Idea's on building a rat rod DIRTBALL cheap.....????

[greaseball]

....And ya know what?
I hate that term-

("Rat rod", "dirtball" is GOLD!)

BUT it does DESCRIBE what I'm thinkin' here-
Basically, a somewhat "traditionally" themed "HOT ROD",
with no regard for PERIOD CORRECTNESS
Strictly built on the DIRTBALL CHEAP!

(re: not LOW budget, NO budget!)

I'm thinkin' homebuilt body made from scrap metal?
Or maybe FIBERGLASS?
Or a cut-up JEEP?
Or maybe a cut down BUG body? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm looking for IDEA'S here folks-

I've been EYEBALLIN' my buddies 74 Datsun truck for YEARS now-
pluck that datsun body off an I might just have a perfect DONOR car??

What I should be doin' is HUNTIN' THE STICKS for FREE cars
Before I make any plans-

Basically, I want a POOR BOYS toy-
A strait BEATER-
But a BEATER with STYLE...
Something I can HILLCLIMB, and
FUCK UP-
without having to scratch my head on the
"RESALE VALUE"

You know....
What this hobby/lifestyle is about.....
FUN????????????

(Parts donations will be graciously accepted!)

[ray]

hell, build the datsun. early minis are about due for a comeback.

[SLAMIT]

When ever someone is gonna throw something away take it. YOu can either use it some day or trade it for something you can use someday. And then someday you will say why do I have all this shit in my garage. eventually you might have something to build a car out of.
SLAMIT

[1LOWCHIEF]

you know, that was kind of the plans I had... i have a mini truck that has been sitting dormant in my garage for 6 years now.. a Nissan Hardbody. i wanted to plant an A body onto the Nissan frame, utilizing the components already installed to make it lowered.. with a moderate channel (3 or 4 inches?) the body would be literally skipping over the pavement, with disc front brakes (that could easily be upgraded to a larger size)!

For the body, I wanted to find a decent cowl, and between that and a cetain f100 cab for a rear section do a shitload of bodywork and incorporate doors (cut down) and bedsides from the Nissan to incorporate the bodyline from the Hardbody truck onto a homebuilt A body (kinda)... so instead of the 'beltline; of a model A that protrudes fro mthe sides of the body, I wantd to mold the bodyline from a hardbody, which is an indentation. Im sure people would be freaking out over that one!

[Tim]

man one thing i couldnt stress enough ona cheep car

DONOR CARS!!!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

that is all

[greaseball]

1LOWCHIEF-
What year Nissan?
Fuel injection?

...And is it Morarity that has built 'glass bodies before?

(and on a side note, how hard is it to convert a fuel-injected engine that was never carberated into a carberated engine?)

[kyle paul]

a man my buddy tommy v has some bodys hes lookin to sell hes a new member he goes by ratt mann but he can nly get on when hes on my comp .well anywys if your interested let me no and ill ask him what he wants for them if you feel like breakin you rule and spend a little bit of cash http://photo.starblvd.net/speedy/4-1-3.jpg http://photo.starblvd.net/speedy/4-1-2.jpg .i think here both 1916 dodges. kyle

[Suede]

Im like you in that I find the term "rat rod" offensive. Ive felt that way ever since this yuppy down town bought 2 restored A's and wire brushed off all the paint and added dents and some primer and called them "rat rods". Neither of them had a single hot rod part on them, just lots of added "patina".

As far as the idea of building a low buck beater that still goes like hell, thats a great idea. Hot rodding was born from the idea of wanting to go fast but not spending a lot of money.

I picked up a freeby 65 galaxie 4 door with a rebuilt 352 fe mill, front end, brakes and rear end. Now im gonna dump the frame from my 52 ford pick em up truck and set it down on the galaxies shortenned frame. Ill have about 500 into this whole project, not counting the sum of 300 bucks I paid for the pick up. Not bad considering im keeping the 50 merc mill from the pickup for a future project.

[1LOWCHIEF]

[ QUOTE ]
1LOWCHIEF-
What year Nissan?
Fuel injection?

...And is it Morarity that has built 'glass bodies before?

(and on a side note, how hard is it to convert a fuel-injected engine that was never carberated into a carberated engine?)

[/ QUOTE ]

1st year Hardbody 1986.5 My mom bought it brand new..
and it has the TBI (throttle body fuel injection) 4 cyl motor with the 8 spark plugs (hasnt ran in 5 years though.. somehow I became CHEAP after sinkin money into the motor, cam header and such)

I became motivated afte seeing a EARLY 30's Ford (I think) truck on Ebay... it was on a "chopped" Nissan hardbody frame... hell, you can incorporate a Nissan Pathfinder v6 rearend that could prolly handle around 300 horsepower(or more) with disc brakes... 4 wheel disc brakes on a "rat rod"!! Im thinkin people would be shittin bricks!

[greaseball]

Can anyone suggest ways to get hooked up with a free car?
Places to look?
People to know?
Thanks!

[Suede]

What I do is look for stuff thats been sitting forever. Im sure you know of a few cars that youve seen parked or looking derelict in someones yard. Ive been given tons of cars just by knocking on the door and talking to the people.

[wideglide74]

Here's a KILLER basis for a home built "heap" I found this two weeks ago driving streets in a small town with my eyes wide open looking for tin... As far as where to find it, well you have to look. As far as free that's what friends are for and free generally obligates you to do something with your gift. I would prefer a good deal as oppossed to free... I have been fortunate and had the last month free to drive around and hunt for tin, I can honestly say that I have found more cars than I could ever want. They are out there and very close to home...

[mybeatupford]

i was thinkin about the same thing buildin a new rod outta just parts layin around or stuff i could get for cheap, i wanna build a bobber/chopper but damn harley motors and parts for them are way outta my price range, someone mentioned i should turn my honda 250 i got for free into a bobber or 60's chopper. i was wonderin what ya guys think about that idea?

[junkboy]

Hey Ball O Grease,

I have a buddy with a 27 T on a Chevy Luv frame http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Period correct?? Not http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Mean lookin', functional, and dependable?? Absolutely http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.

[gettingreasy]

Free stuff is the key, sell some parts and build a box tube frame, make a body outta a mazda pickup bed, free motor(datsun pickup motor would be sweet), and a free rear end. I gotta freind that has several old Courier pickups that I can see if he wants to part with. Shit when I move back home ina month I might thin out some crap I got layin around.
-Jesse

[Suede]

There was this cool little Shay model a coupe up north. It had been remotored with this 1982 toyota corola hemi four banger and five speed. That thing was awesome and it was fairly quick. Not exactly period correct but the guy bought the cars wrecked and had less than 3 grand total into it.

[junkboy]

Beat up Ford,,,,,,,,try an XS 650 Yamaha. easy to find. cheap as eggs, and dependable as hell. motor looks like a Triumph. Cut the exhaust and it sounds like a Triumph. Take some time to "erase" the Yamaha labels, and you'll have dudes who should know better askin' what it is. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[burndup]

Ditto on the XS. seen some pix of some of those bikes done up so PAINFULLY dope, makes you not even want a harley or a trump.

[greaseball]

Jesse, hook it up man!
You still got my number?
Still got a bike or two?
What about any extra gas tanks?

The dude with the trucks sounds SWEET!
Let me know when you are gonna get back and whatnot-

mybeatupford-
Here's one of MY favorite XS650's,
And what I'd consider doing with your bike-
Not "chopper/bobber" style by ANY means, but still vintage and way trick!

[Suede]

Hey greaseball thats an awesome bike! Thats given me a few ideas for my 70 honda 350.

[greaseball]

Anybody got any pictures of 'rods with "alternative engines"?

[fitzee]

Low buck!!Freebe`s!!Now we`re talking.The Nissan Hardbody`s are good for what your up to.I have had a few and notice that the frame rails are not too wide and the running gear is reliable.Front end can be lowered 4 inch with the turn of a bolt.As for the FI well you might run into some trouble setting it up with a carb,Them Nissans engines have all kind of BS on them to make them run.Not much work to use all the FI gear.Keeping the ride FI.As for a body.well there is lots of ideas out there.I look at all lines and shapes are car and trucks to get ideas.Making a body is one thing but I find that body lines makes the ride so I have seen rigs with nice lines.Mid 70`s ford trucks has a nice belt line that if turn around would look something like the 32 belt line,Chev Vans,S10`s and many other rigs have body parts that you can make bodys from.Just keep a open mind when looking at rigs.

I too are building one of these low buck rigs.I`m using a frame from a 49 Ford truck,Dash from a 55 plymouth,Front end out of a 39 Dodge.16 in steely wheels from the 39.Need to round up a rear end,Which is lining in the wood covered in snow,Get that the spring,then I`ll have a roller.As to date.I have spent Nil!!Not a dime.All from junk I found in the woods or off of some ones up dated rod project(front end and wheels).Here is a pic of what use to be my low buck parts chaser.In to it for around $1000 CANADIAN.LOL




fitzee

[ray]

really, unless you are talking a full fendered vehicle, i would forget the nissan type shit. all you are gonna do is fuck up another old body trying to stick it on one of those abortions. THINK about all the ugly shit on ebay thrown together with "free" parts.

if a cheap old car is what you need, get a lat 40's early 50's sedan or pickup, and a suitable donor car. you can be on the road for two grand, in a short time. no it ain't gonna be a deuce or model a, but you can build a dependable, COMFORTABLE daily driver, that someone else will actually be willing to buy.

examples...

49-54 chevy sedan + clapped out 70's camaro or nova...subframe, rearend, everything from the late donor will go into the 54.

4?-54 chevy trucks, or ford f-1 for that matter + s-10 donor frame, and a v-8 on the side. same story. i got such a project on the back burner, got a total of $1000 in the old truck and the donor vehicle, a rolled over blazer. after i got the donor vehicle, a "freebie" fell into my lap, another newer blazer with a blowed up motor...the exact v-6 motor i yanked from the donor in favor of a v-8, so i just threw together a few thousand dollar late model , so the truck will actually be free by the time i'm done. and the best part is, i got a practical parts hauler. drive something like this everyday and cool old shit will find you!

if getting your first cheap/free car sounds daunting, get something, anything, don't worry, they will start to breed! you'll have a half dozen donors sitting around in no time!

just go to the ghetto, look for v-8 rear wheel drive cars that haven't moved from peoples yards in some time, be ready to haul it off right away! generally the things that go wrong and baffle the owners are real simple for us to fix. they will be more than happy to make 50 or a hunny on a car than have to pay to have it hauled off.

[slazzen]

Free Car not running

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: buddah@cwnet.com
Date: 2004-03-03, 1:15PM PST


Free 78 Mustang hatchback, does not run and doubt you could get it to run so you will need to tow. Has not been moved in 10 years and has severe rust damage to the body; but lots of great parts. Interior is in excellent condition; seats, door panels, dash, etc. All windows are good, lights and covers, maybe even parts like tranny and engine but im no mechanic; never wrecked, just battery died and has sat in driveway rusting away. only had about 50,000 miles when parked. If interested call me; Brett at 415-850-3927 HERE IS A FREE DONOR

[gowjobs]

Okay,

I've always wanted to see somebody build a gasser-style chopped mail jeep with carbs through the hood and a mailbox for a scoop -- make sure the rear tires don't stick out past the fenders or you can't slide the doors open.

Frame donors? Suzuki Samurais (ESPECIALLY 2WD versions) are cheap with unsmoggable engines and feature running gear that can take punishment and disc brakes up front. Sidekicks/Trackers have a funky McPhereson strut front end, but the struts mount to the frame and not into the body, so it's still a viable option. With the multi-link rear and coil springs all around, it's easy to slam one.

A buddy who fields a '37 Chevy Legends roundy-round racer slapped a '37 Chevy p/u cab from the field at his ranch in Bakersfield down on a 1 1/2 ton Toyota Dually and now has a matching tow rig.

Look for old pickups as donors too... a rusted out mid-sixties International farm truck may make you money if there are any do-dads left on there to sell on eBay.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[ QUOTE ]
Can anyone suggest ways to get hooked up with a free car?
Places to look?
People to know?
Thanks!

[/ QUOTE ]

This one guy had a '57 Chevy Pick-up... alll you have to do is haul it away.
Do you want a free car, or a free running driving RAT ROD with tons of attitude that will have all the chicks screaming and the dudes jealous? The latter DON'T come FREE and without gettin' your hands dirty. Sorry. You know what to do- internet dreaming doesn't equal a car. There should be tons of freebies out on those farms if you just get to hittin' up some folks.

[4t64rd]

I had a 74 Datsun, the rails are straight, they run forever, the only problem I had was the tranny sticking out of gear. If you have access to a welder you can z the frame ends, and go from there.

[plan9]

[ QUOTE ]
There should be tons of freebies out on those farms if you just get to hittin' up some folks.

[/ QUOTE ]

greaseball has that innocent look... youd have no problem getting grandmammy and grandpappy to hand over owenership :P

[2tall2beahotrodder]

Been collecting for a pre 31 for about 2 years... Have 300 bucks in it, and almost can build a rod (sep body+frame and front axle)

It can be done... Hopefully soon for me..

steve-

[Germ]

HEY FAG, I sold you a SHIT BOX 57 ranchero for REALLY CHEAP, had around 2000 grand in pipes and suspension parts, the RADIATOR was 400 bucks bro,,,,,,

YOU SOLD IT LIKE A LITTLE COCK TEASE,
AND YOU came to MY HOUSE with fucking PINK HAIR, smoking some PRISON ROLL your OWN wino SMOKES,,,
I should have MADE you my CELL BITCH, but my JUNK was too tired from the LAP DANCES,,,, the "POOR BOYS" were giving ME... or was it BLOW JOBS???


I mean DUDE YOU and CARS, are LIKE the kind of SLUT who wont remove HER-HIS pants. Because "IT" doesn't want to SHOW OFF it's VAGINAL CLITDICK(tm)............. unless it can GO on the HOWARD STERN SHOW with FAT MIDGET dudes,,, with BUCKED teeth

I'm sure you DOUBLED your MONEY,, BUT if you WANTED a CAR you could have done the REST,,,,

The tranny was even REBUILT, I included some GASKETS for the LEAKAGE,,,,, AND EVEN TOLD you where to START,,,,,,
The SUSPENSION WAS PROPER, I EVEN CANDY PAINTED the fucking CONTROL ARMS.......
Just cause I was LOADED that day........

and the MOTOR ran PRETTY TITS, with REX HUTCHINSON heads on the FUCKING thing,, the HEADS were 600 bucks,,,,,,,,,,,

I sold you the CAR because I thought you were going to DO SOMETHING with it. But instead you "T-MANED" me PUTO,,,,,,,,,

It's FINE you SOLD IT and your GAY,,,,
I spent the 2500 on a LAWYER,who looked like DON KING, He even wore a civil rights suit.....
BUT

I have your FUCKING HOT ROD MODIFIED, ( the PARTS you TRADED) already MOCKED UP, and the DOORS CLOSE and OPEN, I fabricated the REAR PANEL, and it has a NEW 4 BANGER winfield head with SPEED EQUIPMENT,,,,,, It should be DOWN in WOODLAND in a few more months...

I will sell it to u READY TO DRIVE, for 11,000....????

Your CALL,,

I think the POOR BOYS are trying to MAKE their CLUB a GANG now.. and you can JOIN up with them, without even having a cars,,,

LEAVE THE SHITBOXES to us NEGROES, who have NOTHING else GOING FOR THEM,,,

The RANCHERO was a PILE of SHIT,
But the THINGS that WERE GOOD, were A GREAT START,,,,,,

LOVE,
GERM

[mybeatupford]

yeah that bikes sweet the one u posted, it gave me a great ideal on what to do with the seat for mine, yeah i think i'm gonna do something to it now for sure.

[Bigcheese327]

Daydreaming in class. Not too many new parts involved and a pretty cool ride when done, IMO.

1924 Ford roadster (new fiberglass)
'29 radiator shell (junkyard)
'35 wheels (have), Coker WW bias plies (new)
283/307/305 SBC (used)
- '54 Merc aircleaner (have), script valvecovers (have), 12V Gen (can get cheap)
- 600cfm Holley (have)
- cast iron spreadbore intake (have), carb adaptor (have)
- Ram's Horns (have), glasspacks (new)
- L79 cam (new)
- Points Distributor (used)
- Saginaw 3-speed (junkyard), overdrive (used)
1947 Ford front suspension (junkyard)
- split wishbone
- spring behind
1947 Ford rear axle (junkyard)
- swap tubes side-to-side
- torque tube shortened and sealed
- wishbones mounted to (fabricated) driveshaft loop
- Model A spring (junkyard)
1947 Ford cross steering (junkyard)
Guide headlamps (have)
- Model A headlight bar (used)
Chopped and raked windshield (new)
1947 wheel (have) and column w/shifter (junkyard)
Unidentified '30s dash (junkyard)

[Germ]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=324450&page=0& view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

You could go for the COLEMAN ALUMINUM BOAT SEARS rat rod FISHING section look? maybe you can use a RUNNING BOARD for a SURFBOARD RACK???
Add an IRON CROSS and your on your WAY to being in an AUTOZONE commercial,,,

How about a SQUARE STEERING WHEEL...??

I guess GUYS don't JACK OFF anymore DUE to the RUSH of the SEARCH and GRAB on old TIN...
HIKING THE HILLS, is as fun as BUILDING hot rods,

I wonder if you GUYS can RE FABRICATE the fucking ORGASM,?
You could use the english wheel to TEACH that RUSSIAN bride how to USE easy off on the GREASY PARTS,,,,

I need me a FAT CHICK that cooks and does dishes

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[ QUOTE ]
HEY FAG, I sold you a SHIT BOX 57 ranchero for REALLY CHEAP, LOVE,
GERM

[/ QUOTE ]

That was my first thought. What happened? Usually when you have no money for a ride like me you roll parts or cars until there's enough profit to PAY FOR what you need. Why go through all this trouble if your parents won't let you park the mangy thing in their garage next to their BMW???? That just aint PUNK ROCK!!! That's Blink 182 or Good Charlotte. Get a hot rod the "old fashioned" way, earn it- or go ask grandma for the money, just make sure to have a really sad face that day. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Germ]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
HEY FAG, I sold you a SHIT BOX 57 ranchero for REALLY CHEAP, LOVE,
GERM

[/ QUOTE ]

That was my first thought. What happened? Usually when you have no money for a ride like me you roll parts or cars until there's enough profit to PAY FOR what you need. Why go through all this trouble if your parents won't let you park the mangy thing in their garage next to their BMW???? That just aint PUNK ROCK!!! That's Blink 182 or Good Charlotte. Get a hot rod the "old fashioned" way, earn it- or go ask grandma for the money, just make sure to have a really sad face that day. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

or sell your ass, the PINK hair would look GOOD in the CASTRO, I think you can MARRY a GERMAN SHEPARD now in SAN FRANCISCO,,,
Unless of course you are not TURKISH

[NoSurf]

I had an idea:

Get an older MACK truck cab, the narrower ones (60s, 70s). There are millions of them out there. Chop the top and put a deuce grill on it. 2x4 tubing in model A style ala "antidote".

http://www.oldmacks.com/223_2.gif

see how it comes in at the cowl?

hmmmmmmmmmm

[gettingreasy]

I'll be back in mid to late April(when my lease is up), I get outta school in 2 weeks. I sold my shovel back to my pops for 5g's and I'm starting to gather pieces for a ground up chopper. I'm selling all my other bike parts so I can buy a nicer frame than what I was going to start with. What do you need(most my shit is for H-D's tho)? I'll ask the dude if he wants to get rid of some of his truck shit, I still think you otta build a tube frame fist then build a home made body.
-Jesse