Thread: new outcast

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hello everybody, I'm new to the group so it looks like this is the place to start. I'm new "hot rodding" in the common sense of the word, but just about every car I've owned I've "hot rodded" in one small way or another; from removing exterior trim and "customizing" interiors, to simple performance mods on sbc's. But now I wan't to tackle a bigger project, turn a totaled 84 Toyota Supra into a T-bucket.

My goal is to use as many of the components as possible (engine, tranny, driveshaft, front susp., rear susp., fusebox & harness, steering, maybe seats) from the supra on a custom built frame (designed by me, the newbie), add a body, a wooden bed, and a few (hundred) other pieces and be cruisin by sometime next summer. Hopefully.

I finished building the main jig yesterday, and picked up some cutoff wheels today (4th of July). This week I will try to find some 1/8" 2x4 rectangular steel and some welding sticks and hopefully get down to some serious business (welding the frame) this next weekend.

I know that a lot of people are going to say that this isn't a real hot rod because it is not in the traditional style (IFS & IRS instead of I-beam and Leafs, Toyota instead of Ford, Chevy, or hemi power) but if I understand correctly, hot rodding was started by guys taking what was cost effecient and readily or easily available, and making slick, trick, and quick creations out of it. So instead of looking at it as some sort of bastard rod-child, please look at it as a hot rod for my generation.

Go for it. I, for one, have never looked down my nose at anyone else's creation because of the components used. Heck, on my last roadster project, I even seriously considered using a Hudson 308 flathead six. The stock stroke was 4 1/2" and you could get a 5" crank for them. Torque monster.

You might want to look at Poli-Form for a roadster body. They make one that is stretched and you're sure to appreciate the additional room. That's the usual problem with T-buckets, your knees are in your chest.

Welcome Rodda. Absolutely nothing wrong with what your building. It's the old hot rodding thing of using what you have to build what you want. Post us some pics of your car when you get started on it.

Sounds like a great project. Its one of those deals you can do anything you want. I really like those kind of projects.

A one year project ....... Lofty goal, Hope you post pics. of your progress. Sounds interesting.

thanks for the acceptance, didn't know if I would get that of get shunned. I will definately post picks, probably pretty often. You gotta be able to show your baby off a little, right?!

Originally posted by rodda
thanks for the acceptance, didn't know if I would get that of get shunned. I will definately post picks, probably pretty often. You gotta be able to show your baby off a little, right?!

The only people I've seen get any static are those that have a chip on their shoulder or a bad attitude. Nothin' wrong with buildin' somthin' different. I for one enjoy seein' any project that's well done. Lookin' forward to the progress pics.