22 replies to this topic

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Hey guys, just have a few questions B4 I start this project. I know that most will have to be scratchbuilt. So I guess my first question is, how do I know how wide to space my frame rails when I start building the chassis. This will be my first pro mod build and everyone else that has one in the works on here has me itching to try one. So I hope there will be a few people to help. Thanks.

[cobraman]

I would suspect you would need to have your rear axel set up and tires and wheels you are going to use as well as the body and just do a mockup and measure carefully. Good luck with the build and don't forget photos.

[Prostreet]

Look at Tyrone's builds in this section of the forum, He has the outlaw and promod cars down to a science. He starts with the pro sportsman chassis or one of the other prostock kit chassis, I'm sure he will chime in later. I know the 1/16th promod i'm building i based the chassis width off the body and the motor and trans.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

I have the body. Just really wanting to get some type of measurements to go by so I can hopefully get started soon. Thanks.

[brett]

Figure out the dead center of the body end to end. Sit on a piece of preferably graph paper, then mark the paper where the centers are. then care fully sit the tires in the wheel wells and mark the point (center) where they touch the ground this will give you your wheelbase. I like to trace around the edges of the body on the inside to work out the ends of the frame rails. You pretty much need to know how wide your engine block is to work out how wide the main rails have to be apart but 3/4's of an inch is pretty close. Then figure out where the firewalls gonna be and start building your frame. Hunt out Thumper86's chassis tutorial if you can, its a great starter.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Thanks Brett. The width is my main concern. I wasn't sure how to come up with that, but I see what your saying. I appreciate your help.

[1320wayne]

The width part is pretty easy if you follow the guidelines that Brett spelled out but that is only for the overall width of the greenhouse. The other primary area that you need to be aware of is the double rail chassis section that will come through the interior and into the engine bay section. You will probably need the basic engine mockup (block and heads) so that your width of this section is correct so when you're done the engine will sit between the framerails. Even if you are going to use one of the Revell kit chassis and build from there you will still need to add this part of the chassis and you want the width correct.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Cool. Thanks Wayne. Well I have all the Dirt Modeler front and rear bracket kits. I am debating on what engine to run. Nitrous or Blown. Will probably be a Ross Gibson engine. What do you guys suggest. I like both setups. I am trying to get everything ordered, really just trying to decide on everything. Thanks for the help everyone.

[thumper86]

I set all mine up on the bottom rails at 3/4 of an inch at the center of the rods then the second rails are set up just a little bit wider . works for me I've done a ton of these things and never had issues with engine fitment or anything else.These are chassis's for Flashpoints 68 narrow camaro .

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Those look great. 3/4 of an inch was what I kinda had in my head. Just really wanted to ask first. Thanks.

[thumper86]

Ty yes I have found its the best for fitment of everything .Good luck Kris and post some pics as you build it ! lol

[kustoms4lyfe2]

I plan on posting as I go. That way if I get something wrong hopefully someone will point it out to me.

[thumper86]

Shot me an e-mail I will send you my little write up on building these. Its for an older type pro-stock /pro gas chassis but its a good starter for these things lol
quimby85@shaw.ca

Edited by thumper86, 25 March 2012 - 05:48 AM.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Email sent. Thanks

[Dragracer]

Your build sounds good Kris, listen to Rob (thumper86), when it comes to chassis building there is none better. The Ross Gibson engines are the way to go, some of the best P/M-P/S stuff out there, trying to decide which type of engine to put together is hard (along with deciding on a paint job, that is where I keep getting hung-up, must have about 2-3 different color schemes for my Nova build, keeping going back & forth), how is the Flashpoint Firebird body?, I plan on getting one of those soon, I ordered the Firebird body from TEM just before Chris closed up shop, won't be getting it now so I'll get the Flashpoint one.

[thumper86]

Hey Kris send me another e-mail I didnt get one from you yet .

Edited by thumper86, 25 March 2012 - 08:28 AM.

[tyrone]

Kris I want to welcome you to the disease for which there is no CURE.... I truly love pro mods, and outlaw style cars, and if there are any questions just yell, these are awesome guys on here...I've aleays used the pro sportman floorpan and a few other pieces from the kit and built my cage and firewall and stuff around it, but for my next project after I fininsh these 2 I'm working on now, I have a 57 chevy body from flashpoint that will be all scratch built... Good Luck on your build and post alot of pics.....

Edited by tyrone, 25 March 2012 - 10:14 AM.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

I am wanting to try scratchbuilding all the chassis and floor. The Flashpoint body is flawless. I love it. Can't wait to get started. Really excited. Thanks all.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Robert did you get my email. If not email me at kustoms4lyfe2@aol.com

[thumper86]

You have mail.