New to Rat Rodding

junker39 · Jul 25, 2009

Hello guys and gals. I'm just starting a rat rod project and thought this would be a great place to learn and share.
I'm on a kind of tight budget here. It's taken me over two years to get my motor together. One piece at a time. '70 429 Ford. I ported the DOVE heads, new 11.5 pistons, an almost radical Edelbrock cam. Victor 460 intake, and my old reliable 750 double pumper. I've got to rebuild the c-6 and it'll be ready for something to put it in. I did such a good job on the motor( pat self on back), that I wanted something special to drive this time. I've had a Road Runner, a Mustang, a Falcon, and an old AMC Rebel and now I'm ready for some good ole fashioned fun.
I've acquired a Courier pickup, I think is an early 80s model. The body and bed are total rust cases. Nothing at all useful there. But, the frame is in good condition. I'll get it off the trailer tomorrow and check it over real good.
As far as a body, my choices are a little slim right now. I'm thinkin of VW bug but, those are getting hard to find. Or a Ford Fiesta. We'll see what pops up.
I've got to get to reading now. Lot's of stuff here to read and learn. Thanks. Doug. Sweeny, Texas.

hotrod preacher · Jul 25, 2009

welcome to the RRR! a fun,family friendly forum for everybody to enjoy

sounds like plenty of motor for whatever you put it in.....my brother stuffed a 429 like that in a 84 mustang coupe a few years ago...VERY QUICK!

lookin forward to seein a project thread soon.....

fuzz · Jul 25, 2009

Welcome Doug....I've heard Texas is kinda dry and old cars and trucks don't rust away very fast out there so you need to look behind some barns and out in the desert places and find you one old coupe or somthing really kool to set on that courior frame and forget the late model stuff.

Just kidding, you do what ever turns you on. Just let us in on the build with lots of pictures!

sixtall · Jul 25, 2009

Welcome, Doug. Have fun while you're here.

junker39 · Jul 25, 2009

Rust in Texas

fuzz, that's true up away from the coast but, I'm 20 miles from the Gulf and you're lucky to find a decent 80 model without rust. I take occasional trips to Austin and around. I keep looking but haven't found anything yet. Maybe the back-back roads will get used next trip. I'd rather use an oldie and maybe something will come along. Thanks.

BruceR&C · Jul 25, 2009

Welcome to RRR, Doug. Sounds like you have one stout powerplant for whatever you put it in. I'm sure your fellow Texicans will chime in on where you can find some old tin to cover that Courier frame.