Hello everyone, I've been lurking around the site checking things out once in a while, but now that I'm moving forward on my hot rod project, I'm gonna need some help. A couple years ago, I picked up a '35 Chevy 3 window coupe that I found on CL. It's the real steel deal that had been turned into a drag car. Like a lot of guys who race, the guy who build the car did some crude work on the body but did a nice job on the chassis. I ended up buying the car minus engine, tranny and wheels for a reasonable price, but it's been a much slower process than I had originally thought to convert it into a streetable hot rod. For starters, it doesn't have front brakes. The 10 bolt rear end, apparently from an '80's Chevy cop car, was pretty hokey so I had it completely rebuilt with a 3.73 posi unit. I have a '66 327 built with roughly the same specs as a '66 Vette 327, with a '66 M-20. I even have the Vette valve covers with the casting flaw. Anyhow, I've restored and refurbished a few sports cars and American iron, but I've never actually built a hot rod. First question; I'm looking for some tips on routing brake lines up to the front. I'm using a '39 drop axle with Chevelle disc brakes from Speedway. I'm planning on using two of the small master cylinders that run directly off of the pedal. are there some good threads available? Pictures to come..... Thanks, NWTom
Welcome Lots of threads and people to help you along . And yes , we are pic loving folks. Where is location?
Welcome Tom, Did you find the vin tag and see if it matches the title? The wood framed Chevy bodies usually had the vin tag by the pass. seat nailed unto the wood rail. Is that a master coupe?
1000 virus infested zombie Hambers limping quickly with open arms toward the new guy. We... will... help... you... Sent from my VS835 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Apologies for the extremely late response to my own post. Like a lot of people, I've had to adjust to working at home. Here are some pictures of the '35. Some of you might recognize the car and I hope that I don't offend the builder by my remark that the bodywork was "crude." I actually like it this way!
Just bolted the rear end back in. Complete rebuild with new 3.73 posi. Painting my front axle today and installing GM disks up front. Next, brake lines to the front.
In that case: 1. I hope you're going to re-do the rear suspension. Welded on drag race ladder bars are no good on the street. Search "ladder bars." 2. I also hope you know the front end in the pictures is mounted back to front. I see clueless work there, but it doesn't have to stay that way. Please visit the Pete & Jakes website and look at their tech sheets. It will show you how to properly set up suspension for the street. Links for you: https://www.peteandjakes.com/tech/ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1932-ford-ladder-bars.1189392/#post-13516455
I like it. I like the look with no wing windows. I also like the hood sides used as inner door panels. Do the hood latches function as door handles? Mine is a '34 with 327/ 4 speed and a 35 Hudson grille shell. Good start. .bjb
Cool project. I'm particularly curious about the front suspension setup. I am starting on a project where I hope to have a unique front end,....kinda how yours appears,....kinda a Rollin Bones appearance. If you have or can shoot a few pics of the front frame/suspension/axle assembly I'd be waaaay appreciative.
Looks like it needs a little help in places but I like the old girls bones. Definetly has the potential to be a very cool ride!!
Jokester, Yes, the hood handles function as door handles now. I’m running a 327 with Muncie m20. It would be great to see what your pedal set up and steering column look like. I would like to change my column out and change the pedals to drop downs. Thanks for all the replies! I have a lot to learn.
BTW - I need a distributor for my 327. As I mentioned before, the engine was built to something close to a 300 hp period Vette engine with an RV spec cam (can’t remember lift and duration, but nothing extreme). I’m running an Edelbrock c4b intake and plan on using an Edelbrock AVS2 or Holley 600 or 650 dp. Haven’t decided on the carb yet, but I just happen to have a new AVS2 650. My engine was sourced from ‘66 Impala but came with a big clumsy HEI. The HEI unit doesn’t fit on a c4b unless you carve up the casting. Any suggestions are welcome.
Nice, these Chevys are my favorite 3 window coupes. I've been thinking of running a Mallory dual point in my latest conglomeration, since I have two of them here. No vacuum advance, but they are neat and tidy.
Nice start! Looks very promising. Welcome from Arkansas. Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using The H.A.M.B. mobile app