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Actually, the 5 X 5-1/2 bolt pattern goes at least as far back as 1952 for Ford pickups as I had a 1952 Ford 1/2 ton and that is what it had. I replaced the old flathead rearend with a 9" unit from a 1957 Ford station wagon and it worked fine with a few mods for shocks. So what should someone...

Ah, got it. They are pretty proud $$$ of their product aren't they? Do any GM automatic transmissions bolt up to the straight-8 or do you have to use an adapter? Randy

Thanks Dirtyrat, I did a Google on "Binson's" and did not find anything. Are you sure of the spelling? The straight 8 weighs about 830lbs. A BB Chevy weighs 685 and a 460 Ford 720. So not as much difference as I would have expected. Length is probably a bigger issue but this car will be...

I am starting to shop around for components for a rat-rod project. So far the only item I have is a 9" Ford axle with a Detroit Locker spool. But it is a start. I plan to use a 130-1940's truck cab with a shorty bed. Probably build my own frame. I like the idea of using a Buick straight-8...

Nice build derbyking. I will be saving those pics for reference. Thanks! Randy

Not building anything yet, just collecting ideas. I think what I might build is a rod based on a Buick straight 8 and a 1930-1940's pickup body with a small short bed. I like the "Indy" look of cowl steering and suppose it would not be much different than steering using a pitman arm...

Kurt, Great looking build man! I just discovered your postings so please excuse my questions. I am looking at building a Rat using a Buick straight 8 engine and some sort of 30's-40's era truck cab. What engine and cab did you use? The front axle looks really wide. Maybe it is just the...

Not meaning to hijack this thread, but how does side-cowl steering compare to other steering box alternatives? I think it looks very cool but wonder if some sacrifice is made in terms of steering accuracy? I would not want to be scared ****less doing 100+ mph if my car decided to wander...

Okay, I admit this is a little bit off-topic but not too far off I hope. I am trying to figure out how to restore a 1976 1 ton Chev pickup that the previous owner cobbled together. It now has a 454 engine in it which I doubt was the original motor. When trying to fit the rear transmission...

It isn't so much how the rear shoes look, it is whether or not they are adjusted properly so that it takes minimal stroke of the master cylinder to make the shoes engage the drum. If the slave cylindes have to move excessively it could take two strokes of the master to make the shoes move far...

ZZrodder, You have set the bar so high with your rod that anything I have been thinking of seems like wasted effort. That is one impressive display of craftsmanship. Wow. How did you create the grill shell and fenders. Planishing hammer? Randy

I was hoping to find an array of suspension types used in building a hot rod, both front and rear. I have several books on independent suspensions used by the road race crowd. Randy

Already have it :-) Randy

Anyone out there have a recommendation for a hot rod suspension book that details the options, pro and cons of different approaches? I am not interested in a beginners book that tells me shop practises. I already have two suspension books but they are more road-race type of references...

Yeah, but when you drive it hard into a corner, or even on a rough road, the suspension handles the forces instead of them being passed onto the car. Straight axles F&R is like driving a car built on an old four poster bed frame. Most rods are designed to be driven in a straight line anyway I...

ZZrodder, That is one bitchin' build. Really exceptional work. Thanks for the additional pics. What body did you drop on it? Randy

ZZrodder, Can you provide any more pics of your twin beam build? Is that an F-100 chassis that you started with? You can pm me here if that works better, just take out the stars. Thanks! bas*sic@*isp.com

Great article Neto. Thanks! Randy

So you are using air bags to replace the coil springs? Does that work well? Seems like they would provide very limited travel. Any thoughts on that? Randy

Looks mighty fine ZZrodder. I think shortening the axles and drilling some lightening holes in the web might do the trick for a rod. And maybe a 9" Bronco rear end. Thanks for the input. Randy