new rat rodder from mid GA

[maroon88iroc]

new to rat rodding always wanted to build one but I've always been busy with other projects. I got a deal on a "project" which I think is a great start but let me know what yall think, Its a '50 dodge, chopped, channelled, s10 chasis, and 350/th350. it needs a transmission though so I'm trying to locate a good th 350 so I can get it back on the road.

I know alot of people dont like the s10 chasis rat rods and ill be honest I dont either but this is the cheapest way for me to do it right now. Eventually if I stay interested in the truck Ill build a front frame with a drop axle but for now its staying. I just have to come up with a way to make the front end look better (grill, maybe fenders, etc.) if anyone has any ideas let me know

 

[Bonehead]

Looks like a fine start, (and you already see the downfalls of an S10 front end). I say run it until you change it. It is still going to be fun. Congratulations, and Welcome to the site.

 

[thevoicenurhead]

Welcome. The truck looks awesome.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Welcome to RRR!

I see a lot of potential. I also see a good example of why s10 frames aren't an easy choice for a rat.

Personally, I think you could make it look fairly good using that frame and some work. You'd basically have to shift the cab/engine/radiator as far back as possible, bob the bed, and use a rack and pinion so you could lop off the frame horns and ditch the PS gearbox.

Are the letters on the tailgate really backwards or is it just the picture?

 

[sgtpontiac]

Welcome......

looks good to me....I'm sure you can get some good input on what to do and how to improve your ride if you want too....[cl

 

[Old Iron]

Welcome to the RRR [cl
I think it's OK, with a little work it'll be great
"use a rack and pinion so you could lop off the frame horns and ditch the PS gearbox."
I can't believe Sam called your gearbox a piece of sh** [S
Oh wait, PS means power steering [ddev

Jim

 

[maroon88iroc]

Thank you guys for the positive comments! I am honestly.surprised, I have done a lot of research on fenderless s10 chasis rattles and most people are just really mean about how they look. Like I said I don't think they look the best either but I don't think they look so bad that they deserve that much disrespect. I do like the idea of converting the steering to rack and pinion and modifying the front horns of the frame, I think that will clean the look up a lot.

Yes the dodge tailgate is welded in backwards. I have no idea why the previous owner did this.

Did I mention I picked this truck up as is for 1300 bucks? So I have a lot of progress so far for the money I have invested. When I bought it the motor was full of water and I was told the transmission needs rebuilt. I drained all the milkshake out of the engine over the weekend and pulled all the plugs, cleaned them and poured a little mystery oil into each cylinder. Fired it up and drove it around the block a couple times, got it warm enough to let the thermostat open and the oil still looks black no milky, so I think its gonna be ok. I found a guy who sells rebuilt th350's for 425$ with exchange so I should have under 2k in it running and driving.

 

[ANNAMEL]

Glad your here. Truck looks like a great start. Atleast its put together.lol Again glad ur here. What part of ga. I am in Dublin

 

[maroon88iroc]

Glad your here. Truck looks like a great start. Atleast its put together.lol Again glad ur here. What part of ga. I am in Dublin

Warner robins what kind of rat you have?

 

[Ratsnest]

Welcome from Ranger,GA

 

[skull]

front-end

from one dodge truck owner to another........................

just find the 1948-1955 dodge truck front sheetmetal and put it together.

keep the frame ya have. easier than changing all the steering stuff and these trucks look a WHOLE LOT BETTER with the front sheet metal on (trust me l know) and a set of rear fenders and it'll rock in the looks depmartment.

a 7OOR4 is a good trans choice, helps fuel mileage a bunch. and as a added bonus the engine RPM at 60-70 MPH is a lot easier on the motor.

Later

 

[GJunktionMike]

Welcome to RRR

 

[BruceR&C]

Welcome to RRR from an Alabama neighbor.

 

[Rattyhotrod51]

Welcome from upstairs in Dahlonega, GA!

 

[GJunktionMike]

Welcome to RRR

Thats a fine start, I like the dash layout.

 

[ANNAMEL]

Warner robins what kind of rat you have?

41 chevy truck modified a little bit. Racecar to ratrods is the build thread. Again glad ur here.

 

[ratrodfireman]

Welcome to RRR from North Carolina!

 

[hotrod preacher]

welcome

 

[Gus]

Hello

Welcome to triple R.... you have a good start listen to some of the others and you'll have a sweet lookin truck.....