Converting kits into gassers

[goosedude]

I want to turn regular model cars into gassers. Where do I start?

How do I build the suspension, axles, chassis etc? Do I take parts

from existing gasser kits.

[Ace-Garageguy]

First thing to do is research what made a car a gasser. It was a race-car class, a type of car with specific modifications allowed, and to do it right and not goofy, it helps to know about the real ones. Once you understand what the cars are and what's allowed, it's prety obvious how you build one from a stocker.

Byron's Gasser Madness used to be the go-to site, but after he died a while back, nobody picked it up, even though there was a lot of talk about doing it.

There are a LOT of guys on here who know the real deal and will be glad to help you out, but I suggest you pick a time period and get hold of the actual NHRA rules for the class. Then you'll know what to do and what not to do, and how to stay un-goofy.

There's also a huge amount of info on the HAMB. It's free to join and after you do you can search for threads explaining everything you need to know. I recommend against asking newb questions there before you do your research, 'cause some of the guys have little patience with folks who want easy answers. There's a lot to it.

H.A.M.B. : http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

Edited March 14, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[Longbox55]

That advise is spot on, Bill. Jus t help with a start on the research, here's the 1965 Gas Coupe rules from the NHRA. http://www.nostalgiagassers.com/nhra-rules-gas-coupessedans-g-1965/

Something to keep in mind, not all gassers had straight axles, despite what all the nostalgia/kulture mags would make you beleive. Many lower class gassers with factory ifs would simply use station wagon front springs or spacers to get the nose up a bit for the weight transfer.

[kalbert]

  On 3/14/2013 at 2:06 AM, Longbox55 said:

Something to keep in mind, not all gassers had straight axles, despite what all the nostalgia/kulture mags would make you beleive. Many lower class gassers with factory ifs would simply use station wagon front springs or spacers to get the nose up a bit for the weight transfer.

+1 A chrome straight axle, fender well headers, and velocity stacks look cool on a magazine cover, but lots of guys would use just about anything that might pass inspection to get down the track quickest. Time plays a big role too. Early stuff would be modified differently than later AWB stuff.

[Mike 1017]

Gasser Wars by Larry Davis Supercharged Gas Coupes {only black&white pics} I like to build Gassers and I have both of these books.Great reference books Good Luck Mike