Today I had a thought I was thinking how cool it would be to build a street strip hot rod using one of my spare drive trains i have 440cid engine, 727TF trans and 8 3/4 with rear with 4.88 in it sitting in storage.

the engine is a fresh rebuilt never been fired it has 915 heads that have large valves hardened seat installed and have been ported extensively the cam is a 306in 306ex 590/590 lift 110 lobe sep. theres a tunnel ram sitting on it with 2 660 holley carbs and velocity stacks.

well this is what i was thinking of is a tube frame set up for a 4 link and a roll cage made to IHRA specs.. for tires go as wide as possible

(which i would have my friend who owns a chassis shop specializing in race cars build to fit)

Im thinking of some thing with a low roof line wide up back and i want to run hood less engine just out there to be seen .

all my experience is with 60s and 70s muscle cars i have very little knowledge of hot rods.

my question is what body would suit this the best and were can i get a body kit?

Is this a good idea or would this be a death trap due to the short wheel base??

my thought is hot rods are light , light with big engine equates to fast and fast i like


Any thoughts or suggestions would be great.

THANKS BILL

I was thinking 40s or earlyer not sure of body style thought you guys could help.

Id Ask Boneheadcustomz
Hes got a wild Tube chassis pickup
Shane

If I were you I'd look at anything from 32 and up. You can do a tube frame with earlier cars, but you will want to stretch the wheelbase, and run fenderless.
A 32 ford has a 106" wheelbase, and in 33 it went to 112"

32-34 look good without fenders, that's about where the fenderless stuff stops, take the fenders off of a 35 and up and it looks like crap, unless you make up a custom nose.

From about 32 to 36 you will probably need to set the motor back a bit, or dimple the hood panels, if you choose to run them. 37 and up you can fit that 440 under the hood and move it forward if you want, and the fenders will clear a tube frame a bit better, as they bolt to the body up higher..means it's easier to run fenderwell headers.

I would want a car that has some room in it, 34 and up coupes are a good fit for a tall guy, even with the motor moved back, and of course a sedan from any of those years has got a ton of legroom.

Willy's coupes are small, but look cool.


Body kits are available from any of the fiberglass mfgrs, most good ones will make one to your specs..A while back Vince (302/Z28) put up a really good link to a long list of manufacturers

Check it out

http://www.seattlestreetrods.com/body_mfg.htm

HTH, mikey

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I have always liked 41 wilies pickups for a pro street look but that is just me.