Operation MRAT

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

Hey everybody. Here is my car so far. I've made a little progress but this is where it all started for me.

This is my 31 Buick on a 30's truck frame (or so I am told). It was last on the road in '55.

I am going to have to remove/redo some things, but it will be fun.

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

MRAT pt 2

Here is the inspiration for my project. My last truck in afghanistan and the only one not in the big motorpool in the sky. She was called the Cleveland Steamer - and she fit the name, but that is why she was up front. You don't blow up the shiny new trucks!

My car will be the Cleveland Steamer Too and will have a nose art style image like the one I put on her door.

This car is going to be a sorta post war theme car, but not WWII. This one is OEF/OIF themed and will be complete with bullet scars etc in the spots the original had on her.

Oh and for those of you confused by the RPG net on her - yep they didn't come with em. I built it out of scraps from other blown up trucks to add a little protection. You can't keep a rodder from modifying his ride - even if it is 15 tons of military metal!

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

31 Buick Grille

When I got the car it was in really good shape considering. The grille is rough as you'd expect. Here are the pics of what I have done so far.

I want this to look like an International Maxpro, and the grille is shaped like some of the style we got. I used a green primer with the hopes that as it ages it will sorta look rough like they tend to after they have been painted a brazilian times.

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

31 Buick MRAT

Oh and all the stuff I used is from Lowes/Wallyworld though I did splurge and go for the 35 Dollar can of tractor paint from the local paint supplier. Oh yes, we have deep pockets indeed! Lookout Leno!!!!

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

Stencils added

I added some stenciling to make it look a little more finished

CORPO · Oct 10, 2011

i like the industrial effect you did to the grill.. very nice..

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

The motor. Oh God the Motor

Here is the motor I had the joy of single handedly unloading from the back of a Uhaul. I think I know how the pyramids were built! Havin some trouble loading the pics, but if you ever saw a DT466 before you know what I am talking about. It's about 1400 lbs of tears.

LUCKY DEVIL 13 · Oct 10, 2011

That grille is BADASS!!!! I love it and can't wiat to see more!!! [cl [dr [P

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

Thanks! I'm working on it. If the fine folks in afghanistan would just get along I would get more time!

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

Anybody know anybody on this site that I can talk to about building a frame and suspension that can hold a 1400lbs diesel engine? I have some ideas, but want to talk to somebody in the know so I don't hurt myself or those around me. I don't want a Mom in her minivan to be part of my learning curve.

skull · Oct 10, 2011

good lookin'

[cl liken' it so far

the diesel option is getting populer, l see a lot of these power plants showing up in mags and on line in rat builds.

good chioce lM0

Later

Tim...Ok · Oct 10, 2011

cool project.. agreed, that grill is badass and the 466's are torque monsters..this will be fun to watch

Tim

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

skull said:
[cl liken' it so far

the diesel option is getting populer, l see a lot of these power plants showing up in mags and on line in rat builds.

good chioce lM0

Later

Thanks! I am a bit behind the curve. I have been trying to do a diesel rod for a long time. It is one of the reasons I went with the big International motor. I haven't seen this one outside the pulling world. Problem is building a suspension and frame that can hold it.

Anybody got ideas on that part?[S

ssimpala · Oct 10, 2011

Hey! Glad you made it here from that other site...told you you'd like it here...and Welcome! Bill.

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

ssimpala said:
Hey! Glad you made it here from that other site...told you you'd like it here...and Welcome! Bill.

Ha! Thanks! Yeah, already a bit better crowd!

zzrodder · Oct 10, 2011

Al Scarlett said:
Thanks! I am a bit behind the curve. I have been trying to do a diesel rod for a long time. It is one of the reasons I went with the big International motor. I haven't seen this one outside the pulling world. Problem is building a suspension and frame that can hold it.

Anybody got ideas on that part?[S

It depends on the style of frame you want and how low (or high) you want it to sit. That truck frame you have looks fairly beefy - if the profile works for you, boxing it would make it plenty strong provided it's in decent shape. Sturdy crossmembers and engine mounts for sure. Alternatively, you could fab a frame from 2x6 box tube... Suspension also depends on the style and ride height. Options are many, stock style with dual leafs, air ride, etc. Most lightweight streetrod type stuff may be pushing it with that beast on top. Search Bendtsens V12 powered rat rod for a look at what he used. The Seagrave V12 in his rod is at least as heavy as your deisel.

Al Scarlett · Oct 10, 2011

zzrodder said:
It depends on the style of frame you want and how low (or high) you want it to sit. That truck frame you have looks fairly beefy - if the profile works for you, boxing it would make it plenty strong provided it's in decent shape. Sturdy crossmembers and engine mounts for sure. Alternatively, you could fab a frame from 2x6 box tube... Suspension also depends on the style and ride height. Options are many, stock style with dual leafs, air ride, etc. Most lightweight streetrod type stuff may be pushing it with that beast on top. Search Bendtsens V12 powered rat rod for a look at what he used. The Seagrave V12 in his rod is at least as heavy as your deisel.

ZZRODDER,
Thanks for the info. I am all over it! I don't want to go to low. I just sort of want a pronounced rake and mean stance. I'm going to check it out. Thanks again!

Wilit Everrun · Oct 10, 2011

Al, First of all thank you for your service to our country, it can never be said enough.
This build is awesome! I love the grill and the plan[dr. I can't wait to see what happens next, and if the grill is any indication, We won't be disappointed. Keep up the good work and Keep us posted!

Al Scarlett · Oct 11, 2011

Thanks for the welcome

Hey everybody. Thanks for the warm welcome and all the kind words. It is really motivating me to get this thing on the road!
I am just saving up for some more parts and Uncle Sam has me going to some schools coming up, but I will post pics as soon as I have more. Thanks again.
Al

Sam_Fear · Oct 11, 2011

That grill is crazy cool! That is gonna need some beef on the suspension - that's for sure.

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