AMT Chevy II ' Rat Packer ' Wheelbase too short?

[Speedfreak]

I'm working on this kit, and seem to remember seeing somewhere that the wheelbase is off on this kit, is that so? Too short? Are there other problems as well?

Any info will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Craig Irwin]

It's short alright! It represents an altered wheelbase drag racer, and so short is right. The chassis and interior are simplified but us teenagers back in the 60's loved 'em.

[cobraman]

If I remember right when I built this kit I thought the front axle was too far back and moved it forward a little.

[Dan Helferich]

Ray's right. Move that front axle forward a little and it looks right.

[Snake45]

The wheelbase is WAY too short for a stocker, and it's even IMHO too short for the typical 1965-66 funny Nova. When I build mine, I'm gonna lengthen it back out about 1/4" or so.

Also, most of the funny Novas had the front wheels moved forward. Even if they didn't always move the wheel openings, they often trimmed the forward edge of the lip so that the front wheels could move up a few inches.

[cobraman]

Just for an example and not saying this is what you should do..... this is what I did.

[Speedfreak]

Ray, what method did you use to lengthen your's? I've never done that before

Thanks, Richard, Dan, and , Craig.

[cobraman]

I cut the frame ahead of the engine mounts and extended the frame using aluminum tubing that just fit over the plastic on the frame. I then used some leaf springs from the parts box as the ones in the kit are too short and not arched enough IMO.

[Speedfreak]

Thanks Ray!