Ultimate Hot Rod

[kb426]

Matt, those are good points. Question thread would be my description. People with years of exp. and different view points always point out something beneficial. If you could drive 50 different hot rods, you would gain some info from each one. That isn't possible for me so asking for input is it.

[idrivejunk]

I won't be much help then. My experience is all GM intermediates from the muscle and smog eras and I pretty much see everything as adaptations of those type vehicles.

[enjenjo]

I won't be much help then. My experience is all GM intermediates from the muscle and smog eras and I pretty much see everything as adaptations of those type vehicles.

I once had thoughts of building a Pontiac Sunbird supermodified for the street. I had the donor car, but someone else wanted it more than I did so I sold it. I always thought something like a Austin seven special would be a great street car.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a25628381/caterham-seven-configurator/

[Charlie Chops 1940]

There are plans out thereto up size the Lotus Seven style build to all Corvette suspension. Look at the Locost board.

[idrivejunk]

I won't be much help then. My experience is all GM intermediates from the muscle and smog eras and I pretty much see everything as adaptations of those type vehicles.

I once had thoughts of building a Pontiac Sunbird supermodified for the street. I had the donor car, but someone else wanted it more than I did so I sold it. I always thought something like a Austin seven special would be a great street car.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a25628381/caterham-seven-configurator/

Of course theres an app for that.

My choice would be J2000 rather than Sunbird. More Bandit-esque.

For me, theres no need that can't be met using a GM A or X body.

[kb426]

I have the Locost web site bookmarked. I have seriously considered building one as a fun car. IDJ, you asked about Mustangs. That's not very high on my list because of a few factors. One of which is it would be low and not the easiest for old people to get in and out of. All the rods I've built have the seat height set high enough that they're modeled after my Dakota. I don't know if I could sit flat on the floor and be ok for long periods of time anymore. I spent 14 hour days in a 1st gen Miata 20 years ago. I have an aversion to fenders but a cross country vehicle needs something for the rain storms. Lots of compromises. Does anybody remember the deuce that Woody Gilmore built with pushrod ifs? I'd like to know how that drove?

[idrivejunk]

Now we're getting somewhere  

I avoid saying 40 Ford coupe because I know, unobtainium and almost but not quite your rod style. Street, not hot.

Firing away

Wrecked fullsize late model mid or full size pickup. Pair of quarters for model A or B. Make the rest, let chassis dictate body width or alter body and frame width both.

I could conjure that digitally if it grabs ya any.

Dakota or Ranger chassis, 'glas Vicky or five window body cut to fit extended cab pickup parameters and with or without bed gap.

Bonus 2 ¢ =  4WD + boost.

[chimp koose]

There is a fiberglass 36 ford pickup body kit that fits a ranger chassis .Not sure what year. A guy in town has one for sale . SBC power

[GPster]

I would have to say that on any of these conversions it might be better to go with one of these kits than to start with one on your own ideas. The "hot rod" idea is usually centered around the earlier body styles with the engines placed behind the front axle and most of the later chassis have the engine sitting over the front axle. The S10 chassis I put under my Jeepster  has a wheelbase very close to the original Jeepster's frame . I had to move the S10's  original engine more than 7" to the rear to get the engine under the Jeepster's hood. GPster

[idrivejunk]

Good inputs there ^^^

Just stoking coals once more here. For years, this same ultimate project has stewed in my noggin and I always end up at late 30s coupe because I like fenders, but...

without a shred of fear of ridicule    I toss this on the fire:

My ultimate could totally be a one seater. In light of that, a narrow body (not suggesting anybody or myself is big by complaining about cabin width) with limited legroom might benefit from an offset powerplant and /or or use of a transfer case and 4x4 front axle out back (or one with altered, offset axle lengths). That may be nine kinds of crazy, or more. But that thought has also been in my front to rear drive ponderings personally and the thought is that if a reasonable balance of weight side to side and the center of gravity stayed within safe limits there might be something to it. Allowing the driveshaft to scoot over half a foot or something. Thoughts?

[rumrumm]

I would look around and try to find someone's unfinished project for sale. A lot of times you can purchase those for a good price if they are not too far along. Some guys will start a project, and for one reason or another give up or circumstances force them to sell. I have seen some good buys for sale on hotrodhotline.com over the years. I don't watch Craig's list, but I would start watching postings on it, too.

[kb426]

Matt, are you suggesting all wheel drive?
rumrumm, I have been watching.
GPster, that's a good point. I tend to build chassis from scratch so I'm versed in your comments.

[idrivejunk]

In my last post, no. Post before last, yes.  :?

[papastoyss]

From your previous posts it seems like you are a Ford guy but a 'tri five Chevy w/a 5.3 LS would fit well. Tanks has tanks w/ internal fuel pump, there's plenty of suspension upgrades out there, plenty of repro sheet metal including full floor pans. I replaced my '40 Ford coupe w/a '57  Chevy Handyman 2d wagon & really like the extra space.

[kb426]

No question about the aftermarket support for tri 5's. I rebuilt a 57 back in the med 70's. We were still using the best parts we could find from junked cars.