Hot Rods The ultimate sleeper! (Repost with Ryan's approval)

Looking for a HAMB FRIENDLY 1965 or older 2 door post car, for a sleeper. Please stay on topic!! I recently, through trade, came into a very healthy sbc. I suppose that puts me in a position to need a chassis. I really want a sneaky pete, unsuspected car for this project. I dont want the typical suspects, i need something that looks undoubtedly slow, that is capable of being deceptively fast!

Thanks again Ryan for allowing the repost!

 

Studebaker Lark

Better yet a Lark pickup.

 

If you didn't already have the SBC, I'd say Valiant...Wagon. Maybe a Nova Sedan or Wagon? How about a Rambler or later Studebaker wagon.

 

Plymouth Valiant.

 

1962 Rambler Classic 2 door sedan.

Even better, the 1962 Rambler Ambassador 2 door sedan.

Good luck finding one.

 

Lark. The last ones came with SBC's.

 

There's a great priced Buick Skylark ('64 I think) on Columbus Ohio's Craigs List.

It would make a perfect sleeper and they'll go $500 UNDER asking price.

It even has original '64 rally wheels on it.

good luck

chuck

 

I like the Lark idea there still around and can be bought fair a guy in town has one with a 500 cad mill and will run real hard.

 

Here ya go


http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto/3498188601.html

 

It's already been mentioned so I'll just throw a picture up here. Look at that beautifully sweeping B-pillar but it still looks slower than the Slowsky family!

 

Whatever car you get, there are some elements that help create the sleeper image. Basically, you want it to look and sound like Grandma's car, but still be able to hook and move like a bat out of hell. Here are some things I would do:

1) Four doors or wagons are the best for the job, especially wagons (weight transfer/traction) A roof rack is icing on the cake.

2) A full framed car is the easiest to swap a bigger engine and driveline into.

3) Dull paint job.

4) Blackwall tires with something like drag radials on the back with the lettering not prominent.

5) Dog dish hubcaps on all four wheels.

6) Quiet, yet unrestricted exhaust system, with one tail pipe out the back and one hidden underneath, so it looks like single exhaust.

7) AAA bumper stickers and some of those stick figures in the back window with Dad, Mom, 4 or 5 kids, and a few dogs and cats displayed. A bumper sticker that says "I love my Yorkie" will complete the image.

8) A NOS system with a steath purge location.

9) Some super deep gears, like 4:88's, because you don't want to be running at 140 on the street, you just want enough launch to put lengths on the guy in the next lane and then you can get out of it.

10) Dirt. Do not wash the car often.

11) Lighten the car. Find 1,000 places to remove one pound each. Eliminate non essentials like heater, ac, wipers, back seat, etc.

Don

 

I have 2 rambler american 2door late 50's round bodys that you could pick from, or both if you want. PM me if interested.

 

1960 Datsun unibody pickup....always wanted to build one?

 

My Lark. Came with a 170 inch 6. Left with a 383 SBC. Fooled lots of BMW drivers. But they are pretty stupid anyway.

 

This is what I would do.

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/3507432149.html

 

This:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=GSZ05X3H-xE

 

Badshifter beat me to it.

Its been done in Oklahoma with a C10 pickup and a 502 big block, but it sure gives you something to shoot for, and its a 2-door . I saw it last summer in Salina at the KKOA, and in September in KC at Greaserama.

fast forward to 1:00 on the first video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH9tA46Fj1Y&list=FLUTmM3ZwvtalRWiyKlLYndQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcPHHEea3lE
http://jalopnik.com/5297014/oklahoma-home-of-the-sleepiest-sleeper-truck-ever

Bill

 

How about a Falcon? All the subframe connectors and go fast goodies available cheap, they are real light, and usually (no offense) thought of as the wifes/girlfriends car.

 

This is my weapon of choice, although mine doesn't look anywhere near stock anymore...

 

As mentioned prior, a station wagon is always a good candidate. A mid 50's caddy would be different but they're pretty hefty. Don't overlook a truck. Seeing mention of a Datsun reminded me of a time about 17-18 years ago an idea my dad toyed with. He had a 396 and 4 speed out of 65 Caprice and there was a 64 or 65 Mercedes in the local classifieds dirt cheap. Thought about getting it and sticking the 396 in it but it never came to be.

 

...spot on! .... and bumper guards and gas filler door guard

 

Many years ago,a friend had a corvair with a custom chassis with a mid engine set up.327 with an automatic tranny.Made a pretty good sleeper.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

Willys Aero

https://www.google.com/search?q=195...QH8noG4BA&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1677&bih=934

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3428235397.html

 

on Kansas City craigslist Cars & Trucks For Sale by Owner: 64 Mercury Comet 4 Dr/289 -
$1250 and 1951 Crosley Station Wagon - $2000. also, check towing company lots for oddball rides that they have For Sale.

 

Checker Taxi........

 

Some great ideas here. I vote Valiant or Lark . . . just didn't get any more lame than that in the '60s unless it was some foreign POS.

 

Good thinking Skip!

 

Great Pointers! Thats the kinda info i was after for the sneaky pete side of the build!

Can you even jam a sbc into one of those little things?!?!

I really like this idea. Is this a full frame car already?

 

Gotta go with Don on this one and as the jalopy joker pointed out, that '64 Mercury is very unsuspecting. I believe that to the toughest point to genuinely pull it off. And that platform should do the job given the massage, and chassis parts are readily avaliable.