I have recently ended up with a 30 model a coupe. All I have is the body so I decided to just build a rat rod out of it. My question is how do I drop the body? I built a frame with a 12" rise in the back but Im not sure how to attach my rearend. This is my first build so any help would be greatly appreciated. I work in a fab shop so I can fab just about anything so changing my design wont be a big deal.
First the term "rat rod" is not a term to use on this site. You will get no help at all. This website is full of great information.
Yep, as SSS mentioned, you won't want to use the rat rod words on this forum, they are not well received. Also, do an introduction to keep things cool and tell us a little about you so we know you a little better. Now that we have all that out of the way, if you want to build a hot rod, that is a different story and you will have a wealth of info on this site to draw from. But you are going about planning your car kind of backwards. You should have a vision in your head of what it will end up looking like before you buy the first piece. Otherwise, it is like trying to build a house and not knowing if you want a two story, a ranch, etc. Go to some car shows and read lots of magazines and forums. Find a style that really turns you on and then build from that. If you just start plopping parts on a frame you will end up with a mismatch of parts and styles and probably get frustrated and give up. Good luck, Don Here you go, this should keep you busy for a while........ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130139&highlight=let+see+model+coupes
Why would you build something that's not as nice as you can make it? Hanging together a bunch of junk and calling it a car is just a waste of time. As others have stated, do an intro, hang out a bit and see what we are about around here. I will tell you that here at the H.A.M.B. you have not only the bennefit of association with some of the greatest builders that have ever been, but you have their ears too to ask questions of. Remember, none of this stuff ever happens WELL quickly, and seldom correctly the first time. there are several different ways of hanging the rear on your car. Take a look at lot's of them and decide what will make you happy.
Now that you've been flogged for the intro and rat rod thing, I'll comment on your approach. The simple answer to hanging your rear end is to look at what others have done. There is no single answer to your questions as the options are numerous. Here something for future use: Don't build the frame until you've selected, as least conceptually, the suspension methods. Frame and suspension designs are interdependent. Also, you may want to find a more suitable forum that focuses on the style of car I suspect you're building. Bob
A very common way to lower the car: 4" frame Z up front by the firewall, 4" drop solid axle, 8" rear frame kick up. You said "12 at the rear so you would probably need to accommodate another 4" frame drop up front (besides what I mentioned) to keep her level. For the rear kick up to modern axle (ford 9" or 8", S10 etc) many will use coil over shocks, 4 link/bar and panhard bar. Or Ladder bars or triangulated 4 bar (the last 2 don't need a panhard if done correctly). Or split stock style wishbones. Most will kinda pick the ear of hot rod they want to build and follow through with appropriate suspension. Kinda in this order from early to late: split bones, hairpins, ladder bar, 4 link parallel, 4 bar triangulated. The first 4 apply to the front as well with solid axle. TCI makes nice 4 link kits as well as complete solid axle kits along with a lot of just parts to build it your way. There are many other manufactures as well....I like US made TCI. Speedway is another thats been around for a long time.
My question is why would you build a frame if you have no idea what direction you're going with it? I would suggest starting here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150434
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