Hello From Canada and some questions

[Bigg_Kidd]

Hi all,

I am writing from Edmonton, Canada. I am planning a Rat Rod build with my 9 year old son. This is my first time to try this. I have some questions.

I have come across a 1939 Pontiac 4door. I am interested in working on this vehicle, but have a specific vision that I need to bounce off you guys. There are very few Rat Rods in this regions so my exposure is almost entirely from the web. I have found the car in the picture on Kijiji, and it is 2 hours away so I would like to see if I am barking up the wrong tree.

Can you run a car like this without fenders or will it look retarded? Is it IFS? If so will that look bad as a fenderless ride? If It does, would it look even goofier if I fit it with a solid axel front clip?

I can visualize the things I want to do from the motor to the back bumper but I am at a loss to see the opportunities for the all important front section.

Again, this is my first post to any Rat Rod forums and any insight you can lend would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

 

[rainman]

I see no reason you couldn't run that car fenderless, what I would do is search out 50's and 60's oval track cars to give you some ideas. That is the look I like on those years. By the way welcome to RRR. As far as the front end goes you could run whatever you like the look of axle, ind. whatever.

 

[hotrod preacher]

welcome to the RRR!
my opinion is to run that car w/fenders---but whatever you decide-keep us posted......
and be sure to keep that young-one involved--that's the main thing

HRP

 

[dmw56]

Welcome to RRR. I would also run that car with fenders. It's so complete, no reason not to. But if that's what you want go for it.

 

[buckeyedon]

BK welcome to RRR. Build it like YOU want it everybodys taste is differant. Good luck and keep use posted.

 

[roddguy1]

Hi all,

I am writing from Edmonton, Canada. I am planning a Rat Rod build with my 9 year old son. This is my first time to try this. I have some questions.

I have come across a 1939 Pontiac 4door. I am interested in working on this vehicle, but have a specific vision that I need to bounce off you guys. There are very few Rat Rods in this regions so my exposure is almost entirely from the web. I have found the car in the picture on Kijiji, and it is 2 hours away so I would like to see if I am barking up the wrong tree.

Can you run a car like this without fenders or will it look retarded? Is it IFS? If so will that look bad as a fenderless ride? If It does, would it look even goofier if I fit it with a solid axel front clip?

I can visualize the things I want to do from the motor to the back bumper but I am at a loss to see the opportunities for the all important front section.

Again, this is my first post to any Rat Rod forums and any insight you can lend would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

Weclome Bigg Kidd. That's a great idea to build a rat with your son. My dad and I had that experience, although later in life, and it will always be my best memories.

This Pontiac your looking at has great potential, and yes you could make it look good fenderless. I don't know what your fab skills are, but don't let that stop you. You can learn anything you need to know. My best advice to you would be to search this and other popular rat sights. Read all the build threads that interest you and save pics, lots and lots of pics for ideas. In particular study what other guys are doing for suspensions. I my oppinion the way the front end is set up can make or break the look of a rod.

I have a few specific ideas for you on this Poncho though. If it were mine to build the first thing I'd do is ditch the original frame and build something custom to suit. Next I'd channel the body down over that frame to keep things low. Last I would take about 4 or 5 inches out of the roof to bring it all into proportion. A back to front rake chop (4 in rear 5 in front) would be a bit harder but way cooler.

Here are a few pics to illustrate my thoughts. These are just ideas to give you some perspective on style and proportions. Have fun and keep us posted.

 

[Grumpyoldman]

Welcome Aboard Chris.

 

[Bonehead]

Welcome to the site. The most important thing is.... build the car! If that is the style you want, do it how you like it. The IFS answer is "no" it probably has leaf springs as it sits. The rule of thumb around here is if you run IFS usually you run front fenders. But there are no real rules.

 

[rustybeercan]

Bigg Kidd.
That should make a cool fenderless car. I think they look much better severely channeled. Good luck and have fun!

Beercan

 

[Ratcrazy]

Welcome to RRR Chris from NC. Looks like a solid car to start with, keep us post with pic's of your build.

 

[BruceR&C]

Welcome to RRR, Chris. Looks like a good body to start with. I don't think that Poncho has IFS. Regardless, build it how you want to. Great to see you're building this with your son. Never to early to get the next generation of rodders started.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

That car is way too bulky to run without fenders IMO. It will look retarded, as you said. It WILL make a neat in-the-weeds cruiser though. Remember - it doesn't have to be fenderless to be cool! If you build the car with taste and to a style suiting it's era it will be timeless. If you cut it up and try to make it something it was never meant to be it will not only be ugly but it will be dated. Keep it true to it's roots - don't be part of a fad. Just ask all those high-tech billet and tweed guys how their cars are going over nowadays...

 

[Sam_Fear]

I think I get you want to build with the open fender question. That 4door Poncho will not be easy to do. Either adjust your goal or find a different car. The 4door is the killer for me - try to make it a 2door and it will probably not look quite right. Try to set it up like you would a coupe and it's still not gonna look right.

That is a 4door - rat cruiser low, chopped, and fendered is the way I'd go.

Old dirt track bomber would be a way to go if you have to have that car open fendered.

If you want a rat rod - look for a different base like a truck cab.

 

[roddguy1]

Hey, I just found something very interesting if your bent on making it an open wheel deal. Check out this pic and the link to this guys build.

http://www.ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8158

 

[cycledog]

Welcome to the triple R. Build it your way and most of all have fun doing it.

 

[Bigg_Kidd]

Thank you everyone

Hi all,
Thanks very much for the welcome, insights and advice. I have a lot to look at and and many many posts to read

RodGuy1 - Thank you so much for the link - this was exactly what I envisioned except with a chop... very helpful, I will be printing some of those off for the garage wall.

Thanks again everyone!!!