47 plymouth business coupe rat build

[47 RAT DEVIL]

I've decided to start a build thread with my ride. It's a 1947 Plymouth Business Coupe. My wife and I, scored this cool rod after our trip with Gene Winfield and Syracuse Nationals. We almost didn't get this. Before we found this, we were looking at a 37 Ford Coupe. Glad we opted for this one!
The plans are to ditch the original p-15 drivetrain and frame. My wife and I, are going to give it some good OL' Chevy power. For the frame, we are choosing to go with the S10 extended cab frame. We got a line on the S10..we are going to use EVERYTHING possible down to the wires. I hear it's a drastic improvement. Can't wait to get it on the road!
Ok! The following pics are as followed: The beginning when the previous owner had it, pics of what the previous owner did, the day we got it and present pics. As the project moves forward, I will update. Here goes!!!

THE BEGINNING:

STUFF PREVIOUS OWNER DID:

**IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU'LL NOTICE GLITTER IN PAINT. **

THE DAY WE GOT THE PLYMOUTH:

**MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE POSING, WITH THE COUPE. SHE CAN'T WAIT TO DRIVE IT!!!**

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

OUT GOES THE ORIGINAL P-15 DRIVETRAIN. GETTING READY FOR CHEVY POWER!

** BIG THANKS GOES TO MY WIFE, BRIAN, THOMAS AND RICH. GOOD TO SEE A COLLECTIVE GROUP JOIN TOGETHER AND HAVE A GOOD TIME. THATS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!!!**

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

STARTING TO CHEMICALLY STRIP THE ENTIRE BODY. MAIN OBJECTIVE, IS TO GET ALL THAT GLITTERY **** OFF THE COUPE!

**THIS HAS TO GO! IF IT DIDN'T HAVE THE GLITTER, WE WOULD'VE LEFT THE COUPE ALONE. **

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

So...lots been going on with the build. Got whole lotta pics to share, of what's been going on, as of late! The whole body, minus the hood, has been completely chemical stripped. My wife and I, scored a complete s10 rolling chassis, complete brake system, steering column, radiator support and steering column with the pedal assembly for $200! Got rid of the original p-15 frame and did the swap-a-roo! We opted to go with the 122" wheelbase frame -much easier to subtract inches and less work to make it work...plus we scored on the price! My buddy Brian, did the cutting and sectioning on the frame. We cut out a total of 4inches to make the correct wheelbase of the original chassis. PLEASE NOTE: THE FINAL PICS I POST TONIGHT DOES NOT REPRESENT HOW THE COUPE SITS PRESENTLY. I HAVE TO TAKE PICS OF THE COUPE SITTING ON THE SHORTENED FRAME. On to the pics!!!!

PASSENGER SIDE FENDER WELDED AND RIVETED IN COUPE AREAS:

THE S10 CHASSIS:

YEP! FOUND MULTIPLE WELDS ON THE FLOOR BRACE TO FRAME:

BOUT TO REMOVE BODY OFF FRAME:

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

AFTER HRS OF FRUSTRATION, FINDING SURPRISES, DETACHING FLOOR BRACES TO THE FRAME AND REMOVED HIDDEN BOLTS LATER, FINALLY THE BODY IS DETACHED!!!

JUST TO SHOW...WE HAD TO CUT UP MULTIPLE SPOTS ON THE FLOOR, TO REMOVE SHEETMETAL SCREWS AND BOLTS TO SEPERATE THE FRAME AND BODY:

BYE BYE P-15 CHASSIS:

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

TO THE NEW CHASSIS:

COOL STANCE! HAD TO CUT THE TRUNK FLOOR TO FINISH RESTING BODY TO THE FRAME:

AFTER FLOOR CUT! NOW WHILE THE BACK TIRES FIT PERFECTLY, THE FRONT WHEELS WERE TOO FAR FORWARD AND LOOKED LIKE A PILE OF POOP! TERRIBLY DISSAPPOINTED AND RUINED MY MOOD. MY BUDDIES TRIED TELLING ME IT LOOKS COOL. NO! IT HAD TO COME BACK OFF TO SHORTEN TO THE APPROPRIATE WHEEL LENGTH.

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

HERE SOMEONE SUGGESTS LENGTHENING THE FENDERS AND HOOD, TO COMPENSATE FOR THE EXTRA WHEEL LENGTH. HELL NO!

HERE MY BUDDY BRIAN, PROPS THE HEADER TO TRY AND COMPENSATE...AGAIN!

MOVED THE BODY UP SOME. DOUBLE FAIL: BODY NOT SITTING PROPER AND OF COURSE THE BACK WHEELS ARE NOW ****ED!

MY BUDDY BRIAN STARTING THE CUTTING PROCESS!

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

BRIAN'S 2 LOVELY ASSISTANTS KEEPING THE FRAME UP SO HE CAN WORK:

COMING TOGETHER. FITS LIKE A GLOVE!

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

WELDING IT UP!

MY BUDDY RICH LAYING DOWN SOME SICK WELDS AS HE FINISHES IT UP!

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

Just want to give a HUGE special thanks to my wife, my buddies Brian, Rich and Tom. These people, working so hard to make this project come together....to keep another classic on the road! Honestly, without them, I'd say this project would be near to impossible and take way longer than it has been going! Also would like to thank our landlord for being patient with the frame swap! We've been busting alot of hump with this one. I think I foresee it being on the road for at least some of this years car season! Stay tuned......

FYI: The body sits perfect now! I am VERY pleased with the results!!! Ill post pics of its current state, next trip to the spot!!!!

 

[skull]

nice

l like it a lot[dr

Later

 

[Sam_Fear]

I can't believe you ditched the glitter!

Good job on not settling for making do with the frame length. The headers out the wells wouldn't be bad if you were going gassser.

 

[hkestes]

Could have saved yourself a ton of work by sticking with the stock Plymouth frame. The front suspension on the old Plymouths are pretty good with a relocation of the top shock mount. Throw on one of the bolt on disc brake kits and you are good to go up front. There are several choices for upgraded rear ends that just require movement of the spring perches.

I am on my second 48 Plymouth coupe. The first I had professionaly subframed with a Nova and added a 1o bolt rear. The current one is the stock front end with the disc brakes added and it rides and stops every bit as good as the subframed car did. The first was 383/727 powered while the current on runs a hopped up 230 flathead with a 3 speed OD.

Anyway, it is your ride and as long as you are happy with it, that is all that matters so keep wrenching.

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

I'm VERY aware, of the aftermarket kits that are available. There's a supplier, that I can drive to, that is 30 minutes away. It all boils down to $$$. Yes, we are very happy with it!

 

[sgtpontiac]

Looks like you've got it right where it needs to be....

I think you made the right choice.....keep us posted... [P

 

[hkestes]

Is the old flathead and transmission in running or rebuildable condition? If so you might want to log on over at the P15-D24 http://mopar.pairserver.com/p15d24ph_forum/index.php?/page/index.html site and offer it up for a little parts spending money.

You may want to check in over there anyway as the site is focussed on the 46 through early 49 Plymouths and Dodges. Lots of helpful info and guys always willing to help out with parts or technical info.

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

I think you made the right choice.....keep us posted... [P

Thank you sir! Tomorrow, we are going to work on it..probably fit the motor. I'll post some pics.

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

Is the old flathead and transmission in running or rebuildable condition? If so you might want to log on over at the P15-D24 http://mopar.pairserver.com/p15d24ph_forum/index.php?/page/index.html site and offer it up for a little parts spending money.

You may want to check in over there anyway as the site is focussed on the 46 through early 49 Plymouths and Dodges. Lots of helpful info and guys always willing to help out with parts or technical info.

I actually just gave the motor and trans away for free. I had no intentions on running that setup.
I was actually a member of the old p-15 site. I did sign up on the new one....just not an active member. Alot of other members on that site, didn't really like the direction, I am going with the Plymouth. Some even said my project will never get done. Not that I care what they say or think. Just saying....

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

I've also got the original frame, I'm looking to get rid of. If I can't sell it, I will cut it up. Anyone need one, give me a shout!

 

[47 RAT DEVIL]

HOW THE COUPE SITS NOW WITH THE SHORTENED S10 FRAME.