Rake / no rake

[Jantrix]

Guys I'm building a 49 Ford Coupe for the Cannonball set in 1962. I lowered the front with the though of having a car with a mean rake. A very dated concept. However I'm having second thoughts.

So I'd like you guys to weigh in. Rake or no rake for this build?

Or maybe just a bit less rake?

[Prostreet]

Doesn't look bad like that, but a hair lower in the back would look much better in my opinion.

[mr moto]

Dated concept or not, it's looking pretty cool right at the moment. Maybe needs a little less but I think the rake is gonna work.

[shucky]

I agree, rake looks good but I think the back should sit a tiny bit lower.

[george 53]

I agree.

[Jantrix]

Okay guys, thats where I was going too. I'll add a 1/8 inch block between the springs and the axle and see where she sits.

[Dr. Cranky]

I like 'em without rake. As low to the ground as possible, but that's just my taste.

[wraith]

I agree, rake looks good but I think the back should sit a tiny bit lower.

DEAD ON! RAKE!

[bigphoto]

Just a tad lower as remember it was the 60's and a shoebox hotrod even for the Cannonball would most likely have some rake.

Just my .02 pennies!

[MikeMc]

I like 'em without rake. As low to the ground as possible, but that's just my taste.

I agree with the Doc.....though the 48s and 49s seem meaner with a nose drop....personal choice but I will agree with a set of blocks in the rear..Traditional.

[Erik Smith]

This is an interesting question Rob. I was not alive in 1962 (I don't know if everybody who commented knows the Cannonball CBP is taking place IN 1962), but looking through quite a few magazines, recently watching American Graffiti, and doing some online research, rake was not very popular. In fact, even cars that were lowered were nowhere near the standards of low, "in the weeds" look of today. For instance, look at the Pharaoh's '51 Mercury:

Here are a couple 1962 magazine covers:

I am by no means saying "no cars had rake in 1962", just putting things in perspective. There is really no wrong or right answer as I am sure there were cars with that amount of rake in 1962. What we find visually pleasing today was quite a bit different 50 years ago. A lot of the customs were not really lowered at all - if anything, they had a tail down "look" due to fender skirts, etc.

This is still a hobby and your build, but you asked for some thoughts, so I am providing some of mine as I am in the CBP as well and thinking about such things.

[slantasaurus]

Rob, I kinda like it as it sits but if I was going to lower the rear I'd add spacers in 1mm increments until it looked "just right".

[Mercman]

To give you an idea 1/8th in block is just about 3 inches. In 62 the blocks came in 3-6 in. increments. Yeah I'm old. Personally I like the lowered look also, but the rake has that I can beat the snot out of you look to it. Here's a pic of 2 49 Fords that my daughter, and I built together. Hers is the Rose colored one with a 18th in raise, and mine is the other with 1/8th lowering block. Both of them had the front spindles turned upside down.

This one has the 1/8th in. lift also.

Edited March 7, 2012 by Mercman

[Jantrix]

Well, I have added a 1mm block and am now happy with the rake. Thoughts?

[Joe Handley]

Depends;

If it's going to be a custom.....down in back!, maybe lower than the front by a bit.

Street machine and/or drag, keep the back end a little higher than the front, just not cartoonie looking though.

[Chuck Most]

Normally my philosophy is "If it has a rake it could be lower", but I do like the stance you have in the most recent pic.

[Lunajammer]

I like it just the way you have it. It's a long and fast race. It's reminiscent of where the American stock car stance was going at the time. Besides it's got meaningful attitude, and photographs well for the final win............................................. Hey, wait a minute..... I'm in this too.... I mean, uh, I think you should jack it way, way up.

[MikeMc]

I dig this....and sounds like YOU think it works....PERFECT!!!!!

[Jantrix]

I appreciate the opinions and everyones help with the matter.

[espo]

Hi Rob. I personaly think the 1mm blocks give it the look your after. In '62 the "look" depended on where you were and how you used your car. In 1962 I was living in Santa Monica in Socal. I was also getting tickets with a '51 Ford tudoor that sat just like your model, and was even the same shade of Rustolium primer. Look forward to following you build.

[futurattraction]

I think your 1mm drop did the trick. I like where you've got it at currently. It looks good for "the time".

[mr moto]

I think it looks perfect now. It looks mean just sitting there like it can't wait to GO.

[seeker589]

I like rake. But only if the car is low enough to carry it off.

Personnally - you can't shove the front wheels far enough into the wheelwells far enough.

I like the rake you have in the last picture - but I would lower the car another 3-4 scale inches both front and rear.