Like everybody, I'm always itching for a future project. I'm looking for opinions as to what I should start on once I've got my current ride squared away. My automotive tastes are quite varied but based on the bits and pieces I've gathered, plus the cars that have held my attention lately, I've got it narrowed down to three possibilities: Economy rod: Gas prices stink, and they'll probably never get better. I've already got one hot rod gulping down premium fuel as fast as it can, so building something lightweight with a smaller engine seems like a good idea. For this I'm picturing a Model T touring car, fenderless, sitting on top of a T-bucket style frame, rather like the one in the latest issue of Hop Up except with a full, four-piece hood covering one of Fat Hack's patented 2.8L 60 degree V6s. The rest of the drivetrain would consist of an automatic overdrive and an open-drive Model A banjo. A tribute to Isky: Ed Iskenderian's '24 roadster is one of my all-time favorite hot rods and most certainly is my favorite T. The turtle deck with the full supports, the wire wheels and the stance really pull it together. I'm thinking of fibregl*** body parts on a tube ch***is replicating a set of Es*** rails, postwar Ford suspension, a Farmall tractor grille shell, a 283/Saginaw combination and dropped floorboards for extra footroom. 1960 Corvair G***er: When I first posed the question of putting a Malibu ch***is/floorpan under an Early Model Corvair, I was severely chastized by the Corvair community for not using their VW like technology. Hell, people with Corvair-powered dune buggies didn't get the kind of flack I did. At that point I decided that my revenge should be a solid-axle g***er, sort of like the popular Chevy IIs and Falcons but with a different bodystyle. For this build I would use a tube frame, 327/Muncie, dark gray primer, gloss black wheels with caps and rings, and piecrust slicks. In fact, if you read Chevy Rumble the gray '55 g***er on the cover is a lot like what I've been envisioning.
haha, I knew you were gonna hate me for changing my mind. Fact is, though, that I like Corvairs just as well as Falcons and I can get them cheaper.
You have a list and you want them all. I bet you don't want to wait years to drive the first one. The Corvair and Isky clones would take time and $$ to do "right". The economy car could be done fairly quickly and cheaply (I'm thinking something along the lines of Clark's 999 Special). I'd do the cheap, quick one so I could ride while I saved the $$ and collected the parts for the other two. JH
I've been thinking of the economy ride too......something for everyday driver.... A coupe on A frame Iron Duke or v860 (whatever is good on gas) light as possible, use some of what I already have for running gear, something with OD etc.... They all sound cool!
Are you looking to build a daily driver (if so build for economy), trad rod that will undoubtedly get respect for it's purpose (if so build the tribute rod), or just a fun car that will satisfy your thirst for spiting uptight club members (if so build the g***er) It's really what you want, you might not be happy with what other people choose. rjb edit: Harrison makes a very good point. I would be inclined to do the same.
See, the thing is that I ultimately want all of them, it's just a matter of what comes first and on what I concentrate. Just wanted to hear some outside views, rest ***ured that the ultimate decision will be mine.
corvair g***er would be awsome....economy pwred traditional rod would be cool too ok, wich one of these builds meets your current need? vs. which one do you dream about the most?
IMO you gotta go with the Corvair G***er man. Such a cool idea! Can't wait to cruise around in it years from now.
Dave, Build them all simutaniously. When they are done try each one out and see what tickles your fancy. Store the other two for when you get tired of your first choice. As you tire of each one Ebay it to fund your eventual retirement to a south sea island where you'll forget you ever heard the words HOT ROD. It all sounds so simple to me, tell me where I've gone wrong. Frank
I was checking out the Isky roadster in person tonight.... Absolutely no room behind that wheel.... But man is it cool! It has my vote.... but geez $$$$ to do it right. HyFire
I voted for the "Economy Rod". Much like my current project. I'm using ann Olds 215 and a 700R-4. I've also got a complete dropped axle front end, a F1 steering box, and a 9" axle housing with axles and brakes. An, a cast aluminum six guage dash insert. All I need now is a body (what ever comes first) and some rectangular tubing for a frame. I think you could follow the economy format and build a car that is faithful to the Isky "style."
I've been leaning that way, as it looks like it's a minimum $5000 investment for a touring car, whereas roadster parts can be had for around $800 (I'm not too proud to use 'gl***!). Definitely gonna need a hood, though.
The Jalopy Journal
