Building a 31 5w coupe, 4" chop, 4" channel and new A frame with 8" drop rear 4" drop up front, 4" drop axle to even it out. What is your opinion on using the 32 radiator shell and insert? Also do I need to chop the shell or run full size, I know, mock it up, but just curious. Thanks!
That seems like a pretty heavy chop, channel, and lowering job. You don't want the top of the radiator shell to be higher than the top of the cowl (imagine it with a hood, the imaginary hood shouldn't slope down toward the car) and with that much channel and lowering, a full height shell probably won't be possible, the bottom of it would have to be underground to get the top height correct. I think you'll be forced to chop the shell to get the proportions right.
I was wondering how one can fit in the car, it will look cool, but for sure it will be tight Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Don't use the 'M' word, the politically correct term is "Little person". I'm 5'-8", I know it will be tight but should work fine. Keep it stock don't chop, mild chop it blah, blah, blah! I'm going to hammer this A. My 31 pick up is chopped 5", Channeled 4" and the frame is also Z'd 4" and 8" and I fit fine. There's more room in a 5 window to start with. I want the radiator shell to be level with the cowl.
I've got about 6" dropped front suspension, 4" channel, 5" chop and I'm running a full sized shell (also channeled 4") and I think it looks OK. Aaron Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
looks great! I drove a 4" chopped sedan about 90K loved the look but I am glad it wasnt chaneled. Walter
HAHAHAHAHA My pickup has a stock height 32 commercial shell but cab is not channeled. Like @Squablow said, imagine the line from the cowl top to the shell top. mine could actually come down maybe 3/4" I think when I look at it from the side view. I actually have a cheap hood I picked up to put on and see the line. It will need to be extended about 2" first. With a hood on it you can really see if its right. I also added the 34 commercial trim to my grille.
In my worthless opinion an old coupe with a deep channel running a stock height deuce shell looks out of proportion. The shell needs to be chopped to keep things looking good.
Yep I agree.^^^^ I have seen them dropped over the axle but it sounds like it is going to sit pretty low and that may be hard on the bottom of the grill shell. Chop it and don't look back.
Too many people these days leaning towards makin your hot rod as practical and functional as a honda civic.... Chopp that thing!!!
Thanks guys for the input, I'm thinking I will chop and channel the grille shell, it shouldn't be too difficult to make work. After all the talk about comfort and chopping, I think I will alter my plans, 5" chop, 4" channel, frame and axle Z'd 8''. I never driven my hot rods over 2K miles a year and comfort is not an issue. It's a hot rod it's got to look good!
Walker makes a "low-boy" radiator for chevy and ford small blocks, and flatheads that is 20-1/2 inches tall.... Which should be good for at least 4'' of channel.
Radiator won't be a problem they can build to your spec. Afco built one for my 31 PU the shell was super chopped, they nailed it and it runs real cool.
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