So my neighbor brought this in for us to do some work on... DO NOT want this to turn into a discussion of r#% r*@, bobber truck, etc., we can all see what has already been done to it... Looking for input on some ideas to clean it up a little, refine the look, de-Rodz it etc... Thanks-
Pick a SINGLE theme and go with it. If it were mine, I'd go with a bare-bones, no gimics hot rod. Think "less is more". I'd fix the following: 1) Wheels & tires: I'd go with 16" steelies and big/little bias plys (4.5x16 & 7.5x16 Firestone blackwalls). 2) Stance: Lower the nose for a ~3-4 degree nose-down rake. 3) Color: make it all one color, even if it's just temporary primer.
I agree with all the above suggestions... Here's my list: -fenders -add panels below the bed to visually lengthen its height and match the bottom of the cab (just me maybe?) -primer that thang....too many colors to think straight! -def hood with grill shell sides optional. Open hood on this will only feed the image you're trying to avoid. -wide 5's? Steelies at least. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Along with the above, I think you should look at pulling the front end back towards the cab as much as you can. I don't see a grill/ hood that would tie that together well. Here's a ford that works proportionally, maybe it will help with inspiration. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Basically avoid using beer cans for overflows and do a nice paint job. I think if you just keep it clean it'll be cool.
I agree that the front axle is too far forward, should be centered with where the radiator will sit. Shouldn't be too tough to shorten up the frame at this point. Full fenders would be tough with the current setup, but bobbed rear fenders would help. The blank sides of the box look odd with no fender reference. At the very least, a raised bead where the fender would have been would help. Could the sides of the cowl be made flat, so it's not so obvious this cab is meant to have an integrated hood and front fenders? If you do it right, it might also de-accentuate (is that a word?) the massive firewall. Bobber trucks would probably be a lot more accepted in the rod community if the people who built them put more thought into proportions and final finish than many of the examples running around currently. That's why I think the wheelbase, cowl width, and blank box sides are weak points of this one.
I just noticed that the front leaf spring is clamped to a piece of square tubing with no spring pocket in it, and that the front frame horns are made of the same square tubing that the original framerails have to taper down to match. I would cut all of that off and put in a proper front spring crossmember relocated to center the axle under the grille. I'd also rework that steering box bumpout, it's kind of a big wart on the frame. EDIT Looking closer again, that rear window opening has to change for anyone to ever consider this thing more than a shock value beater.
A sano install on a well fit/placed grill shell, headlights and a hood (tops at least). One color, big and littles and a hot rod rake as others have said.
I agree... Shorten the front, add fenders, White walls, with wires... Paint with Red oxide to start...
I think Squablow hit the nail on the head: work on establishing pleasing proportions and then work on quality construction.
has a lot of potential. but, as owner knows needs lots of work. start with frame, suspension, steering, brakes, proper rake with tires closer to those that will be used to set up pinion angle, etc. get engine running to see what kind of shape it and trans are in. of course finish chop, etc. sitting in nice shop so, I guess that he knows what he is doing.
I'd visit "killbillet.com" and "Rat Rods rule. com".. There should be plenty of ideas.. Just look at some "stances" and front end treatments and try to ignore all the RR bullshit...
I'd lower the front a bit to get a level or slight downhill stance. I'd go minimal on fenders with a simple trailer style rear fender, and a narrow fender up front that just covers the tire. Might also drop the bed slightly to get it closer to the ground. Then just fix the body work, and give it decent paint, plus tires and wheels.
I think that a nice rounded off grill shell would help it a ton. Something sort of a cross between art deco and track nose. Obviously a coat or two of paint wouldn't hurt a thing, but I think forst you have to address the flow of the body. Of course this is all just opinion.
Just Gary and Squablow have good tips. I'm thinking ever-so-mild custom effect, w/fenders and hood that flow well into the cab. A very unusual treatment that would be pleasing to the Eye.
Think we are getting a little bit closer... changed the engine position and the front crossmember, have about the half the floor done...I think a little bit more rubber rake and thinking about adding on to the bottom of the box (the cardboard taped in place in the pic...)
Checkout Plowboys "Haters gonna hate' build thread. He nailed the proportions. Short wheelbase is the key.
Just throwing up a pic of my truck as of last year, dont have any with the current exhaust and headlights. But the frame was shortened about 1 foot and step-boxed completely. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Well I think mocking the grille shell into place helps some... I would like to shorten the wheelbase a couple more inches but having issues w/ the radiator, front crossmember, etc... Can't set the radiator on top of the front crossmember because then the lower hose would hit the fan, so it has to sit behind the crossmember. Cant raise the engine as the floor is already channeled and raising the trans would take away even more floor space... I think we may be kinda screwed, I'm out of ideas????
I think the front end is a huge improvement, if your rear tire had about a 5-6" sidewall it would sit a little better and look a little shorter. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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