We just picked up this rpu last weekend and boy is the work on this thing scary haha. They used water pipe for the ends of the 4 bar, and the welds in this thing are beyond questionable. There isn't even any suspension travel.. They just set the frame all the way down and bolted the coil overs on. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
First, I'll agree with you....it looks like scary ass. Second, I would argue that water pipe is "traditional". Safe?, NO, but traditional, yes. Before there were standards of auto construction safety, I'm reasonably sure that folks built, repaired, or modified cars with whatever they had laying around. If it was water pipe or angle iron, so be it. We've come a long ways since then, but depending how far back one goes in the timeline, then yes, it's traditional. Either way, correct the problems, and don't forget to post progress. Roger
Well, at least you don't have to have any qualms about tearing it all apart and starting over. Nothing mechanical is worth saving so might as well do it all from the ground up.
The chipboard flooring (non weatherproof) isn't traditional. That's a RR how not to; No grade 8 hardware on the suspension (or lock washers/nuts). Horrific welds No e brake. Hope you didn't pay much for the "vehicle". Glad it's off the road as it's a death trap. How's the body? I hope the same guy didn't do the body work...
The only good thing is the blobby welds appear fresh so hopefully it hasn't been heading towards you on the highway. so what does the body look like.?
That is about as crappy as I have ever seen ! WOW ! In the 60's I bought a 34 Ford roadster and they had used water pipe for the rear radius rods and had simply hammered the front end of the bars flat and drilled a hole through that part for a bolt to pass through. Even though I was only 16 I knew that wasn't right. This is proof not everyone should be building cars. Don
the body is actually solid and an original 29 not a repop has a little filler but once we have the chassis straightened out the body will be stripped and done correctly.
Ok, since you see you'll be starting from scratch why would you even buy that thing? Just start from scratch and save the trouble
Yes, unfortunatly water pipe was traditional...some guys built roll bars out of it, imagine how well that would have held up....all the above comments are spot on, glad you asked...
it was my grandpas deal he wanted it. I knew it needed some welding done but I didnt realize the extent of it until we got it home and in the air.
needs different wheels and tires but that will come after everything else is fixed. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I remember seeing roll bars made out of exhaust pipe and front & side bracing made from fence pipe in early sportsman stock cars at Santa Fe Speedway. It's a miracle many of us are here today. When you're young you're tuff.
Beautiful craftsmanship , I'm guessing the builder was blind? Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
WTF, that's why the authorities down here in conjunction with rodders invented rules that we must comply with to get registration. Safety, engineering and build quality are not considered optional but mandatory.
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