Awsome. Great job. Thank you for your efforts

Idahohotrodder

This should be a big help to not only beginners, but to some of the old dogs who have forgot or can't remember like they use to!

That is really great stuff, however the A/C and heating link, (What I needed of course) bombed out on me, got one of those nothing there error messages.

Jon,
I wasn't able to open (to my utter embarrassment since I am an IT person) any of your documents directly from the links provided.



I finally (my geekness restored) managed to get my way to the site "howstuff works" and see the documents....duuuhhh




The site and info are indeed great. I would recommend however, finding a way for it (assuming proprietary rights are not violated) to reside within this bulletin board if possible.

Anyhoot, thanks for the research.....sure made my life easier.




sandy

Howdy,

When I say I'm just gettign started... I mean it. I'm 17 yrs old... I've had this dream since I went to my first cruise-in/car show. My rod of choice would be a 35 chevy...but I would settle for any make/model between 30-39. I love the work you have put together here and i know it will help me get this project started. I figured it would be best for me to use an old rod's body on a newer car(frame/engine/tranny/heating/cooling/elctronics/the whole nine yards). I think it will be easier for me to keep the car running with the more up t odate parts. I realize a lot will have to change and I've been doing research on this type of restoring. I don't want the car for racing or shows. I want it to be my toy and my transportaion. I will drive it daily but never for more than 30-40 miles at a time. Being as I am just figuring out where to start, any information you guys would offer will be greatly appriceated and I will thank you greatly. What brought me here though,was my search for a list of the frame measurements of different cars. Do they even do that...? Anyone who has any information on matching the classic frame size with a newer one, please let me know. I know I probably won't find an exact match...but I would like to find one as close as possible.

PLEASE HELP ME

later
M@

Well, from your message there are just too many variables. But I would start by looking at something like a Chevy S10 P/u frame as it has good strength to build on and add to. The body and bed are relative easy to removes and I have seen some pretty good efforts from that start. My 41 Chev. Sedan would probably set down on it rather simply. My advice is not to get too hung up on any make of body, keep and open mind. The fords for the most part have been pretty well picked up and are expensive, while there are some others that can make a nice ride if you keep an open mind. Me, I would forget about the ultra modern stuff as it is tricky to install and trouble shoot. Don't know where you are but A/C and pwr steering, good disk brakes all the way around is the start of a safe and comfortable ride. Then start the fun and personal touches. Remember that drive line is easy and fun build and work on from the top instead of sliding around under a car body trying to wrench stuff in place after the fact.

Mattman_17OH - As Retired says "keep an open mind" when it comes to body type. If you are really interested in building a hot rod start out with a simple first build. This will allow you to learn about building and allow you to get that first rod on the road. Later when you have developed some skills and acquired some tools you can take on a much more difficult project. My suggestion for a first build would be a Advanced Design Chevy pickup from the years 1947 to 1954-5. They make the pre48 designation for some rod runs and are very plentiful, relatively inexpensive and you can find every part you will need at swap meets or in the aftermarket. As well there is a huge amount of free info on the internet. There is a kit to allow you to place the body on a S10 frame.

Here are some links to take a look at to see if this may be the way you want to go. Good luck with finding a project.

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/6975/specspag.htm

http://chevy.tocmp.com/1948_51truckshop/index.htm

http://www.50chevy.freeservers.com/topics.htm#Topics

http://www.alanhorvath.com/54chevy/index.php

http://www.ad-engineering.com/

http://www.brotherstrucks.com/

http://chevy.tocmp.com/chevyresources.htm

http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/

http://www.classicparts.com/

http://www.ironchief.com/

http://www.lmctruck.com/

http://www.bowtiereproductions.com/

To bad you couldn't get this as an acredited class course for automitive 101.
It would be a great study program for the new automotive student wanting to learn the absolute and hands on knowledge. I will offer this link to as many newbies as I can at my other forums which I visit. Great work!

I haven't been on in a while, but I feel like I get smarter every time I read the threads here. Thanks to all who help me even though you don't know me.
(how do I put a custom avatar up anyway?)

Thank you for posting this information! It looks like I'll be using it a lot.

I Am Just Starting A Frame Off 55 Chevy Pickup Truck And Am Interested In Best Way To Convert Suspension And Channel Frame.

I Have Never Done A Project Like This And Am Just Learning. I Have Two Trucks So After I Screw The First One Up I Can Do It Again The Correct Way.

Any Help Or Pics Would Be Appreciated

Hi All,

When rodding a car or truck, think it is a good idea to have info on the original componets. The Old Online Chevy Manuals has over 110 manuals and booklets for pre-1960 Chevys online for free.

Cheers!

How do you install a prostreet rear clip on an S10 chassis

Your question will be seen by the members that do a lot of this type of work if you repost your question in the Transmission - Rearend forum.

good work on the articles, when its a bit earlier in the day ill read through most of em

spellchecker is my friend