I want to build a Rat Rod

[sampsonndelila]

I want to build a rat rod with this body I am looking at on Craig’s list. It is a 36 Chevy with 5 windows. I really wanted a 31 but this one is cheap. I have really never done the level of fabrication I will need to, to accomplish this. But there is no time like the present to learn. I have built cars before but I always started with parts that were at least originally intended to be together.
I have wanted something low and loud and full of rust for years, this is just one of the best bodies I have come across.
I am thinking of a few really cool things...
--like a fuel injected 4 cyl or inline 6.
--huge rear tires
--bomber type metal seats.
--home made box frame

[ShAgMaN]

It all sounds good but I just can’t imagine a rat rod without a V8. To me the whole point of a rat rod is the motor...but that’s just me. I love going to rat rod shows, these guys love motors to the max.

[Gseclipse02]

2jz for an inline 6 would be cool !!! titan motor sports gives a lot of the v8 guys a run for the money with there I-6

sounds like a fun project

[sampsonndelila]

Well I agree with the V8 comments, but I need to drive this thing every day. I commute 100 miles so it needs to be reliable, fuel efficient and fast. Those three mean two things. Ls1-Lt1 or 4-6 cly. Those LS1's are big money and their trans are expensive too. But my Vette and Trans Am both got 28-9 MPG.
The idea now is outside rat rod inside street rod. Rust and patina outside- Computers and leather interior. I want to tint the windows and share the best of both worlds. Just in the ideas stages now...
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[ReefCube]

Be prepared to be a master fabricator master mechanic and spend a bunch of money and time you would be better off buying something already running and just modyfying from there

[sampsonndelila]

Be prepared to be a master fabricator master mechanic and spend a bunch of money and time you would be better off buying something already running and just modyfying from there

I was really hoping to buy an almost done project, unfortunately the people selling projects often sell them because something has gone wrong or in the case of rat rods just doesn’t look right. There are some really ugly combinations out there. I know they are supost’a be kind of ugly but the right kind of ugly.

I have some skills, and I am really just looking for something to play with. This is the next step in my auto experience. My wife wants me to wait a few months, that’s cool though I am going to do as much research as possible first.