61 Volkswagen V8 Single Cab Street Rod

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Ben Modified

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 24, 2015
Messages
387
There was little left of this truck beyond the cab and bed sides.

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The build, so far, is made up of the remnants of the VW, a 400 hp crate engine, powerglide transmission w/transbrake an 8.8 trak-lock disc brake rear axle and an aftermarket front tube axle suspension.

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I laid it all out on the floor.

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Built a frame out of 3/16th wall 2x3 square steel tubing

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http://www.BenModified.com
 
Rolling Chassis

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I used a cradle in which to mount the engine/trans/rearaxle as one unit, similar to my V8 Daihatsu Hijet (to be posted)

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This system allows a very short drive shaft and reasonable wheelbase. It also acts as a ladder bar setup

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Build Videos are here!
http://www.BenModified.com
 
Thanks for all the positive feedback and encouragement!

Here are some more photos to bring the project up to date.
The crate motor came with all the accessories.


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I have no need for the power steering pump and thought of making up an idler to replace it but opted instead to remove the vanes from the pump. Looped the hose and filled it with fluid. If it doesn't work as expected I'll go back to plan A.

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This is my "drive shaft". It is actually a Cardan joint used on some 4wd's. I used one on the Daihatsu with no issues. It is only there to provide some movement for engine mount flex etc.

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The cab being positioned

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The Cab is braced so that I can cut out most of what is left of the floor. A new raised floor will be fabricated.

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The tubing will serves as a mounting point for the new floor and also a full cage.

Most of the lower section of the doors will be trimmed off.


http://www.BenModified.com
http://www.facebook.com/BenModified
 
Cab mount and cage hoop connection point.

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More mounting

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Sheet metal for the floor

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This is a sunken box which will replace the floor under the bench seat. It will house the a/c unit. I know…what a wuss. Also putting seat heaters in the bench seat!

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A handy tool for ensuring adequate foot room with the new floor.

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Still need some clean up and finish welding

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A couple of shots of the brakes and steering

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One idea for lighting. The original lights and buckets are rotated 90 degrees and mounted to the front spindles. They turn with the steering. Not sure if I will keep them, but they will do for now.

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Next, got to work on a bed. The 3" tubing used for the top rail will mimic the body line from the cab

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Welded two trailer fenders together per side, then cut out the lip from the middle and ground smooth.

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By fastening the sheet metal bed sides in the right spot along the top rail, the bed should continue the body line.

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Used more 3" tubing as a rocker panel. Paper templates show what it will look like. The lower tubing will continue forwards under the door (separate from the bed) with metal going upwards to meet up under the door.

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I had been unable to find a steering wheel that I liked, so I made this one from 1" tubing. I think that I will have it covered in leather.

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Radiator is next

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http://www.BenModified.com
 

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