540i Swapped Rat rod Build thread
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wasnt m3 said:
Very interesting project. I'm just wondering, why not just use the 540i for the chassis? Seems like the e30 chassis would be too small(particularly narrow and short) for the Olds body. Not to mention the benefit of larger brakes, suspension components, wheel options, and saving lots of time not having to swap engines and necessary swap parts.
Yes it would be easier to use the 540i chassis. But the vehicle is coming with a junk title. So it will no longer be able to be registered. And yes I am going to take advantage of the bigger brake and use them. For the suspension and chassis. Most of it will be tube steel and fabricated.
I have some rough proto types I will
Post pictures.
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Here are the rough pictures of the 540i. I will be doing a part out on very select items. I will make a Craigslist post. Getting really excited.
I know I have had a couple people not ask why I am not using the 540i chassis and that is for two reasons.
1. The vehicle does not have a title. There for registering it will not be fun.
2. I'm doing this for the experience. I want to fabricate as much as I can. I enjoy the prototyping and figuring out another way to to things. Yes I could chopping the body off and weld one on.
I've seen that done with a e36 it was cool. But not safe.
Yes I give the guy credit for the build for say. But me personally. I would not want to do it sketchy. Do it right the first time.
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I saw that e36 version a few years back, that thing looked pretty awesome.
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I keep hearing Olds, but I see no Olds...
Anyway, if it's from the late 30s or early 40s the e30 chassis could be closer to the right size. Normally I prefer traditional, "period-correct" rods and customs, but definitely approve of the idea. At least it's better than taking some 40s car and putting it on an S-10 chassis... never understood that one. I get it, it's about the right size, body-on-frame construction, and cheap... but it's also... an S-10... not generally know for their handling, comfort or cool-factor.
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I keep hearing Olds, but I see no Olds...
Anyway, if it's from the late 30s or early 40s the e30 chassis could be closer to the right size. Normally I prefer traditional, "period-correct" rods and customs, but definitely approve of the idea. At least it's better than taking some 40s car and putting it on an S-10 chassis... never understood that one. I get it, it's about the right size, body-on-frame construction, and cheap... but it's also... an S-10... not generally know for their handling, comfort or cool-factor.
I am picking up the Olds mobile on Friday. I will post pictures. I promise.
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Alright these are the first pictures of the body. I will have more when I get it off the trailer.
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Looks like a solid body!
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Looks like a solid body!
Very solid rust free
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Better pictures. I havent had alot of time to look at the car.
But here is some rough body lines. And a front look. I hope your as excited as I am.
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Did some work today got a wooden mock up frame done. no where close to done. But it's a start.
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Today I started on the steel frame. Basing it off the wood proto type.
To make the bends I made slit cutts. To make it easy to bend.
Then I made an opps an over bend and welded a rail. So I re cut it open and bent it back
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You should turn that massive front grill into a kidney grill.
Looking good so far! -
You should turn that massive front grill into a kidney grill.
Looking good so far!I have been thinking about how I can add some bmw looks to this thing.
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Up date:
I test fitted the body on to the frame today and I have to say it fitted very nicely. I have the front suspension picked out. I will be ordering that this week so I can get started on the front set up.
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yeah, do a 1930s 328 homage grill for this thing, would be awesome.
Dan
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