HELLO, new here and have a few ?'s

hello all,I have been into Muscle cars since I have been driving,but am wanting to go a different direction with something older. a friend of mine just bought a '41 Plymouth Bussiness coupe project and now I want something very similar. his is all apart and I am thinking I want to build one less the front fenders with exposed engine. I have been searching the web looking to see one like that to get ideas, but have not found one example. any one have photos of a built fenderless early 40's coupe? also,what front suspension would look/work best in a fenderless application? thanks,Tom.

need to clarify what I want; probally should have said front clip-less. nothing forward of the cowl except engine and grill. does that sound more feasable? I hhave a few engines I have ac***ulated though the years that need to be in this kind of application. again,thanks and any ideas/pictures of this example appreciated,Tom

 

40s coupes don't look good without fenders, that's why you haven't found any pics. if you want fenderless think late 20s or early 30s.

 

theres tons of photos in here some where, try doing a search and if your car is going fenderless, a straight axel is the only thing that will look right! what are you thinking a g***er inspired rod?

 

i say GO FOR IT!
do what ever your lil heart desires!!!!!

a 41 plymputh would look so *****in done up fenderless!!!!!

i want to build a 69 camper special Ford pick up..ranger?(with the camper shell) done up RAT ROD style myself......i think it would look cool "MURDERED OUT" like Rob & Big do it!!!

 

I'll get the popcorn... maybe even order a pizza.

 

search back issues of STREET RODDER or some other magizines and you will eventually find something similar. this build style was popular with the street ro crowd a few years ago,kind of a fad thing i think. look mostly at event coverage and youshould find something.
good luck with your build ,and don't let anyone else discourage you from doing something that is outside the norm.

 

I think this guy sounds like a good guy, and probably smart too......lets educate more than RIPP, shall we?????

 

Ol' Stool rods is your place for something like that.

 

All your tags say "I wanna Hemi", and when this guy comes on with a bio saying full-time Hemi guru last 25 years, you can't discourage him fast enough.......WTF ????????

 

Tom, welcome to the club. My best advice is sit back, and read. Look over the forum and check out the builds, before you dive in. Take notes and learn.-MIKE

 

Ive Seen Alot Of Old Timey Late 30s Early 40s Dirt Track Carswith Out Fenders

 

Morning all, I agree with Mark in japan, less sarcastic info and more helpful info may stear this gentleman in the right direction.

I say if you are going to go fenderless with project like this make sure you chop it as well. Have it sit fairly low with a slight rake to it. I would also suggest that if it is going to different such as this, you build one baaad a$$$ motor to make naysayers eat their words. Oh, and always think quality.

You will get a lot of rat rod talk from guys around here. (Which is fine in my book) But many are offended I guess... By quality I don't mean just throwing a bunch of used old parts together and have it look like nothing belongs. Try fihure out what you really want from the car, make a plan.

I believe just the other day someone on here actually made up a spreadsheat using Excel to detail out his build. List parts, who was doing what, and costs etc. It was pretty cool.

I'm done rambling... Good luck!
ROb

 

I say if you want a fenderless car you may have to choose wisley because they can look funky if not done correct but it is ultimatley your decision and there are alot of people on here that will give you **** but it is your car so do not worry about making anyone happy or building up to someone elses standards. As long as it's SAFE and you like it by all means build it. But if you are going fenderless I would recomend some type of straight axle.

 

There was a local guy here that did something like this several years ago - when my buddy was describing it - all I could think of was "yuk, it can't possibly look good" THAT THOUGHT dissappeared as soon as I saw the car. It was mildly chopped, lowered, blended lines BIG CADDY ENGINE. It was VERY COOL and definitely showed some thinking outside of the box. Been too long for me to remember any details, but I definitely say it can be done and done well. Think it through - you'll get it.

Good luck

 

Best I can do is a 39 4 door sedan with out a motor and still supporting rear fenders. Or a picture of my 39 coupe you can photoshop. There is also a pict on here of a 38 Desoto stockcar, along the lines your thinking, look for the thread ***led "My 38 Desota stock car" Gene

 

For a FNG his post is way better than the other FNG that wanted to raise his 77 ford truck up to look like a g***er.

 

CLARIFICATION I should have described what I am after as "FRONT CLIPPLESS". nothing forward of the cowl except engine/radiator.just want an exposed engine.sound more feasable? any pics/ideas of this example appreciated,thanks again,Tom.

 

Hey there- Welcome to the board. As someone in the same position as you I understand where you're coming from. I've built many muscle cars and many antique/vintage motorcycles, so I've got the skills, but when it comes to the hot rod stuff, I feel like I could use a little schooling. Its very different from restoring a 60's muscle car or building a custom 30's-60's Harley or Triumph. Theres tons of info here and lots of guys that know their stuff. You'll find that lots of them will gladly share everything they know with you. Sadly, others will tell you how dumb you are so they can feel smarter. Build what you like!

 

A lot of people don't care for that era of car without fenders. But you are building it for you and not them. Anyway, I'd look at as many pictures of similar cars that were run as stock cars with little or no front sheet metal. It will give you some prospective on how it would look. Then figure out what you would change.

 

I would say if you have to ask, it would likely be better to take your time and find a pic of a car that is exactly what you want, or very close, then build a copy or a spin on the idea.

Spend some time looking at pics of similar cars that are available to get some ideas. A 37 or 40 Ford search for example will bring up a ton more pics that will give you a basic idea of what looks like your dream versus what could be a lot of money spent on a nightmare.

The first thing that came to my mind with your comments was the same thing a few other guys said... Some form of vintage stock car style looking vehicle. But I am not sure that is what you are saying.

Take some time and do some homework before you dive in.

Good luck.

 

best statement i have heard all day.