I took some better pics today. I was hoping you guys could help identify the parts that were used to make this "rat tractor". I'd like to get some nice used rims and tires, then work on getting it running. Problem is I don't know what rims to look for! I don't know much so feel free to tell me what you think. It has 2 shifters... what? I ***ume it is for a high/low for the rear end? I am going to need to go through most (all) of this so it would help to know what is here. (also any thoughts on what will need to be done) x
What you are looking at is two 3-speed transmissions mounted one behind the other. This gave incredible power to the rear axle, as with both ******s in low gear, the output at the second ****** shaft would be 9:1 ratio as opposed to 3:1 ratio with only a single transmission. (it also gave the possibility of 3 speeds in reverse). The biggest problem with these things was that they were so light in weight it was almost impossible to get them to "hook up" for traction to pull any kind of a load. I actually built one very similar to what you have about 1958 or 1959.
I know... I hesitate to call it a rat. I am tired of the term as well. It is not really a doodle bug, as that was a kit that was sold to make one of these at home. (guess this is a knock-off doodle bug?) This is kind of a rod as it will be drive on the road. There is a law here that lets people drive "tractors" on the road. So, if I can get this working... I am gonna drive it down to the tavern for a cold one (I live in a small town, people are cool, they will love it)
I've got one of those! When my pop died we were cleaning out his garage, he had spare parts for every car he'd ever owned in his life! On a shelf up the back was the horn, (the brand is 'Broadcaster' by the way) and the wind deflectors off his 1926 Pontiac tourer (phaeton) he owned back before WW2. He'd pulled the horn off to get it fixed, and sold the car before he got a chance to put it back on, so he stuck it in the garage on top of the deflectors he'd forgotten to give the buyer, in case he ever needed it... I's now on a shelf in MY garage! And yes, it's still on top of the deflectors too! Cheers, Glen.
Rear axle is a Ford TT Truck unit, but the rear wheels are from something else, note the two different brake drums. Rear crossmember looks like a Model A Ford item. I like the flipped front axle. Check the tops of the headlights for any makers names, they are a GOOD item!
There is nothing on the lights, I know those were the second pair that they used. The first was stolen. I need help guys... what rims do I need to find for this? I am going to cruise this thing... no doubt but I think it will have a 1 drink limit. I am 99.9% I'll get pulled over on my mission. (I think I'll be fine if I am not drunk) What about the 2 ******s, will this thing run at "normal" sppeds? (I can see doing more than 40 while sitting up on a metal tractor seat) More info guys!!!
When the 2nd ****** is in high gear (1:1), you don't know it is there other than the extra gear lash and rotational inertia.
You could easily turn it back into a car. Maybe even a speedster. Definately one of a kind. I'd flip the axle back over, maybe even see if you could have it dropped. Then you could redesign that whole back end with a different diffy more suitable. Lots of potential. Much more interesting than another Ford or Chevy.
The second transmission is a chevy pickup 4 speed...has a provission for a PTO on the side of it. Take it out. It's only there to give the tractor super low gears for pulling implements and it'll cause a parasitic drag against an already low performance flathead 6. Believe me...you don't need it. I believe the front axle is the old original 29 Poncho, flipped upside down to get more clearance. I have no idea what modern brakedrums and hubs will bolt up to those spindles but possibly some later [30s or 40s] pontiacs may bolt up. Measure the spindles and compare against some more modern pontiac pieces. If nothing works, maybe swap the entire front axle for a 50's chevy pickup and run 49-54 chevy p***enger car 5 lug front hubs/drums ....it's been done many times. I'd also junk the old Model T rear axle and I think I'd swap in any pontiac axle from 37 to 58....or a 55-57 chevy rear axle to match your new front bolt pattern.... just me.
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