Being trained as an engineer by my father and college, I naturally like to build my own chassis. In the early days, I fabricated everywhere from raw steel and eventually gave way to P&J components exclusively. I learned to weld with gas and acetylene along with stick my father had in the garage. He was a welder salesman for a spell and an excellent welder. I moved on to the TIG welder in the 70’s and still use that old Miller today. I never purchased a MIG welder for some reason and probably never will at this stage of my life.
I always preferred the stock rails to modify but recently have been using ASC rails as they are rust free and inexpensive. I have also used Halibrands and 57-59 Ford SW rear ends for most of my builds. I have switched to Winters and Currie lately as they are ready to go. And while more expensive, they are fool-proof and serviceable on the road. I think I have one more build in me, but not sure what it will be. I no it will have to carry more than two passengers and have no windows. That pretty well narrows it down to the Phaeton.
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy life to the fullest by driving your Hot Rod.
Stay Tooned!
Lynn
click on photo for a larger image
My third Lobeck style roadster using a Wescott body.
I installed my first Jaguar rear end in my 34 tudor. No cutting of the floor was required.
I then became interested in Quickchanges with 40 axle tubes.
Using my first set of repo rails I built another 34 chassis with my new frame jig. I prefer the stock chassis, but all new for less money is also a good way to go.
The new Winters Quickchange with bells is the way to go today. Available in both Champ and V8 sizes.
I even purchased a complete kit from Karl and built a 32 chassis for my sedan project. I think this is in the same state today.
The 35-48 chassis are the easiest to build with all bolt-on items from P&J or CE.
The traditional front end bolts in place as do the shock & motor mounts.
If you are lucky enough to locate a good used Halibrand then use it.
The 40 Woodie chassis and sheet metal as constructed by Ryan is a piece of rolling art.
My old 46 Woodie simply got a SBC and a dropped axle to be a good driver. A weekend project.
Age old spring mounts that work fairly well and hold the traditional look.
The use of DOM tubing is common in today’s chassis. Tubing bender required.
The 57-9 Ford SW rear end is still real popular but hard to find.
Original rails are being used with drilled bones.
Original chassis are being assembly like in the old days. Making stock X members valuable.
I found this one at the LARS for $100. Pit free and straight.
My best score was this new Winters on eBay for $1000. Complete with differential and polished.
My new dream project this week is a Deuce Phaeton like this one. Australian models are still out there.
Industrial Chassis makes this Hurst type mount with clearance for stock fuel pump.
Using that old Halibrand and some axle tubes will do the job. Coil – overs are easier to install than a stock spring.