1950 ford p/u rat rod

[Jared Roach]

Well I'm trying to save this 50 ford truck that has given me problems sence I bought it. So I'm going to make it a rat rod, I choped the top (extremly) and I weathered it and made it look like it's got some bare metal and stuff. And I'm also going to shorten the bed too. Now this is my first time building a rat rod (or any hot rod of that matter) and I have no clue on how to build a frame or what it looks like??? I've buit frames before but not one like this, the way it sits in the pics are how I want it to when it's finished. So if you have any idea's, let me know and tell me what you think so far. Thanks for lookin

What it used to look like

and here is the way it is now

thats it guys, the flat head is from my parts box and I still got some work to do on the cab too. Let me know about how I should go about building the frame, thanks for lookin.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

Why not use the stock frame. You could always modify it, maybe Z it to get the cab where ya want it.

[Jared Roach]

Why not use the stock frame. You could always modify it, maybe Z it to get the cab where ya want it.

ah I was thinking that but what's a z?? I'm new to hot rod kinda stuff.

[JoeyB]

hey bowtie, maybe this picture can help, im thinking this is what they mean,,yellow line being the frame rails..

i hope this helps.

joe

[Junkman]

There are two basic methods to modify a stock frame. Z-ing and C-ing.

When you 'Z' a frame, you step it ahead and behind the cab, so the suspension mounting locations are moved up.

When you 'C' a frame, you only notch it with a c-shaped cutout to allow for the axle to be moved further up, thus lowering the car.

If you want to achieve the stance in the mock-up pics, you may have to 'Z' the frame as well as channel the body.

[Jared Roach]

There are two basic methods to modify a stock frame. Z-ing and C-ing.

When you 'Z' a frame, you step it ahead and behind the cab, so the suspension mounting locations are moved up.

When you 'C' a frame, you only notch it with a c-shaped cutout to allow for the axle to be moved further up, thus lowering the car.

If you want to achieve the stance in the mock-up pics, you may have to 'Z' the frame as well as channel the body.

so would I z it in the front and back? I'm just wondering before I cut anything.

[MikeMc]

so would I z it in the front and back? I'm just wondering before I cut anything.

To slam it both front and rear must get cut....look here at my 32 sedan.....the front has a major Z...and the rails are on the ground.

The rear hasn't been touched. Z'd 32

for more Zs look in my photobucket the 29 and 34 both have Z'd frames front and rear