Thread: My Rat Build

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Crazyrat - I am running 2-link (commonly called "truck arm") suspension in the rear of my coupe. This is the same type system that NASCAR cup cars use. Rather than modify the heavy arms from a truck, though, I build my own from 2" x 3" x .120 wall tubing similar to what the NASCAR builders do. Also, instead of welding the arms directly to the rear end housing, I mount them in rubber so the arms can flex slightly without stressing the welds or housing. Here are a couple of pics from when I built my coupe. The holes in the arms have 3/4" i.d. tubing welded through them. I use 1/2" heavy wall heater hose (1/2" i.d., 3/4" o.d.) to make the rubber bushings and bolt it all together with 1/2" grade 8 bolts. I have built several of these over the years and never had a failure due to weld stress or metal fatigue.

The good news is, the car launches hard with very little wheel spin, but still handles like a dream on twisty roads. I am using '82 Chevette rear coil springs with NASCAR-style weight jackers to adjust ride height. Rear shocks are '86 Nissan pickup fronts.

Thanks J. This is kinda what I am going to pattern mine from, check out this build and look at the rear suspension of this 31 coupe.
http://ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3030

Thanks for your reply
Larry

The rat rod idea is not different from building anything. Safe or not is the question. The point being it is all up to the person building it. I have a mechanical engineering background and have built several harley-davidson choppers. The chopper world has brought about a lot of new parts to buy instead of making/fabricating the most important items like frames and front ends. With that said it is really easy to look at many car and cycle projects and become concerned about the structural integrity. Is this safe. Are you as the builder really have the talent, ability and understand the engineering to make an item in the correct way. I'm making a general statement about this. I remember in 1971 when living in Co. with a chopped extended front end. Co. had a state law on altered suspension. I was pulled over, ticketed and the cycle was impounded. If these custom car/cycle become a problem with accidents due to poor workmanship, then more laws of restrictive use will come about.

I forgot to say after the safety rant about the nice job you are doing on th truck. Not to mention a What great grandpa.

Having a car show at my church in thomasville nc. Would love to have you there April 30th. Its at Hillside Park Baptist Church Its at 7593 East Holly Grove road. Its from 9 till 2.

Thanks guys for your comments about my build. Its been a great 2 /12 years building it and I have learned alot I didnt know before.
Sorry bobsratrods but I am afraid I wont be ablle to make the car show on the 30th. Grandkids ballgames all day long n saturday but thanks for the invitation.
Larry aka Crazyrat

I can't beleive how much your frame looks like mine!! I just posted a question on shop talk about steerin box. Where and how are you going to mount your steering gear box and what kind? I'm using a saginua box (power steer).

Originally Posted by Jim63

I can't beleive how much your frame looks like mine!! I just posted a question on shop talk about steerin box. Where and how are you going to mount your steering gear box and what kind? I'm using a saginua box (power steer).

I didnt find your question on Shop Talk but as for the steering I am using a rack and pinion from a 80 something, cant remember the year model, Dodge Omni on mine. The slip shaft is from a 88 Ford ranger steering column. Works well together.

Thanks Dq383500 glad my build helped you. Would that be Independence Va. you're from? If so I travel through there every couple of month on my work route.

very cool build! I sent you a pm about Lahr's Speed and Custom brackets you used for your front spring