Thread: Rat rod frame suggestions

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Originally Posted by dmw56

Just a note, you can get a bare frame from them also for a little less $$, so you can put the brackets where you need them for different applications.

I paid $350 for my bare frame 2 years ago. I couldn't buy the steel for that price then.

Thanks. I don't have the tools to cut the steel at home and only have an old stick welder so it looks like thats the best option for me. And by the way I forgot to mention I like your rod. Nice job. Hope mine turns out that nice.
Tom

[QUOTE=tuhll;369577]Thanks. I don't have the tools to cut the steel at home and only have an old stick welder

I can only speak from my experience . we -my son and I -built our rat from scratch . He knew how to weld , first thing we did was buy a chop saw and a welder and all the tools we didn't have . We could not have built the truck with out them . You are constantly cutting tacking recutting and welding . It also helped that a good friend had the following: plasma cutter,lift,shrinker- stretcher, break, and lots of tools . Another friend who is a professional welder. welded the frame and the other critical joints , Building a "rat" is no different than building any other kind of vehicle , everything has too be done correctly or you could be killed when something that was improperly made , fails.It is actually harder than building something with off the shelf parts that you just bolt on . You also have the added factor that it has too look good -not all different make parts look good mixed . If you dom"t have a stash of old parts out back , or the time too hunt down what you need and lots of tools , you could easily drop 10 grand building a safe vehicle . Just something for you to think about . Are you going to the Turkey run next week ,I'm sure there will be a lot of rats there to give you insperation .LFE I will be there call me on my cell 302 535 3046

[QUOTE=luckyfasteddie;369665]

Originally Posted by tuhll

Thanks. I don't have the tools to cut the steel at home and only have an old stick welder

I can only speak from my experience . we -my son and I -built our rat from scratch . He knew how to weld , first thing we did was buy a chop saw and a welder and all the tools we didn't have . We could not have built the truck with out them . You are constantly cutting tacking recutting and welding . It also helped that a good friend had the following: plasma cutter,lift,shrinker- stretcher, break, and lots of tools . Another friend who is a professional welder. welded the frame and the other critical joints , Building a "rat" is no different than building any other kind of vehicle , everything has too be done correctly or you could be killed when something that was improperly made , fails.It is actually harder than building something with off the shelf parts that you just bolt on . You also have the added factor that it has too look good -not all different make parts look good mixed . If you dom"t have a stash of old parts out back , or the time too hunt down what you need and lots of tools , you could easily drop 10 grand building a safe vehicle . Just something for you to think about . Are you going to the Turkey run next week ,I'm sure there will be a lot of rats there to give you insperation .LFE I will be there call me on my cell 302 535 3046

Very good post, Eddie!!!! Doesn't really matter if you're building a Rat, Drag Car, or something to go after the Ridler with, proper fabrication and good strong welds are crucial for safety!!!

Thanks Matt and LFE. I have a welder and my son is an excellant welder just doesn't have much time to help me. I would probably buy a spirit frame and have him weld in the crossmembers.
I would love to go to the Turkey run but doubt it. If I can manage to get there I will definately give LFE a call.
I am attaching a couple more pictures of the truck. Let me know what you think. My friend wants $400. for it.

Originally Posted by tuhll

Thanks Matt and LFE. I have a welder and my son is an excellant welder just doesn't have much time to help me. I would probably buy a spirit frame and have him weld in the crossmembers.
I would love to go to the Turkey run but doubt it. If I can manage to get there I will definately give LFE a call.
I am attaching a couple more pictures of the truck. Let me know what you think. My friend wants $400. for it.

Yes, worth $400. I've seen the grilles sell for that much.

Also check Chassis Eng for crossmembers, engines mounts and tons of other stuff.

http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/

And give Eddie a call he's knows what he's doing!

Thanks all I'll give him a call.

I mentioned I want to use a straight axle well DUH! there is a straight axle in the truck. Can I use that or is it too heavy being its in a big truck. Can I then change spindles etc. to use the disk brakes off my donor car?

Originally Posted by tuhll

Thanks all I'll give him a call.

I mentioned I want to use a straight axle well DUH! there is a straight axle in the truck. Can I use that or is it too heavy being its in a big truck. Can I then change spindles etc. to use the disk brakes off my donor car?

I'm not familiar with the axle set up on the big trucks but if it's similar to the car axles you might be able to get a spindle kit from Speedway motors that will accept GM disk rotors.

As far as the Camino as a donor you should be able to use a lot of parts off of it. The rear may be a little wide but with the right offset wheel it should work. You can certainly use the trailing arm coils spring set up.

Originally Posted by dmw56

I'm not familiar with the axle set up on the big trucks but if it's similar to the car axles you might be able to get a spindle kit from Speedway motors that will accept GM disk rotors.

As far as the Camino as a donor you should be able to use a lot of parts off of it. The rear may be a little wide but with the right offset wheel it should work. You can certainly use the trailing arm coils spring set up.

Thanks dmw56 and evryone else that has contributed to this thread. You all have been very helpful. I'm sure I will have more questions in the near future.
Tom