Thinking I should pull out the 56 150 post with 54,000 documented miles to build a gasser out of after I finish the 47 torpedo in a few months... any thoughts? Pros and cons are OK
Yes many gassers had a straight axle but many did not. They did NOT have altered wheelbase. That was for the street freaks, FX cars or match race cars
A gasser was a production body sedan or coupe with minimal body modifications, stock wheelbase, no more than 10% engine setback, and running on pump gas. Depending on the year, and sanctioning body, front brakes and full street equipment were required to be on the car as well. Most bodies only allowed the crank centerline to be a maximum of 24" off the ground. A true "gasser" was originally, essentially a hardcore (or not so hardcore) street-legal car. By the last years of the class, the legal was taken out of the equation, but they still looked like a car. Altered wheelbase? Nope, that's an altered. Open-topped car? Nope, that's a Street-Roadster. Alcohol, or Nitro? Nope, that's an Altered. No fenders? Nope, that's an Altered. Spindle Mounts up front? Nope, that's an Altered. These overcooked, jacked to the sky, caricatures of gassers being built today are nothing less than cartoon cars...
I'd wager more gasser races were won by hydro' s and torqueflite/clutchflites than straight sticks...and I'm a diehard 4spd guy!
Do what you want, I dont care if its a fake gasser or a real one from back in the day, If its cool, Its cool. I would like to see more of the 47 as well, just be careful about what you share here, try and make sure it could have been done before 1965.
You'll be happier if you just don't call it a gasser. Letter it if it's a strip car. There's a lot of revisionist history on the matter. But it's not too hard to stick to period correct. Build what you want, though.What do you expect the car to be when you're done?
Okay..I'll re-phrase..just for you. Faux= TH 350, TH400, TH700R4 , TH 2004R. (When was the last time you saw a Hydro-stick or clutch -flight car drive into a car show or cruise night?)
Your lower gas class cars may have had 4 speed standard transmissions. Your example happens to be F/G. There were a lot of A and B Chevy gassers with torqueflites. How often did you ever see a gas car in the 60's with a four link and 9'' ford rear end braced to look like it had scaffolding all around it? There seem to be way more faux gassers at the nostalgia drags these days.
Im not a big fan of straight axles. I would retain the stock suspension. All real hot rods have three pedals. Here is a link to a old gasser that still has the stock front suspension. http://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/...t-1955-chevy-rip-gears-rustic-strip-arkansas/
I know that..as were thousands of other tri-5's across the country every weekend. Still say many more gasser race wins with a 4 speeds ..en total , in the 60's. SE Gassers don't allow 4 links..Not sure on the braces..Most other groups are far too lenient, including allowing you know what front wheels. Besides, I don't think Mr.56 plans on going racing. My point was don't be a poser or scene-ster . Use a 4 speed and solid lifter cam and a 57 Pontiac rear, if you want to be cool...IMO, of course.
Not planning on racing. Butt wouldn't mind taking a few passes. Former demo derby driver here. I uses to wreck em not I rebuild them
Is that where you brought the 74 kingswood name with you from Cool name either way, just askin? I helped build a bunch of demo cars for my cousin years ago but I only drove one once, A 72 caddy, most fun Ive ever had. I saw a bunch of pre 65 stuff bite the dust when I was a kid the 72 caddy didnt bother me too much back in the early 90s but I wouldnt have the heart to destroy it either today.