Thread: Need some ideas

Tweet

Hey all, I'm looking for some ideas for a customers build. He is interested in a Bobber truck. He dropped a 47 chevy cab, 9"rear, and a set of suicide door hinges off at the shop. His disire is to use an I beam axle, 4 link rear, maybe diesel power. I'm looking for some ideas on framerails, demensions for suspension, that kind of thing. I'm planning on doing a photo spread on the suicide door hinge install and 4"top chop. Thanks ahead of time for the ideas. Mitch

Although some "traditionalists" hate these bobber trucks, I love them. Yeah, they aren't a '32 Ford, but they aren't supposed to be. Like every other form of auto art, you either like em or not.

Some of the early ones were pretty crude, but lately people have been turning out some very nice ones. The usual look for a bobber is low, no fenders, short bed or no bed, semi long wheelbase and front end, and a chopped top. There are variations of that, but generally they are done along those lines.

Frames are usually custom made for the stance and look you want, out of something like 2 x 4 tubing. I would use 3/16 wall as these end up heavier than let's say a T bucket would be. To get them low you would probably Z front and rear (mine is 6 inches in front and 14 in back. Suspension is commonly a straight axle front. Rear suspension can be a challenge because of the shortness of the frame back there (if you do a short bed) not much room for long radius rods.

Here is a picture of mine in progress, and a couple of others that I like a lot. The green one is really my very favorite.

Don

I my self don't care for the short bed, maybe that is what's impairing my creative juices. Thanks for the ideas and the pics they are great. Your right 3/16 is the safe way to go. Mitch

It has to be hard building cars for someone else. I bet sometimes you feel like saying "what he h*** are you thinking???" But I guess you have to remember all you can do is suggest things that might make it better.

I have seen them with long beds, and IMO they look ok, in fact, the one in this picture has a longer bed than some, although it is hard to tell in this photo.

Don

Here are a few more longer bed versions.................the forth one would be close to your build because of the later cab you are using.

Don

Don The pictures are getting me going. I'm not use to building rod type vehicles from scratch, so the pic will really help. Thanks Again Mitch

Don in the last picture withthe Ashcroft motorcycle truck. The Tail lights are great. Any idea of who makes them. They might fit in the light socket holes of the rear pan of my truck! Thanks, Steve.

Look like '59 Caddy to me, but my eyes aren't what they used to be. If they are several people are repopping them. I've seen them at vendors booths at shows.

Don

As usual your being modest. You hit the nail on this one!
http://www.go-kat-go.com/taillights.html