question

[cantwell.colton]

im gonna be starting a new project ...
i want to do a chopped stake/flatbed, open wheel
i have a few choices ... but i need some input pretty
bad...
i can get a basically complete 55 chevy less engine and trans
for around 500
or
a 46 (i think) f3 frame and cab for 250

should i keep/use one of those -- would one be better than the other for my plans or should i go with a complete running donor -- i was thinking maybe a bronco II i found -- or something similar thats size is right ...

these plans are since i cant find an old sedan to save my life thats in the shape i need.

 

[Rev Tex Devlle]

just my opinion i would go with the 46!

 

[Thunder1]

Older is better if you want my opinion. The 46 sounds like it could make a great truck. I'd take a $250 46 over a $500 55 anyday.

Here again, just my opinion

Thunder

 

[cantwell.colton]

this is the general idea -- but im not real good with paint.

 

[cantwell.colton]

the 55
and

and honestly i could most likely take this one for less than 250

 

[Sam_Fear]

If you want to chop it, go with the 46. That 55 windshield would be a tough one. If you want to go open wheel, go with the 46. The 55 won't look right open wheel unless you do some serious body work to it.

BTW, that looks to be a 57 grill.

 

[cantwell.colton]

youre definately right about that ... i was looking at that as i was posting them ... now .. can i use the 46 frame etc or should i just go ahead and start looking for another vehicle to plop that cab onto --- and what are my best options if i can find them.

 

[Sam_Fear]

That one you pictured has an IFS front end - probably on a S10 frame. Notice how the motor and radiator are way forward.

 

[Thunder1]

Do yourself a huge favor and build your own frame. A 2X3 or 2X4 square tubular frame will fit the build a whole lot better and you won't have that ghastly front end issue with the frame horns and grill sticking out too far. Aside from those issues if your going fenderless, the IFS like on the S10 are pretty ugly to look at too.

Thunder

 

[cantwell.colton]

alright ... i know theres plenty of frames to look at here that are already built but i also know that floating around nearby is a Model A frame for 100 bucks .. would that be a better bet to start with .. then box and z it you think or just straight custom built.

 

[cantwell.colton]

ive never built an entire frame so it would definately be a challenge ... i dont doubt my ability -- its just gonna be a challenge lol ill probably be asking a ton of questions ... its intimidating.

 

[cantwell.colton]

i dont know ... i dont mind the ifs really

am i wrong or this is what is would more or less look like?

 

[Gregster]

am i wrong or this is what is would more or less look like?


I think I understand that quote , The staight axle front would look better , to me anyway

 

[TiredIronGRB]

I'd put some wheels and powertrain in the '55 and be done.

 

[moronthethrottle]

I'd put some wheels and powertrain in the '55 and be done.

X2!! Build it up, bomb around in it for the early summer, sell it mid summer. Also buy the 46-for $200-250 it'd be a great place to start after the 55 is sold. Then you'd have a little extra $$ to spend on the bigger 46 build.

 

[cantwell.colton]

i dont know why but i dont think that would work with me.. plus i only have room for 2 projects at a time really until we find the house and land we re looking for :/

 

[Sam_Fear]

That second truck looks to have a sub'd front clip and it's been moved forward of where it would normally be. It is IFS, so from the front, that's basically what you'd be looking at.
From what I've learned on RRR:
If you want cheap, fast, don't mind the porky lookin' front end hanging over the front axle, and the cluttered look of IFS, the 46 cab on a S10 frame might be the dirty way to go. But really it may not be any cheaper or easier to do it that way than to build your own frame. Straight axle open wheels get 'cool' and 'awesome', where as IFS open wheel rods have to be very well done just to get a 'not too bad looking'. I think I'm just rambling now....

 

[cantwell.colton]

That second truck looks to have a sub'd front clip and it's been moved forward of where it would normally be. It is IFS, so from the front, that's basically what you'd be looking at.
From what I've learned on RRR:
If you want cheap, fast, don't mind the porky lookin' front end hanging over the front axle, and the cluttered look of IFS, the 46 cab on a S10 frame might be the dirty way to go. But really it may not be any cheaper or easier to do it that way than to build your own frame. Straight axle open wheels get 'cool' and 'awesome', where as IFS open wheel rods have to be very well done just to get a 'not too bad looking'. I think I'm just rambling now....

well then if i decide to go that way be prepared to be annoyed and overwhelmed with lots of questions lol

 

[cantwell.colton]

what about running on an 81 280zx frame with 5 speed inline 6?

 

[Thunder1]

well then if i decide to go that way be prepared to be annoyed and overwhelmed with lots of questions lol

That's why we're here! You won't know until you try. First of all there are no annoying questions when your trying to learn something new. There's been plenty of first time frame builders find their way on here by asking a ton of questions. There are some hard core do it yourselfers here which is fine too, but if your that intimidated then consider getting a ready made custom frame. That's been done here too. For the money and quality it's not a bad way to go. They are relatively inexpensive too. DMW56's 51 rat truck is the best example of what can be done with one of those. I've got the same frame for my project 51 F1. Whatever you do - don't be afraid to ask. You won't find a better bunch of guys to ask for pointers and for overall help.

Check out DMW56's build thread below and best of luck whichever way you go. - Thunder

http://ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3567