Old Dude from the UP

[Old Dude]

Hey all, just found this site and found it interesting. I'm from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and have built a few rods in my time. I feel I still got enough in this old body for one more project.

I acquired an 31AA free from my Aunt when my Uncle passed away. He cut the back frame off and moved the rear forward, put a set of 10:20's on the back and used it for his bug/snow plow.

Anyway, here's the plan. I want a Rat Rod that looks like a 4x4 with 10:00x25's all the way around. I also want it reliable, but simple enough to work on as it will be my daily driver. I have a 350 vortex out of a 4x4 I'm converting to carb and HEI, a 3 speed auto with overdrive out of a 96 V6 chevy, all this hooked up to an early Ford Bronko ll rear with leaf springs. I already have the 29 A front axle and the 40 Ford spindles. This truck is surprisingly solid. The doors close with a satisfying thunk. It's also going silver with black fenders.

I'll keep everyone posted on the build. Nothing will be happening until spring. We got snow doncha know.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Welcome to RRR! Any pics of your pile of parts? We like pics!

 

[busch]

Welcome Old Dude 4x4 rat now your talking, o ya keep the snow up there for a while

 

[Old Dude]

Okay, hope this works.

 

[Sam_Fear]

That's a great find!!! I like it as is. [cl

 

[Old Dude]

One thing for sure is: I won't be lowering it or chopping it. I can just get my lard butt (just a few chicken wings short of 300#'s) in it. The original engine still turns over, but it's gotta go. I traded the whole driveline for enough gravel to do my driveway. I think I made out at 120.00 a 10 yard dump. I need about 10 loads.

 

[moparcowboy]

Wecome, that truck rocks the way it is. [cl[cl

 

[busch]

Like it Old Dude that is awesome nice find great looking truck

 

[Old Dude]

Thanks guys. But I gotta do this last build before I can't do anything anymore. I want to leave it to my son, then his son. It will be a 2 wheel drive, but look look a 4x4. I need the height to get through some of these snow drifts up here. I believe I solved my steering problem. I have a rack and pinion off a 280z that sets behind the front axle. No problem. Steering box? Haven't figured that one out yet. Just might keep the original.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Got any pics of your past work? The older the better with this crowd. Shiny or not, we like 'em all.

 

[Got Rust?]

Welcome to the forum,
like the truck, not much rust, looks good, I have driven these trucks before, and they ain,t much for speed or comfort, I could walk faster than mine in low gear, but it would drive itself. Won't tell ya how to build it. just wish ya luck.

 

[cantwell.colton]

that is one of my new favorite trucks Lol

 

[Gregster]

Welcome and I like the truck [cl

 

[The Rattler]

Old Dude,
Love your truck and love the patina. Never seen a bobber dump truck though!

Rattler

 

[ratdog]

Welcome to RRR. I also like that truck the way it is,very cool.

 

[nunattax]

truck

good luck with the project old dude.it looks great

 

[440Clark]

Welcome aboard, yeah that sure looks like sweet old truck. Your a pretty cool dad/grandpa to be building it for your son and his.

 

[cycledog]

Welcome. That is one fine looking truck. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[42chevy]

Welcome to the site. If you run rack and pinion why do you need a steering box? Oh , I love the truck it is very cool.

 

[Old Dude]

42 Chevy, you are absolutely right. DUH (smacking myself in the head again) I was thinking of the 34 3 window I built years ago. I went corvair with that one. Thanks. You just made this old dude's life easier.[