where do I start?

I'm looking for advice on a starting point for my build. I want to make a traditional hot rod that's lower than stock without using airbags. I would like to do a body drop. No chopping the body. I have the cab (early 35 dodge brother KC) I have a 350 SB that I want to use. Planning on a T5 tranny and a 9" rear. I want to build my own frame. That's where the questions begin. I have a full 1936 BD KC that I'm going to be working on also. I was wondering if I should copy the 36 and mod to fit the build or make a straight frame? No IFS. Still up in the air about leafs or coils in the rear. I would imagine coiled in order to get the correct ride height. so can you point me in the direction of mag articles or web links that can show me a good starting point. I don't want a lot of rework on the frame. I know there's going to be some but I want to avoid rookie mistakes. Should I wait till I get the tranny and rear to start the frame? Is there an how to book? Every search I do on the web points me in the wrong direction, usually to a chassis shop to buy one. Thanks for your help!

 

mini truckers do body drops. HOT RODDERs channel thier cars.

that's a lot of questions.

 

Do you own a quality welder and know how to use it? If not, that is where you should be starting. Especially If you plan on building your own frame.

As for lowering a chassis read this http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=77654&highlight=stepping

This is for a model a, but the general ideas will carry over to your build. I'd also recommend buying the Verne Tardell Av8 book

Good luck

 

Okay "channel the body".
Yes I have access to a good welder. And I know how to use it. I weld for a living.

 

Here's some pics of the chassis I use to do this. If you sweep Z the chassis like this it will put that sucker in the weeds and still have enough ground clearance to drove it on normal roads.






This chassis is based on a '35 Ford but the Dodge style body will fit nicely, (only about 1 1/8" difference), you'll never notice.

Let me know if you need dimensions.

Have fun! and keep us posted.

 

Also Suicide35, you're in Appleton, WI. You should attend Cheaterama in Milwaukee, WI this Saturday Aug. 25. There will be a lot of traditional hot rods there. Talk to the guys about their builds and get some inspiration. Lot's of knowledge there and people that are willing to give you ideas. Most likely I'll be there with my Model A.

 

If you want to build your own frame, I'd go to Amazon and search for "Hot Rod Chassis" and you'll find quite a few books.

 

I agree with Speedon. It sounds like you need to attend some events and study some of the cars that sit the way you like in person. Crawling around on your belly under a bunch of cars will give you a lot of info (some good, some bad).

 

Thanks for all of the info and advice guys! I was at the Symco shakedown and got a good look at some frames. I'm hoping to make it to cheaterama. I will definitely talk to some of the guys there. I'll keep you posted on my project.

 

I will be the guy directing in traffic at Cheaterama. I can help you get in touch with anyone there.
Jack