So this is my "COE" build. I saw this pic in a mag once and it stuck with me. The more I looked at the rendering, the more I realized it couldnt be done as it was pictured. The wheels infringed on the drivers compartment too much, the bed and rear tires were inboard of the front fenders and tires, engine in front? How?, engine in rear? How? So I did it anyway... I figured if Im gonna do it, Im doin it with junk I already have layin around or parts I can salvage from a yard. Obviously theres gonna be new parts, but the idea is to empty shelves that keep being filled up with rejects from other projects. To start, I have an Astro van front clip out back from a old pic...seems logical with the stand up steering box. I also have a front clip from an Eldo that my brother had...complete with running engine/trans. Take a guess at what I think the wheelbase should be and put them together. The thought process is I'll let GM do the engineering...I'll jus stick them together. I got four wheel independant suspension, four wheel power disc brakes, power steering, 500 cubes of big Caddy pushin this rig, and all I gotta do is stick a body on this thing... Heres the free cab and parts I have layn around as well. Sectioned 8" out of the coe hood. Prepin for firewall.
The Caddy used long *** torsion bars. I found that an AWD Astro van had 36" torsions in front. To move them to the rear, I got a Bravada/Blazer torsion carrier only to find the Astro had two different sizes of hex on either end. The smaller hex fit stock Caddy control arms, but the opposite end required another run to picnpull for a full size Tahoe carrier and keys. Had to shorten the Tahoe, but she now sits on her own. Gonna make the brackets to mount it up. Steering goin on. Had to move the shaft over 1 1/2" to make joint work. Time to center gauges.
This is great! It's only metal, if it's in the way move it or alter it. That scares off 90% of the people thinking about a project. Looking good.
Have you considered hydraulic rear steering? I have built a system before and it worked really nice. Very nice build you have goin on...you have done some good work. Steffon
Thanks gents...still pickn at it. Steffon its crossed my mind a few times, but im not sure of the advantage v.s. the work/money involved. I'm lookin to run a 10"/12" rim on the rear out near the fender so I dont think enough gain could be made. The wheelbase is vertually that of the longbed plus a couple so it should turn fairly well.
Brakes... Because of the short hood and quick curve of corners, I have only 12" from firewall to inside of hood. Have to sink booster and run it on the wrong side of the column to fit. Requires the pedal to jump over the column to work.
Original brake lines on master are crimped so I could apply pressure to pedal and the booster moved some...factory bracket had a stud on it for a reason. I made a cross mount to attach to it and shes solid as a rock now. Comin soon...chop that top.
More, more, more PLEASE. I love your work and can hardly wait until the next picture and I'm sure I am not the only one. Donn
Got a little more done. The COE hood I cut up was from a '54. It appears the ends of these curved down on the ends...I need them straight.
Gotta make fenders. Reshaped piece I cut from original fender. Need to fab a new radiator support and need to know where it goes. Needs a little hammering but it looks like it'll work out. Need to section the corners and drop them under the hood to make grill fit right. Got both fenders cut now. Nose really looks short dont it? This pic really looks odd...this is why the name LOWFAT JUNK fits. The chop will really change the look!
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