Thread: Gasser set up questions

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If you guys were building an old gasser and say you have a 39 olds coupe. Had mono leaf springs with caltracs and sliders for the rear suspension, and a straight axle and leaf springs in the front. If your engine weighed 1100lbs, how far would you set it back?

NHRA rules of the day said maximum 10%. Kinda depends on what you're trying to do, authentic or inspired. My '39 chev coupe ran H/G with 10%, firewall was about even with the face of the original dash, seat set back accordingly.

The straight scoop from Uncle Bob! Just to clarify, the 10% is measured from the centerline of the front spindle to the most forward spark plug hole, right? So if the Olds has a 115" wheelbase the setback limit is 11.5"?

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

NHRA rules of the day said maximum 10%. Kinda depends on what you're trying to do, authentic or inspired. My '39 chev coupe ran H/G with 10%, firewall was about even with the face of the original dash, seat set back accordingly.

Thanks Bob This will be more of an inspired build. It would never be accepted as an authentic due to the fuel it will burn. Yes, it won't have spark plugs. A friend of mine has been putting this idea in my head the past 2 years and with Colt passing on these coupes here's my opportunity to build one. We want to have the classic look of a traditional gasser, just have a 12v Cummins diesel. We are trying to use stuff we have and keep the build cost down. I know, yeah right. :lol:

So far I think I'll use the black 39 olds frame and body. The frame has already been boxed and it has a gm 8.5 10 bolt rear end with ladder bars. My plan is to ditch that and use a 1958 Ford 9" with mono leaf springs. I'm working on getting a 48-54 chevy straight axle bought. I plan to cut off the gm metric front suspension and put 2x4" 1/4" tubing in the front. I also am planning to use a 40 Ford front clip as I'm trading the body parts I don't use to my friend so he can build his. The Ford guys already hate it. I'd love to start with a 40 Ford coupe but they just bring too much money.