Build options

[BlackWidowCustoms]

This may be the wrong section, if it is I appologize. Heres what I'm thinking. I've got a 1940 chevrolet master deluxe 2 door sedan. I want a ratrod. Is it possible to make this type of car into a decent looking ratrod? Should I sub-frame it with a newer s-10? I'll leave it open to all sorts of suggestions.

 

[Gastrick]

Can you post a picture of it? My opinion is this, and it's just my opinion. I don't have a beef with what other people do with their own cars. I'm not really in favor of making a car or truck look rattier than it already is. In other words, if your car is beat up and/or is already naturally ratty, rusty, or has patina, leave the body as is and concentrate on making the car safe, dependable, and give it a nice stance. There is certianly nothing wrong about a 40 Chev sedan as a starting point for your rat rod project as far as I'm concerned.

The subframe idea is not bad provided the S-10 is dimensionally compatable with your needs as far as width and component placement.

 

[dmw56]

Sound like Hot Rod talk to me. That's a hard one and is going to be influenced by a lot of personal opinions and the definition of a Rat Rod.

It would look fine on a S-10 chassis as long as you leave it full fendered, patina'd or flat color. Is that a Rat Rod? I guess.

I think those body styles just don't look right fenderless. I maybe wrong. I don't ever recall seeing one.

I know they do make great looking Hot Rods

 

[Gastrick]

Oops, I missed the photos that you posted in the intro section BWC. I would say leave the body as is or prime it as suggested by DMW56 if you want a rat rod.

 

[35Mastr]

Another vote for the fenders.Just unbolt the body and slide the S-10 right under it and make it safe.Then drive it as is if thats the look you are after.

 

[BlackWidowCustoms]

Thanks for those pics they are great. It gave me great inspiration for mine. I kinda like the one with out the sheetmetal under the hood, and i'd run the exhaust out there pointing towards the front doors. Also would you all reccomend putting the car on the whole fram or just use the s10 front frame. My cars frame is 31" in front, and 41" in back under the fire wall. The s10 is 30.5" front, and 38" back

 

[440shorty]

options

My vote is for a G-body GM perimeter frame (Monte Carlo, Malibu, Regal, Grand Prix, etc). I saw one used to re-frame a 36 Plymouth Coupe - they used square tubing to connect the front and rear subframes, adjusting the wheelbase at the same time. These frames have a 4-link suspension with minimal rear overhang, and drive like a car, not a truck. Plus, the front frame will accept any GM V8 powerplant with stock mounts; headers are readily available, too. On the other hand, the S-10 frame is narrow up front and only came with 4-cyl and V6 engines. Plus, the rear frame is already Z-d, unlike the leaf spring S-10. You can see the difference in the two pics below.

440shorty