Projects 1929 Durant hot rod

This is the start of my 1929 Durant Model 60 sedan. It started as a 4 door, but is now cut down to a 2 door with a 6” chop. I also got rid of the buggy springs and went with a Ford 4” drop beam and transverse spring.

 

I tied the cab floor into the back of the sedan

 

Stretched the rear windows with the leftovers of the deleted doors.

 

Got the motor and transmission mounted so I can do the body floor and attach the sheet metal to that. It’s a 1964 327 with a 700R4 behind it.

 

This is the kind of build I needed to do, something that I can jump around and not just tack weld sheet metal for months on end.

 

Very ambitious, good luck. And that Last Supper poster is pretty cool!

 

You mentioned a Ford dropped axle, an F1 axle I suppose?

 

It is an I beam from Speedway, 4” drop. I have F1 or F100 spindles just thrown on for now so I have a roller.

 

Thanks, Santa Cruz skateboards released those a few years ago

 

Nice project and clean work, lookin good there cap'n

 

looking good .....No cookie cutter car you have there....

 

I had honestly never even heard of Durant before I bought this. I think I like the history of parts and companies just as much as building the cars.

 

the golden age of automobiles....no licences needed to open up a business....now its all fubar...

 

I saw this for sale near me, I’m glad something is happening to it.

 

So cool. Keep the updates coming.

 

After dealing with a sick wife for a few weeks and crazy overtime at work, I finally had a bit of time to get outside and work. I got the drivers side all matched up with the door and cowl, along with some 1/2” square tube just to hold things instead of the wood.

Also got the hairpins mounted.

 

Glad you’re still working on it.
When it’s done, it will be one of a kind.

 

You sure that it's spelled Durant, and not Duranti? Looks like it's going to have a big nose! Just saying...

Anyway, looking good. It'll be a different vehicle from anyone else's, so unique! Great choice of engine

 

Thanks Scott079
Bet it's a heavy hitter, in the crowd drawing contest.

 

it is quite long still, probably going to take a second look when the body is closer to finished and see if the frame needs to be shortened to be more proportionate

 

Got the Durant rolled outside for a distance shot and engine cleaning. I haven’t seen this yet with all the panels attached.

 

RE my earlier post about the Duranti nose, take advantage of the length, and stuff 2 engines up front! Call it a Durant v12 town car. Could work...

 

cool

 

Are the hairpins needed with the parallel leaf springs?

This looks like a fun build.

 

Stick one of these 1960s vintage Chevy V12s in it. https://thunderv12.com/
I's also be tempted to turn it into a Sedan Delivery - just because there never was one.

 

That’s going to be a very interesting rod.

 

It appears that the parallel springs have been deleted in favor of the Ford set up.

 

Neat. Are there any badges for the car that would let the casual viewer know that it’s something unique?

 

I do have the original grille and grille emblem for it.

 

I was thinking that you're doing a really nice job on fabrication, so I decided to look at your profile.

Well, no wonder, this guy is a millwright. His trade is accuracy, functionality and beauty in metal and machinery.

So, nice job.