pieces that are folded; the curved bottoms are rolled and welded.