my roadster on a budget

[Mr.Clayton]

So i put corvette suspension on my buddies 51 gmc pickup in exchange for all his old parts i got the engine, trans, complete rear end, complete kingpin front end, steering box and he threw in a 4-link kit. I've always wanted to build a rat rod so im having so much fun building this thing ive got like 5 nights and 1 full day into it so far and its coming together pretty quick. i wanted to see what all you OG rat rod guys thought of it i honestly know nothing about rat rods and just kind of went for it. ive got $250 into it so far im trying to build it for under $1000

 

[tw7256]

You got the idea! Use what you got and do it on the cheap. looking good.

 

[Bonehead]

So far so good, Looks like you are going the right direction.

 

[donsrods]

I agree looks good. You are probably going to do more bracing on the side rails, I imagine, sort of like they do on space frames.

Don

 

[TiredIronGRB]

Looks like you've got this stuff down...stay at it and you'll be driving in a week or so.

 

[42chevy]

Way to go. Welcome to the site. I like the way you think.

 

[Mr.Clayton]

thanks for all the posative input guys! i might do side bracing im not sure. im doing a dash cross tube to mount the steering colum to that is rolled on the top with tight bends toward the back of the car and i might do a couple 1" diagnals off that point. Im try to make the car as minimalistic as possible so ill probably drive it with the bare minimum amount of metal and if it starts cracking ill add more.

 

[Bonehead]

ill probably drive it with the bare minimum amount of metal and if it starts cracking ill add more.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUU! Wrong answer. Over build, we don't want that frame to crack while you are doing 42 mph over the posted limit. It is not the same as an offroad vehicle. There are other people on the road and you have to think of them. A few more braces, and the frame should be plenty strong. It won't cost you much, and it will be worth it in piece of mind. It is still looking good.

 

[skull]

Safety first!

alway remember, safety first!![cl.

good brakes, good tires, steering in real good shape and build the frame like a 90 year old lady with a 1959 caddy will plow into ya

Later

 

[sgtpontiac]

I agree..........

that framework looks a bit whimpy.... cross braces I believe are in order....JMHO

 

[Snake Farm]

Very cool build, I'll be watching this one for sure! Love the 8 lug wheels and the inline six..........all from your friends Gimmy I assume
It's looking good but I'd go for the extra bracing like the others have said.
Keep us posted on your progress.[P[P

 

[NewIronRats]

Always Always Always Over do Safety.[P[

 

[Mr.Clayton]

2" x .120 is strong stuff id bet the chassis would be fine how it is. it only needs to be as strong as the fastener on the heim joint, or shock mount holding it up right? but ya i got another stick of 2" tubing left that i got for the build and i plan on welding it on there somewhere. i just wanted to locate the dash tube first so i can have the diagnals intersect with it and avoid any dead tubes

 

[Mr.Clayton]

btw i've built several street legal pre runners i built this one when i was like 19

 

[Sam_Fear]

So are you going to run a cab of some type or make a speedster body or what?

 

[Mr.Clayton]

im going to tig 18 gauge steel on the outside of the tubing with silicon bronze and leave it raw

 

[Mr.Clayton]

I kicked some butt today on the freakmobile!!! i got to work on the front suspension. i opted to run a slightly unconventional front suspension setup it is a "reverse quarter eliptical tension chain" setup i dont know if anyones tried it but i gotta say it really has that ****ed off look im trying to acheive im going for it. now i just gotta tab up my panhard bar and mount my steering gear and the front suspension is ready for action! and i got the tubes all welded and even got my steel for the outside. i cant wait to get that bad boy steering tomorrow

 

[Sam_Fear]

You are really tearing this up! Interesting front end, but I'm not too sure about how you have those chains hooked to the spring.

 

[Mr.Clayton]

ya thats just for mock up to see if the concept works. ill throw a 1/2 grade 8 through there

 

[chuckles]

You are really tearing this up! Interesting front end, but I'm not too sure about how you have those chains hooked to the spring.

>
watching this, interesting build..
Me either ? Looks like it would just pivot and not 'spring' at all ?