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I've always wanted to be able to make my own rod, and finally just got the chance. My friend is getting rid of a '38 Pontiac 4 door sedan for very cheap, all orginal engine/trans. I'd love to shape it into a rat rod, but am fairly new to this. Is this type of car going to be more of a hassle than worth it, or should I look for something else? Thanks.
Brian
This car could be a great way to get started, and the engine compartment will hold almost anything you want to put in there.
On a first build, the best route is to keep it as simple as possible. Don't get crazy on suspension and running gear changes. Fix up what is there by restoring the stock suspension, brakes, steering, etc. If you start cutting it up to do a different front clip, you will probably get in over your head, get discouraged, and end up selling the car. It happens all the time.
I would suggest you take pictures of everything, and post them on here. There are a lot of seasoned rod builders on here, who would be very happy to offer ideas for you.
If this were mine, I would remove the front sheetmetal, interior, and rear end. Then I would wirebrush the entire frame and front suspension, and see what is savable and what needs replaced. Kantor and others sell all the bushings and brake parts you would need to bring these parts back to good usable condition. I would swap in a later model rear axle, and then start looking at Pontiac 350 or 400 or 455 engines and transmissions. These are really plentiful and cheap. You could find one out of a wreck with low milage, and swap it in. I am a big fan of keeping Oldsmobiles all Oldsmobile, Pontiacs all Pontiac, etc. I hate to look down into a cavernous engine bay, like yours, and see a little SBC lost in there, but that is just me. Plus, you will need torque to move that big car.
A quick coat of primer and paint on the frame and running gear, and you would be ready to tackle the body and interior. For wiring, pull out all the old stuff and start with one of the many wiring kits available out there.
Resto Mod rods are gaining popularity again, and this car was a great driver in it's day. All you need to do is modernize it a little and clean it up, and it would be really cool.
Lets see some pix.
Don