Hi. I bought a Model A project and want to make it a really low rat rod and have looked at many on the internet and have noticed that most of them have a Z'ed rear frame. I cant do it myself or even know a shop that will. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated. A price would be good too. I would ofcorse help the entire time as well. I 'm not the "drop it off and let me know when your done" kind of guy. I want to learn as well. Thanks all and take care! Chris
Dont take this the wrong way................. Go buy a welder and a sawsall. It is going to be difficult for you to build your dream "rat rod" with out these two tools or the skills to use them. I had never welded a thing before I started my project. My fatherinlaw loaned me his welder and he and my brotherinlaw gave me plenty of pointers and I now feel pretty confident welding most things. Go buy some tubing and practice. When you have the tubing stepped like you would like your frame, start on the frame. Weld tubes across the fame in front of and behind where you want to step it on the top and bottom then cut between. This will keep the frame from springing out of shape. If nothing else just tack it all up you the way you like it and take it to a welding shop to have it welded. You will benefit greatly from learning a few things rather than paying for them. Take the money you would use to pay to have it done and invest it in some tools.
I just realized that your signature reads, "street rods are built not bought" It looks like you may be a little confused. I also read your profile. Can you please explain the custom escort you spoke of, just curious.
Greatb advice. You could also do a mock-up frame outta 2x4's. DirtyT did this a few months back and even did a post on it. Wood practice is cheaper than steel practice.
I can Z your frame. But unless you can weld and fabricate, you are going to need to do a lot more than just that. David
there was a post earlier on vern tardell frame drop... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77654 this is the easiest, almost idiot proof way i have ever seen. not super radical though.
Yep, he's confused... and he's on here asking for help in "rat rodding" something... boy is he in the wrong place...
How many uptight pricks are there on here? The kid wants it done right but wants to be there to HELP & LEARN. WTF, cut the kid some slack. You all would be the first to bitch if the kid did it alone and wrong. Jeez, we all started knowing zip and learned from others in one form or another.
Gotta' chime in with grumpy....Give the kid (or man) a break. Kid if you need advice, please don't hesitate to pm.....this ain't high tech....but ya' need to hit the marks right the first time Pat
More than enough to give a loudmouth newbie shit... And I mean you this time... Maybe step back and figure out where you are....
I know where I am, Smack dab in the middle of the lions den, and I am strutting around just like you.
no you're looking like the ass you are. walk in my garage like that and I'll slap the grin right off your face You need check yourslef before you wreck yourself....
This is the stuff i used to read before i ever loged on and thought oh shit what a bunch of ass holes ill never post anything or screw with that place, nothin like breakin em in early. its a lot more calm on here than it ever has been.
Nope..NOT confused. I ment it in a way that ANYONE with a big checkbook can go out and buy a nice new fiberglass body, TCI chassis, LT1 crate engine, a set of Foose wheels, bolt them together and have someone toss some interior in it. I want to be able to to as much of the work myself even if it cost me more. BUT I dont have the know how to Z a frame and I want it done the right way. Like I said..I dont want to drop it off and get it done. Hell if I could just have someone stand next to me and tell me what to do that would be best. As for this custom Escort.. I have a 98 Escort ZX2 that is underconstruction and will be done in the spring. It has a fully fiberglass molded rear( bumper to body, tail lights shaved, trunk shaved, frenched antenna) as well as molded in ground FX on the sides, I am also moddifing my own hood as well as making my own front bumper like I have done in the part with fiberglass. The interior I have done myself which is a fully fiberglassed and painted dash and door panels, dimond plate floor mats. It is also lowered 4 inches on 18 inch wheels ( I also needed to "roll" the fenders to get them to fit.) Anything else you need to know?
well, it stays in the family, short, round, furry headed with great big d!cks. whenever there is a good dick waving prick fight, i am there!
no you're looking like the ass you are. Thanks, I work at it. walk in my garage like that and I'll slap the grin right off your face Where would I find it? You need check yourslef <oops, spelling error before you wreck yourself....Crash and Burn, then rise from the ashes and amaze the ladies. You know, if we keep going like this, I'll be a grenade inspector real quick.
grumpyblues= The only people I know who claim to be "40 year old brats" are the fucking 5 '0 clock shadowed TRANNIES That plague this awful city... You MIGHT think you're witty, funny and clever,,,,,,, But you aren't. Stop typing.
It is amazing how those who shovel it on here are the first to try to stop someone else. My posts in this thread are no different than the ones most of you have left in other places. Only I am villified for sticking up for someone who had the balls to ask a question and got flamed. I understand jerking a guys chain and having a little sarcastic fun, but when I think it crosses the line I will say so. If my actions are so bad then the moderators can take my rights away. But then I will know I stood up for something and someone, like a true hot rodder.
I have a frame jig all setup for an A frame. Used it to Z mine. If you want to bring your frame over we could do it here. Just a thought. I'll be refixturing the jig soon to do my 32 frame so let me know if your interested.......Mike
first off he didn't get flamed for the question, he got a couple of good answers, and offers of help. He caught shit for the "street rod" comment in his sig, and the "rat rod" comment in his post and the custom escort in his profile. Both worthy of flaming, but alas that wasn't flaming. You went and got you panties all in a wad over it and acted like just another internet asshole. If you would have lurked a bit you would have gotten an idea of what the HAMB is. But you felt the need to live up to your sig "Oh yeah, I can be that stupid!". Maybe if you take your meds you might get it, This place has been here a while, and it's like a bunch old friends hanging out in a garage and you just walked in the door and started running your mouth. Nobody crossed any line but you. You are the new guy. And you have the nerve to talk all this smack, maybe you should try the Old School Rodz board, then you can talk smack with all the toughguys...
Well, That post took a turn........ I'd be happy to spend some time showing you how to z a frame and helping you with it. A lot of these jobs seem kind of intimidating till you've done it once. Problem is, I'm in Montana. The offer stands. Maybe someone closer will offer a hand instead of bullshit.
Hang in there Smurph, Being a FNG too, it is good to sit back and try to search for previous topics. There is a shitload of info in the archives. Good Luck.
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