Hot Rods Need help getting started

..if it were mine I'd go 283/glide, 9", drop'd axle, leave the body/fenders as is, enjoy.

 

Yea I am pretty excited about this thing being in the family for so long. I would like to trace the title back to new if anyone knows a resource for that. There is a chance it has been in the family since new.

Also the process you have described sounds a lot like what I have in mind. Don't think I want to pony up for a crate motor, but I also inherited an 03 Expedition that I am considering pulling the motor and trans out of. It is the 5.4 with the 4r70w trans. They inexplicably turned the title in to his estate and closed it out. I thought about selling it, but I called the DMV and they said it is now listed as a scrap car, and it's just not worth jumping through all the hoops to get it retitled. Not sure that I'd want to use either of those in this car, but there is a "speed shop" pretty close to me that takes old engines in for a core charge and will sell a rebuilt one for a pretty fair price. I've got a lot to figure out lol.

 

I'm glad to see you're thinking it through - that's important.
I also agree with some of the other comments regarding the channel. That would be a lot of work, and there are other less invasive ways to get it low. It won't have that channeled look, but probably much quicker in getting it on the road and enjoying it as a driver.
Enjoy the process, and good luck!

 

I need to look through some more threads on here to see some different cars that have not been channeled vs channeled. Tons of info on this sight, I just need to get better at finding it. One problem is I don't know what I'm looking at as far as z, channel, axle drop until someone tells me lol, so a picture with no description doesn't help much.

 

Your profile is not filled in much,so don't know age you grew up in. Kind of sounds like ya got car bug like most of us{that's a good thing I think. The two photos of "A"s ya added as what you think you like are a good start.
I'll put my 2 cents of thought on them; #1 The first pic of a very cool shiny black "A"=super cool well done car*****. #2 The next kind of off blue one. To me the not shiny paint and "burn the door headers" are signs the builder is short on history of how rods were done in Golden age of rods,50s n 60s. On a newer time frame the off blue one has the look of,what I call the "Bubble of BS about how it was" but was not; Flat paint ,headers that have salt lake race design/but used on the street were they burn the doors,carb stacks blocking site an crappy seats,an on some farm tractor front tires,things like that used out of place. Those off things are done by those that saw a photo or another rod that had also seen it done,yet didn't understand the why.
Only point is that the two photos show two very def. takes on rods. The guy with ,what I think is a bit off the mark newer kind of style? rod,is likely having a ton of fun also with it=That's the main thing,have fun,live an learn.
Engine you pick to use,also is a key part of look an time frame it fits ; That being said,many now days just go with a SBC{ small block Chevy V8}for good power that can be kept running at a lower $ cost. Doing that SBC V8,puts rod style in very late 1950s an 60+ . We see way to many SBCs used,I think.
I like early V8s better my self,the flatheads are very cool,but a pain in the ass to keep running,compared to Over Head Valve V8s that were used often in rods from late 1940s and on into the 1960s+.
Many early hot rodders picked the kind of V8,more because it was the one that was cheep to get with good power,vs the best made at the time.
Front axles are a key part of a nicely done rod. Keeping a early Ford axle under it is really good,but some mess them up,do too not learning how to do the set up right to start with. Some back in the day,didn't figure out how to lower the front end of there rod well,so did a dropped axle game of high heat an bend it* ;This did work,yet a bit risky an done a lot anyway !

Some rodders could engineer better an dropped front by being clever about it using a stock Ford axle,ending with a safer car. The late 1940s axles had some drop built in stock factory.
When I put my first rod to together in 1959,I used a 1948 Ford front axle{ it is stock factory with a 3 in. drop and a front spring that mounts out front of axle/not on top of it. So the design is lower to start with,as long as you fab your own front spring combo to keep it low. I'll post a photo of what I did. There is a lot of ways to skin a cat,many are used. Have fun

 

Im 28, have always had the car bug. Never thought much about cars this old until this one fell in my lap. The pics I posted were only to show the stance I like. I'm not really trying to make this look like something "period correct" from the 50's, just want it to look cool and be fun to drive every now and then on the weekends. Not planning on painting this thing at all if I can help it.

 

I don’t know how tall or big you are, you should sit a in a channeled car and see if it is something that would work for you, these cars are small.


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If it isn't already get the paperwork (title) straight BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING. It will have to be done and it is easier now than later. Also DMV taxes are based on the value of the car, which hopefully will go up as you work on it. Be sure you ride in a channeled car before you get out the torch.

Charlie Stephens

 

My point of view;;Not painting it. That would not be good,rust is rot... an looks like rot. Give it respect,clean it up. There are those that use a BS word "Patina" to cover up being to lazy to do it right,claiming they like the rot look=No its lazy ,it dose take more work at first to do it right,but looks better an last much longer. Don't fall in the BS primer is a finish hole ether=Shiny paint dose not cost more than primer,except if you get fancy. But dose take more work. Plan on having fun for a long time,vs short hall an not as much. Get to a point you can drive,dose not need to be finished,just drive,have some fun that way and doing so ,may get you up for finishing it nice so it will be fun for a much longer time. The're a lot of well done cars,that have not been cleaned up an left in primer,sure I like them as far as they got,but would be much better shiny.
Asking for help is smart,but try to learn too,even help put out that dose not fit the idea you started with.

 

Planning on getting that done this Friday. I am hoping they don't have to take the old title, I'd like to keep it if at all possible.

 

What someone gets on the new hamb is a little advice, and an ass load of opinions. I'm guessing english isn't your first language because I didn't see the word 'opinion' any where in his post. He asked for advice on achieving the look HE wants for HIS car, not opinions from people who want him to do the car their way. Quickest way I know of to get discouraged and bale on a car is to build it like somebody else wants you do it. That's what I've seen happen more times than not.

 

Try asking them if you can apply for a lost title (you can do this in California). Problem would then be how to get a signature on it. I assume the executer of the estate should sign it. You might want to take a copy of your grandfather's death certificate if there is one handy. But on the other hand, we usually overthink things here in California.

Best of luck and don't chop/channel it (just my opinion of course).

Charlie Stephens

 

That channeling and chopping stuff looks cool, but it is not easy, nor should it be attempted on that cool of car, by an inexperienced guy. Try chopping some junk car, first. It’s easier than most cars as it has straight posts. I had a young friend that bought a cherry 1951 Ford pickup, he had plans of a hot rod. Pulled the flat head and was headed to the junk yard with it before I caught him! I now have that flat head. He then started to “ chop” it, and cut it to pieces! he also pulled the fenders off it. After a while he realized he had bit off more than he could chew! It sat for a while in a pile. His mom said get rid of it! He loads it and hauls it to the scrap yard, selling it for weight! There is a moral in this sad story!








Bones

 

If the title was turned into the state it will need to be reconstructed and when I did that in CA it required lights, brake, and windshield certification as well as a VIN verification from the CHP AND that was in 1971. I'm sure the process is even more difficult now but as usual I could be wrong. Hopefully the OP lives in a state where the process is a bit less complicated.

 

This title was not turned in to the state, my mom has this one. She was the executor, so hopefully it is a non issue.

 

I love the direction you want to go. The 2 finished photos you posted are right up my alley. I for one will not try to change your mind. Being an Old Silver back I've done things more than one way and seen my share of Butcher jobs. You already know all the Buzz words so take the time to learn what each one takes to pull off as well as there trade off's. Personally I like a Trunk with some room. I also like a good ground profile, not big steps on both ends. You can't get my age and do as much stuff as I have without learning a few tricks as well as how to hide them. This photo of my Roadster has been posted here many times. It's a stalled project at this time.
The end result will be full fendered. The orange running board brace is 4-1/2" off the ground. The frame is totally flat front to back as is the floor. It is buggy spring both ends with closed drive axle and a dropped I Beam. I Channeled the body 6" and the motor compartment grew 6" in length while retaining a stock Model A wheel base. You will find many many links here on how to Channel your project. Most are a Total overkill using all kinds of square tubing, steel plate and angle iron. My line of thinking is that your not building a Freight Train, it's a Hot Rod. Proper gauge sheet metal does just fine. After all, the stock stuff was sections of Plywood and did just fine for all these years. I encourage you to follow your vision and don't hesitate to cut up the Best pieces you can find if for no other reason than it makes for less work.

 

Totally agree, don't turn it into a science project, keep it simple you'll enjoy it quicker and not worry yourself to death over it. BigO

 

What are your mechanical capabilities? Do you have any welding, body work, or mechanical background? Not to discourage you, but it is a lot of work to get your car to the point you want to. If you do most everything your self including building the chassis, you will end up investing at least 10 grand (ask me how I know). If you are willing to work hard and learn as you go, it is doable. If it is what you really want, and understand the hard work, I say go for it.

 

I believe that was the Late @Xderelicts Hotrod...

 

That car is so nice it screams full fendered hot rod circa 1959! I would keep that one the way it is for now and find a cheap coupe body if you truly want to build a car with a radical channel.

 

I'm with the guys that tell you to go and sit in a channeled rod like you want to build, or 2 or 3 of them. Go for a ride, or drive one (or more) around the block would be even better. Its pretty tough to build something, dump $10,000 + in it, then find out you can't drive it comfortably. Those are the rides you are lucky to get enough of your money back out of so you can build something that you can drive. Its a pretty expensive lesson. Gene

 

Great point Gene. These cars are small to start with. Channeling makes em tiny!

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I don't care what style he builds or what color. Just make sure you will still like it when it's done. Pink with purple wheels and slammed on ground or jacked 4x4, If it's not comfortable to drive then it's wasted time and money. Leave the clown cars for t.v.. You will be the one enjoying it ,so make sure you will.

 

First sorry to hear about your grandpa and looks like he left you a great little model A. I’m a big dude so channeled cars I dont fit into well but its a hotrod and I dont care if I am comfortable. I love the look of the car you have selected and col east coast style 50s hotrod.
Not know your location you and your idea of getting a base frame will get you going ahead of the game on such a build. The boiling bros is a fantastic choice Bleed Midwest fab also makes a good base frame and kinda gives us your location. I would talk to them and show what your finish project plan is or look. To me it looks like a 4 inch step in the frame in the front and 10 or so in the back . As it was said the front step is hidden in the one boards. You going to have to cut a number of the cross braces and nibble on the subrails . Good thing with a perimeter after market frame that your thinking about ordering it will make the job easier when locating the body on the new chassie. You will have to do a lot of measuring and cutting but looks like a nice solid body to start. If I may suggest build the rolling chassie as you mark up the body and remember the old saying “ measure twice cuss once” good luck with the build and the hamb will help you thru your question and unknown...

 

The examples you posted scream right coast to me. I fully endorse the black version.
My name is Bandit Billy and I approve of this message.

 

As you can see, you’ve garnered a lot of attention already. You’re starting a journey we all love.

I’m ‘Almostdone’ with a build of a ‘31 A coupe, so I’m with you on this.

#1) decide what YOU want to achieve - at least in general. You seem to have done that already.
#2) be realistic about what you can do in terms of money and skill. Lay out a plan for both. I was way off on money, but in the ballpark on skill. I’m learning a lot and loving it.
#3) decide what to keep and what to sell off. Don’t throw away any parts - someone will pay for them and it offsets your costs.
#4) don’t be in a hurry
#5) enjoy yourself.
#6) enjoy yourself.
#7) enjoy yourself.

The example cars are nice, typical East Coast style rods. Channeled but not chopped.

I suggest some basic books to help guide your decisions and pathway. Vern Tardel’s “Building a traditional model A” (not the exact name) and Gary Burger’s “How to build period correct hot rods”. I frequently go back to these books.

Lastly, enjoy yourself.

 

Your Coupe looks to be in great shape. To get started, I would suggest getting a good work space situated first. Put the car in there and clean it up. Once the car is cleaned up, evaluate the condition of the frame (from the condition of the car, its probably not all rusted through). Then check out the engine and see if you can get it running. After that you'll have the motivation to continue working on the car and getting it going. Have fun.

 

You are correct, I knew him and some of his club members. When I was 16, I put hydraulics on my car. People told me not to do it. 34 years later, they are still on there. Now everybody wants to put the modern version (air bags) on there cars. I wouldn`t of done it differently still to this day. He is 28. His is limber enough to drive the car. Let him do it. There is a guy named Ross who chopped and sectioned his Merc 35 years ago. He is still driving it a lot. He is 80 + years old. People told him not to do it either too I bet. Here is some inspiration with more pic`s to come.

 

Check out a few build that were done on the hamb like Sloppyseconds ,dreddybear and Evel all killer cars and outstanding examples of the style your going for.