[dustin.campbell3]

hey every one im new here but iv gotten a lot of info form this site and i love it. i got an idea for a rad rod that i want to build and i was wonderin if you guys could give me some ideas. i want to take a 85 chevy s 10 and chop about 7-8 inches out of it and put it on a really low custom frame with either a 350 chevy motor or a 460 ford out of a lincon. i dont care about paint or super expensive parts cause i want to give it a rough old style rat rod look. i was thinking about a older style front grill and a hood that will cover the top of the engine in a v type shape. i think ill modify the s 10 frame but i never lowered a truck or any vehicle before. i know the consept but i dont have a set plan. any help will be great, just remember i want to do it for allmost free not counting tools and little stuff for the project. thanks,

dustin

geres where i got my idea

[NEW INTERIORS]

I think that truck is very cool and well done.But I would have built it with a dropped Axel instead..The s-10 frame isn't the way to go...they just don't go with the look.But I do like the look he's after..

[V8 Super Beetle]

Cool idea. I like it too. I agree with New Interiors. The S10 frame is kinda ugly, IMO, but sounds like you're going to build a tube chassis anyways. The S10 frame could work obviously but to get the body dropped that low on the frame and to have the top chopped that extreme you'll have to pretty much be in the fetal position to drive that thing. Something to think about.

[dustin.campbell3]

What Type Of Suspension Set Up Should I Use I Have Some 2x4 1/4 Inch Thick Steel Box Tubing That I Could Use But I Bont Know If It Will Be Strong Anough I Made A Motor Stand Out Of It And It Works. I Want To Reuse The S 10 Front Suspension With Some Mods To It. Any Ideas?

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by dustin.campbell3

What Type Of Suspension Set Up Should I Use I Have Some 2x4 1/4 Inch Thick Steel Box Tubing That I Could Use But I Bont Know If It Will Be Strong Anough I Made A Motor Stand Out Of It And It Works. I Want To Reuse The S 10 Front Suspension With Some Mods To It. Any Ideas?

1/4" is overkill and will only serve to make the truck heavier than it should be. 2 x 4 x 0.120" wall or even 2 x 3 x 0.120" wall would be plenty in my opinion. My best advice is to leave the front and rear suspension stock and Z the frame front and rear to get the body down where you want it. Don't go cutting springs and all that hogwash. All that accomplishes is to screw up the geometry and ride quality.
Where do I find info on Z'ing my frame and channeling my cab?

[NEW INTERIORS]

Originally Posted by dustin.campbell3

What Type Of Suspension Set Up Should I Use I Have Some 2x4 1/4 Inch Thick Steel Box Tubing That I Could Use But I Bont Know If It Will Be Strong Anough I Made A Motor Stand Out Of It And It Works. I Want To Reuse The S 10 Front Suspension With Some Mods To It. Any Ideas?

On something like that,I would only use 1/8'' that's all you need..I used 3/16 ''one'' time.And don't even know why I did...I will ''Never'' do that again..Almost all frame's under today's car's and truck's are at the most 1/8''..Some are a lot less then that..

[ratrod87]

Hello I'm am also new to the site but just wanted to ad that the chopped truck in the pic is my creation, obviously the truck is a pain to get in and out of but is very comfortable once inside. The massive chop and 4" section was necessary to get the proportions right, also chopping a top is a lot of work so if I'm going to take to do it I'm going large. As for the frame and front suspension I was building a s-10 not a traditional rat or rod, if I was building a period correct rod I would have used a straight axle . There is no doubt where the inspiration came from this is my interpretation of a modern rat. Thanks

[Highball]

Here is one with a 4200 Chevy inline six, rollers, Weber's and 700r4 highly modified. 650 HP enough for you?
Normbc9

[Highball]

Here is another with a 261 Chevy six with a highly modified head from Sissell's and side drafts. It too cranks out 500 + hp and constantly turns in the 11:'s at the strip.
Normbc9

[ratrod87]

Those are killer engines, I love the fact that they put so much time and energy in them, its nice to see something other than a belly button small block .