I'm buildint a '57 Ford gasser.

[dino246gt]

The frame, it has to be modified for a straight axle, so let's do that, here's the stock frame set up for coil springs up front:

and here's the front rails straightened:

I took the straight axle from a Willys kit and since it was too narrow, cut it at the U bolts, and added a piece of tubing the proper size:

[dino246gt]

The tie rod was also too narrow, so I found a longer piece and fitted it to the Willys kit ends"

Here it is installed:

And I needed some brakes, so the AMT Camaro tree was raided:

I cut the backing plates out using the typical method of scribing with the back side of an X-acto blade:

I did all four and painted them with metalizer and glued to the Willys kit rims:

[Dragfreak]

Looks good! Ill be watching!

[dino246gt]

Okay, this thread should be, I am BUILDING a '57 Ford gasser, sorry can't edit it, or can I? Could a moderator change the title for me?

[dino246gt]

I won't be needing a heater, so I made a blank-off plate and modified the firewall accordingly:

And the rad, well I do need that rad wall, just not the actual rad:

Let's cut away some of the inner fenders, for headers:

For the front Willys kit rims, I wanted taller tires, the stock ones from the '57 Ford kit, but I had to remove the ridges from both first:

Kit rims have a ridge on the left pic, kit tires also have a ridge, right pic shows both modified to fit together (above)

[dino246gt]

I raised the kit rear axled with shims on the leaf spring shackles, and scratched some longer shocks:

Rear wheel openings were cut out and the plastic thinned, also the trunk emblem will be shaved:

Hood will also be "shaved":

So on to the interior, or lack of one! I started by making the rear look like no upholstery:

I wanted to do a roll and pleat front door panel, but I needed the handles and cranks, Dremel from behind released them:

Here they are, waiting for some Alclad:

[dino246gt]

The Willys gasser door panels upside down almost fit, I had to shape the dash inset and scratch some fillers for the lower front corners:

It took 2 gasser kits for 2 front seats, and I drilled out the heater control knobs, the holes in the steering wheel, added a tach, and here it is so far:

[cobraman]

Coming along nicely.

[Maindrian Pace]

Love the interior door and 1/4 panels. Very clean and correct looking work so far.

-MJS

[crazyjim]

This build is looking really good and I'll keep watching.

[dino246gt]

I had to make the roll bar from a few pieces:

Here it's taking shape:

I also filled the slot where the rear seat should go, but we don't need no stinkin' rear seat!

I had to make these 2 small pieces to sit the front seats on:

Then I "welded" some photo etched pieces onto the roll bar for harnesses:

Masking tape painted black and fitted with some photo etch details, threaded through the roll bar:

[dino246gt]

I cut out the top of the dash, no speaker needed, and thinned it, added a drilled piece and some wiring:

Did up a fire extinguisher, and pretty much finished the interior:

[crazyjim]

I figure this build would be for the drag strip only. If that's true, why did you put a harness on the passenger side? By the way, I really like what you're doing here, Dennis.

[dino246gt]

It's supposed to be like a barn find gasser, restored for Sunday car show meetings, barely street legal.

[dino246gt]

With the body painted and foiled, I got the glass installed, painted the underside of the roof, added some visors and a dome light, and getting ready to put it together, no motor though!

[dino246gt]

Engine will be a combo of kit parts, using the kit Y block as a starting point, blower is from Stacey's Rat Roaster kit:

[Ira]

Great Progress Dennis!

Real Nice Work...

[Pat Minarick]

Very nice work !

[PappyD340]

That's real NICE Dennis, great work, looking forward to more!

[mnwildpunk]

I like it so far very nice work

[LokisTyro]

Cool build and write-up.

[crazyrichard]

very very cool build with good explanation and pictures of the build and work !! love it

[brett]

very very cool build with good explanation and pictures of the build and work !! love it

I agree, very well though out and presented.

Jim, gassers were at least , before the match racing days required to run full drivers compartment upholstery, head lights and wipers ie very street appearing ( apart from the high stance which again came more into play with the later match racing days). One of the more complex classes in a lot of ways as things changed quite fast ,and as models the kit companys gave us a lot more of the match racing era than the earlier true gasser cars, in which short cuts were taken to provide many different cars from one tool.

Sorry Dennis, didnt mean to hijack your thread

[Southern Fried]

Excellent!

I'm tired...just looking at all the work you have done!

[slusher]

Excellent work so far..