61 Volkswagen V8 Single Cab Street Rod

[Ben Modified]

There was little left of this truck beyond the cab and bed sides.

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.

I laid it all out on the floor.

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

http://www.BenModified.com

 

[Ben Modified]

Rolling Chassis

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

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

Build Videos are here!
http://www.BenModified.com

 

[bob w]

You're crazy, but in a good way. It'll be a beast.

 

[Old Iron]

[cl
[P [P [P

 

[sneakysnake]

Ill jump on this band wagon [P

 

[DozerII]

This will be fun to watch[P

 

[forbigpicture]

I'm in!!!!!!!![cl[cl[cl

 

[Country Misfit]

WOW, you really think out of the box.You got my attention. Also,I'd say your name is very appropriate.

 

[Torchie]

I like it. [cl
Torchie [P [P [P

 

[Tim...Ok]

Very cool!!

 

[NickFish]

That's what I'm talking about. Single cabs are amazing. Love it[cl[cl[cl
I'll be watching close

 

[jfg455]

Well this should prove interesting! [P

 

[Bamamav]

Is the front end going to be under the truck, or hanging out in the breeze? I gotta see this thing put together!

 

[Merc52]

Who ever said a vw wasn't cool

 

[smallfoot]

I bet that sucker will lift the front end off the ground...

 

[Ben Modified]

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.

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.

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.

The cab being positioned

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.

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.

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[Ben Modified]

Cab mount and cage hoop connection point.

More mounting

Sheet metal for the floor

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!

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

 

[Ben Modified]

Traced out the paper templates on metal

The floor shaped around the front suspension.

Paper templates for the metal needed to fill the headlight bucket area. The lights are far too low in the stock position and will be relocated.

Front shock mounts are next.

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[Ben Modified]

Still need some clean up and finish welding

A couple of shots of the brakes and steering

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.

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

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

 

[Ben Modified]

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

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.

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.

Radiator is next

http://www.BenModified.com