Dr. Cranky Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 So I started these two rat rods in order to give my freshly painted Merc body a few days to dry, except I really got excited about these two that are almost ready to be primered . . . I took pictures of the first one today, and I will shoot the second one tomorrow: the coupe . . . Again, I was trying to do something completely different, if not downright strange . . . but I guess that's just my middle name Cranky "Strange" Shwartz! Enjoy, there will be more pictures soon . . .
Dr. Cranky Posted November 15, 2007 Author Posted November 15, 2007 (edited) Hey, J--this one was done using your frame method . . . so many thanks . . . also, I used one of Andy Johnson's method of "cheesing" a vehicle . . . for a great build, check out Andy Johnson site: Ragtop63 in Photobucket!!! I will try to take pictures of the coupe early tomorrow morning before I head in to campus to teach. Stay tuned in. Edited November 15, 2007 by DamnCranky
dub Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 Wow, another one to watch! I'm sure these won't move as fast as the last one, but that's okay... You gotta prove you're human, right?!?
Dr. Cranky Posted November 15, 2007 Author Posted November 15, 2007 Ha!!! I am human, these are not moving fast at all because it's taken me a while to hunt down all the right parts though the 39 Chev. Woody has coughed up a whole bunch of them. Stay tuned in for pictures of the companion Coupe!
Gray Smith Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 Hmm, you know last night I came up with some ideas for one of these jarius styled builds.....and I didn't know if I should...but after seeing this mock-up I know I've gotta go on with it. This is way COOL!! Love the zr-1 motor, and cool idea in the back with the 49 ford grill... looking forward to more on this...and the coupe! Gray
Dr. Cranky Posted November 15, 2007 Author Posted November 15, 2007 I think J keeps inspiring people like you and me to keep building these . . . and you have to just plunge in, spend a weekend gathering some neat parts, and then just have fun . . . that's all I've been doing for the last few weeks . . . besides it's also the perfect build to do over the Holidays--no stress whatsoever!!! Build it and show us some pictures . . . keep on sharing!
Dr. Cranky Posted November 15, 2007 Author Posted November 15, 2007 Okay, here are some pictures of the 32 Coupe . . . both of these have no names yet, and I am sure so far on how to get them painted, though they will absolutely be rat rods . . . I am thinking of maybe doing one in rust/orange, and the coupe doing it in light green with lots of rust showing through, but I am not convinced this will be the way to go yet. Enjoy . . . I chopped the grill and radiator to lower it on the chassis . . . Then I got to thinking, hum . . . what the heck do I crown that grill with . . . and so I found the perfect element in my Warhammer spares box!!! And I'm actually thinking of doing this rat rod in animal skins . . . to make it beasty and call it the WARTHOG or something like that . . . see why? I chopped the top, welded the seams, and made sure it will ride as lot to the gound as it is humanly possible and still be able to roll . . . The engine exhaust, as you can see, are going to shoot straight up and ride high . . . like some mean horns of a beast being disturbed from slumber . . . I also scratchbuilt a pair of bomber seats and used epoxy to make the paddings . . . Oh, and the driver seat swivels . . . in case of a romantic interlude with lady Warthog!!!
bobss396 Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 I'm more of a traditional rod builder myself, but those two have character. Post more progress pix! Bob
outlaw035 Posted November 15, 2007 Posted November 15, 2007 very interesting....very interesting....im becoming a fan of rat rods but im a streetrodder at heart...cant wait to see the finished results...really lik'n the coupe....
Dr. Cranky Posted November 16, 2007 Author Posted November 16, 2007 It's cold and rainy down here so all painting is going to have to wait. Also, I still need to work on a few more details, so stay tuned in for more pictures . . . and thank you for the kind comments.
Gray Smith Posted November 16, 2007 Posted November 16, 2007 Dude..the Warthog is just sick! both are awesome builds...great idea with the warhammer head...back when I worked at a hobby shop that sold that stuff I saw some really cool items that could be used elsewhere...I guess I'm not the only one who thought that. I'm really looking forward to seeing more! Gray
Dr. Cranky Posted November 16, 2007 Author Posted November 16, 2007 Thanks, Gray--yeah, the one who turned me on to the Warhammer stuff is my buddy from Utah, Hollywood Jim Fernandez, who got me into the skeletons . . . but then there is so much great stuff that can be used, so yeah, I have a few boxes of neat Warhammer stuff in my spares collection . . . It's turning out to be a good day for shooting paint afterall, so I might get both chassis and wheels ready for priming . . . Stay tuned in for more progress, and again, thanks for the interest in how these will turn out . . . Oh, and by the way, I think this one is going to be called the WAR HOG! I have no name for the other, or even a paint scheme yet . . .
Matt T. Posted November 16, 2007 Posted November 16, 2007 Very neat! What a novel use of the '49 Ford grille as a rear bumper. THAT is unique.
Dr. Cranky Posted November 16, 2007 Author Posted November 16, 2007 Thanks, buddy, I really appreciate you pointing that out . . . and you know what, is has to be the influence of going back through some of those 50s and 60s ROD&CUSTOMS mags where it's always a breath of fresh air what people were doing to their vehicles just to have fun . . . Some of that culture, I think is still alive and kicking with a lot of gearheads . . . I think the motorcycle craze of recent has also played an important role in waking up many people . . . Beside, it's not like you are getting into a serious money pit by building the real thing . . . which is again what makes being in the hobby so much fun!
Robert81 Posted November 16, 2007 Posted November 16, 2007 (edited) Nice rats. I have to ask, those drum brakes, where did you get them? How did you make the seats? Edited November 16, 2007 by Robert81
Dr. Cranky Posted November 17, 2007 Author Posted November 17, 2007 (edited) The drum brakes I got from a friend of mine in West Virginia, and they seats I made from some Warhammer two part epoxy they sell at Gaming Shops . . . I think the company calls it "Green Stuff" or "Green Goo," something like that . . . you work it like playdough and then form it into the shape you want or that looks right . . . it takes a while to set, so you have plenty of time to cut it, rework it, etc . . . then once it is dry you can sand it down, drill into it . . . it's pretty good stuff . . . Edited November 17, 2007 by DamnCranky
Taxdude Posted November 17, 2007 Posted November 17, 2007 Padded bomber seats...what are you building this ratrod for an old man?
RatRod Posted November 17, 2007 Posted November 17, 2007 More kool stuff coming from Virgils great mind!!!! You've got my attention once again man!!!
Dr. Cranky Posted November 18, 2007 Author Posted November 18, 2007 John, buddy, I don't know if I have a great mind, I do know it is rotting though!!! I have not been able to get anywork done in the last couple of days because though my back is feeling better, my wife and I have been getting everything ready to host our family for Thankgiving . . . which is what you are all in the process of doing too, I would assume.
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