This project demonstrates that you do not need to start with a nice or
complete car to build a fun street rod. This body was purchased in pieces and
all apart. There was no floor and the bottom edge of the body was gone about
4" up. The body was actually help together with vise grips to be able to get
measurements and be able to see how everything was going to fit. It was rough
but exactly what we were looking for. We had a car we could cut up with no
reservations, have a low cost and be able to put a car back on the highway
that most would have passed on. The following pictures show some of the
highlights of building this fun "rat rod".
Clamping the body together to mock up for chassis measurements and
engine/transmission location.
Semi-completed chassis.
The engine is 350/700R4 transmission, 9" Ford rear with triangulated 4-bar.
The front axle is 4" drop super bell with 46 Ford wishbones. The read has a
high kick-up to allow the car to get down without hurting the rear and still
allows the air bags to work. The front has a slight kick-up to allow the front
air bags to work. The wheelbase was extended 18" to locate the front axle
suicide style.
Mostly completed rolling chassis. Air tanks were mounted on a platform behind the
rear end and the gas tank above them. Engine
features a tunnel ram with 2-4's and zoomie headers. A new floor was fitted to the
body and then mounted to the frame.
Patch panels were made for the doors and body sections and the body was
assembled on the chassis. While the body was apart,
the back cab panel was lowered.
Chopping the top. Plans were for a 3" rear and 6" front chop. This would give
the top a hot rod rake.
A wood framework was made from oak from Lowes to support the lowered roof
panels. These wooden strips were sawed out with t
he slight roof curve and glued/screwed together.
Three panels were made for the roof. They are held in with spring ball pins.
Pull the pins and the panels can be removed for open air driving. There are
over 550 louvers in this car.
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