I'm newly subscribed and new at using the system so excuse any errors. I am attempting a project with a '40 Chevy coupe to more or less replicate an early NASCAR dirt (or asphalt) modified street rod. I was inspired by Terry Kamp's '36 depicted in 8/2012 Hot Rod, which is a first cl*** build. Mine will be more "coach cl*** or standby" as I hope to do all myself and to do so on a limited budget. Any advice as to front end, rear end, suspension etc. and parts availability use as front straight axles, coilovers, etc, would help me move forward. No particular timetable, other than I promised Sue I would complete the '72 C-10 first. Progress is being made on that front as well. I will probably build my own frame and cage. Also, I have a complete set of '40 coupe fenders with headlight buckets and hood sides for sale. Detailed pictures of anyone's similar completed projects would offer great guidance. Also, information about spring rates and whether rear leaf springs or coilovers would be more "appropriate" traditionally. Thanks for any input. Tom in Maine
Welcome from Woburn, MA! Check out Shaun1162's thread. He's got a real vintage modified dirt car on the road & legal down in NH. I've seen it up close. It's pretty darn cool! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=707009
Thanks for the headsup Patmanta! In wandering, I had actually gone through that thread and liked what I saw. My situation differs slightly in that I have a complete car and am going in that "other direction" which probably includes building a rect. steel tube frame and figuring out the suspension on my own. I think I prefer a straight axle to be more true to the time period and maybe leaf springs in the rear for the same reason. I have found many racing vintage coupe, all seemingly a little different, so I leaves a lot the ponder. I really need to score some advice on spring sources, spring rates, and spindles. I have no idea what spindles to use to be compatible with wide 5 hubs, which I hope to use. Have to start somewhere. I will contact Shaun to see if he has any info. If he's in NH, he can't be far away from where I am! Tom
Hello From S.P. sounds like you got an interesting project, good luck. I am a fan of vintage modifieds along with sreet rods really not much difference. LOL Get a Speedway Racing catolog it has the parts you are looking for. There was at one time a bolt or weld on, to early Ford spindle, adaptor for floating hubs for wide 5 race hubs.Post pictures so we can watch the build.
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