Thread: need some advice

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for everyone out there i need some help. I want to build a rat rod but do not know where to start. I know that i like the mid to late 30's chevy pu and I hope to put a 400 sbc in it. What i dont know is where to start and where i can find that kind of truck that will also fit my price range.

hey thanks man. im kind of new at this so i dont really know a lot of people with old cars. Im only 18 but i spent the last 4 years building a min truck. I started going to shows and seens some rat rods there and really liked them. so im hoping to build one up.

Originally Posted by DennyW

Go to this thread, and just start reading through it. You would be surprised at the so called rat rods that are for sale. Follow itoldyouso's build, and learn how to do it the right way. OK ? Theres lots of good members that can do these probably with one eye closed, at least. Just stay tuned, and fill your head.

http://www.clubhotrod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23618

thats thread helped....it seems like he was replying to me. and my dad just told me about a 37 chevy pu for about $300. front clip is missing and not motor/trans. good deal? are they cheap to build up?

Lets see hows that go now
Its going to take longer than you think
and cost more than you think .
I'm probably close but you get the idea. Just have fun

Originally Posted by Putemupmeow

thats thread helped....it seems like he was replying to me. and my dad just told me about a 37 chevy pu for about $300. front clip is missing and not motor/trans. good deal? are they cheap to build up?

if cab and sheetmetal are good, that's a great deal. there is no wood to worry about ither

Nothing is cheap to build....when it's built right.. Good suspension and brakes and a well engineered and well built frame is essential whether you are building a rat or going after the Riddler.....

$300 is cheap for a project car, finding the front end shouldn't be a major challenge. Don't use "it's a rat rod" as a cop out for using junk parts or less then quality build procedures and parts. No matter what you build, it has to be safe.

i definitley want it to be safe. but the problem is i dont know a whole lot about frames and suspensions. i have a 85 s10 sitting around and i was thinking about using the suspenion out of that and trying to fabricate it to the 37 frame. im just not sure if it will work, and if it does work how close it will come to fitting. can i buy upgrades of the suspension and brakes if the old ones are shot?

Welcome to the forum. If that '37 Chevy is fairly solid, run, don't walk to go buy it. They make great rods, especially when the top is chopped and the body is channelled over the frame. (You S 10 guys call that "body dropping" these days)

If you are thinking what is generally considered a "rat rod" there are some things that are sort of standard to the a genre'. One is the chop and channel already mentioned, another is a straight front axle assembly with split wishbones (radius rods that run from the front axle to the frame and locate it, and open engine compartment with exhaust headers protruding out of it, many, many carbs, and a very short bed behind.

I've posted the picture below numerous times, but I think since you are new to this hobby it might be good to show you what a traditional rat is ( and yes, even rat rods have some structure to the way they look, funny as that may seem) I think this body is a Chevy of about the same year as you are looking at, and I fell in love with the "attitude" of this truck, and am about 1/2 way through building a '39 Dodge sort of along these lines.

You've made the first step, you joined a forum where you will get advice and suggestions from some real heavy hitters in the rod game, and you are asking the right questions. By the way, that S 10 frame won't really look right IMO, use the rear axle and build a rectangular tube frame like a T bucket sort of is.

Good luck. Here is that Chevy truck picture.

Don

There are some very high quality suspension components available through aftermarket manufacturers for the '37. A google search for 37 chevy suspension will give you lots of hours of price and component comparisons. Careful shopping now, and planning your project all the way through will ensure both compatibility of the components you purchase, plus you will have a good handling rod with a great set of brakes. After that, put the same amount of research into what "look" you want the body to have. As an old instructor of mine used to say, "Proper preparation and planning prevents poor performance".

itoldyouso...thanks for replying to my thread. you seem very knowledgeable about hot rods. I am currently reading a thread started by you about the car for $3000. There is alot of good info in there that will help me. However i would appriciate it if you could explain what a"straight front axle assembly with split wishbones (radius rods that run from the front axle to the frame and locate it," is. Because im not really sure. and what does "IMO" mean. also i have no idea what a T-bucket frame looks like. i plan on putting a 400 sbc in it with, hopefully, about 350hp. would the stock rear axle hold up to that or would i need to get a different one

Dave- thanks for the reply. i think im going to try and go really low with it. no rake. and the classic flat black, white walls, with red rims and baby moons. leave off the fenders and hood, and im not sure of what to do with the top yet. I would like to chop it but i dont think i have enough experience. I know how to weld and ive been doing bodywork for 5-6 years but im not sure about the whole geometry part to it.

Heck, just bring it over some weekend, I'll help ya chop it!!!!!!

its not the chopping that im worried about. Its the putting it back together that makes me nervous. But if it doesnt fit ill just make it into a convertible.