Frame

[84dime]

So i want to build a rat rod out of my 51 crosley wagon. I would like to keep the front wheels in the wheel wells so im trying to decide what im goint to do for a frame. I really dont want to put a ton of money into it so im trying to figure a frame to drop the body on to. I plan on using a buick 215ci w/ a T5 so im thinking the frame will need some beefing up. So do i cut a front clip off of another car and build the rest? Do i try to drop the body on another complete frame? or do i try to beef up the stock frame? Sorry if im ignorant but i dont know much about these cars. Thanks

[jman]

There is nothing out there that will swap. Your choices will be to beef up a stock frame or build one from scratch.

Also something to consider is the size of the motor in the engine compartment. A V8 is too big, even the 215 motor. A V6 will be a much better option as there will be less cutting into the cars interior. Even with the V6 you will need to modify the firewall. This would all depend on how much interior space you require. I am 6 foot tall so I really do not care to give up to much. In the hot rod section of the board I posted a few pictures. One with a 215 motor and two with a V6, it can give you an idea of how much you will have to modify for each motor.

[jman]

Something else to consider is that a nicely built V6 will seem like it has the power of a V8 in such a small car.

There is a place in MO that builds 2.8 motors and they claim they can get something around 180 hp out of one. A guy I work with also works for his dad at a engine rebuild shop and he says they build 300hp 4.3 V6 motors for circle track guys. It will take a lot more money to get that 215 motor built.


At first I was thinking of the same setup till a saw the lack of space that is there, I was able to see it in person. I then have decided to go with the V6. Also if you want to run anything larger than a 13" wheel you will need some work to open the front fenders up, stock is 12" on these.

I am in the same situation as needing a frame built for mine. If you look at the orange wagon, that is pretty much what I was wanting to build with a few exceptions.

[84dime]

Hey thanks for the info. There is very little space in these things but im 5'8" so cutting into the interior is no problem. I will pulle the body off and see what it will take to beef up the frame. The biggest concern is the front suspension. The biggest reason i wanted to swap the body is the weight of the engine/tranny on the front suspension.

[84dime]

Do you know what would be my best option for front suspension? Mabe VW? Thanks

[jman]

To keep it simple I would run a aftermarket straight axle. There is a place in MN(?) named MAS. that can make you up to a 7" drop axle and as narrow as you need it. A IFS setup will be a had fit due to the cars small size. If you do want IFS I would start with British stuff (MGB) or a Corvair or Fiero suspension which are bolted into the cars if you want to adapt. they will still be too wide but a place to start. The other IFS option is custom built but that will be big money.

Rather than beefing up the stock frame like I mentioned earlier I would build a new one out of 2x3 box tubing as it will be a lot stronger and will be able to handle to extra hp of the V8.

Where are you located?

[84dime]

Sorry I havent been on in awhile. I am located in Oregon

[oldtimer]

I just purchased a 49 that started life as a station wagon,has been made into a "Woody"pickup,powered by a 3.2 Chevy V-6,350 transmission,9 inch Ford rearend and a post office Jeep straight axle frontend. Tread with is @46 inch center to center.It has been sitting up about 10 years and needs a complete going thru .The hood and front fenders tip forward for access.

[oldtimer]

Plus I cannot type without mistakes please forgive "width"