AZRodDave
Well-known member
I suppose a lot of you may be tired of my previous failed attempts, but this time I think I really have it figured out. I don't want to restore a car or old truck (Pontiac, '59 Chevy PU) - no money for that anyway, and what I REALLY want is a Rat Rod Truck! So with that in mind, I put together a little mock-up:
This '54 Chevy car frame no longer has engine and trans in it (traded away):
And this is the first cab I chased after and finally got (early '50s IH):
Cab on chassis with dually rear end (not final, just sort of in place):
And a front end pic:
It'll be getting a 350/350 combo, and yes, I AM going to build this!
I have a couple of questions:
1) Should I use that dually rear end on it? It's at least a wheel and tire wider than the rest of the truck on each side, but is it too wide?
2) Should I put a "suicide" front end on it? I really like the look of those, but a bit concerned on how it would drive vs. stock from the '54 Chev.
3) Should I "Z" the rear? I was thinking I could cut a couple of V shapes in the boxed frame rails, bend it up to be more flat at the back, then re-weld it. Then I can move the rear end back, since it looks a bit too forward in the pic.
This is a completely boxed frame, and I'll remove the cross sections in front to make room for engine/trans, then brace as necessary. There are no pedals or steering column in it or interior, so that will all come from the "parts bin," as well as brakes and lights and whatever else is needed. Sorry for the crummy pics, but my camera isn't great, and it's not sitting in a real good place for viewing, but it IS in a good place to work!!!
Thanks in advance for any advice, suggestions, or info !!! [cl
This '54 Chevy car frame no longer has engine and trans in it (traded away):

And this is the first cab I chased after and finally got (early '50s IH):

Cab on chassis with dually rear end (not final, just sort of in place):


And a front end pic:

It'll be getting a 350/350 combo, and yes, I AM going to build this!
I have a couple of questions:
1) Should I use that dually rear end on it? It's at least a wheel and tire wider than the rest of the truck on each side, but is it too wide?
2) Should I put a "suicide" front end on it? I really like the look of those, but a bit concerned on how it would drive vs. stock from the '54 Chev.
3) Should I "Z" the rear? I was thinking I could cut a couple of V shapes in the boxed frame rails, bend it up to be more flat at the back, then re-weld it. Then I can move the rear end back, since it looks a bit too forward in the pic.
This is a completely boxed frame, and I'll remove the cross sections in front to make room for engine/trans, then brace as necessary. There are no pedals or steering column in it or interior, so that will all come from the "parts bin," as well as brakes and lights and whatever else is needed. Sorry for the crummy pics, but my camera isn't great, and it's not sitting in a real good place for viewing, but it IS in a good place to work!!!
Thanks in advance for any advice, suggestions, or info !!! [cl