1964 Dodge A-100 Hot rod sort of rat rod build thread.

[onanysunday]

 

[onanysunday]

I like to dream about going crazy on this truck but it seems I always pull back. So I'm scrapping the flame idea. I keep going back to a simple three box bead roll design for each wheel well. Then on the side piece that curves around on the inside edge of the tire do some dimple die holes. There will also be panels in the center of the truck covering the top of the fuel tank and above the transmission. I would do the same rectangular or square pattern in those panels as well. Our little 19-in Eastwood bead roller would not work for this big panel but we have this 24-in aluminum bead roller in the shop. Dies don't fit but I think I can machine some steel sleeves for each shaft and make it work. Then get a helper and hand crank for bead rolling. To accomplish this I think I only need to buy a set of $84 dies from Eastwood. We don't have the correct 45° dies.

 

[Kansas T]

I like to dream about going crazy on this truck but it seems I always pull back. So I'm scrapping the flame idea. I keep going back to a simple three box bead roll design for each wheel well.

Sometimes less is more.  There is so much amazing craftsmanship and detail in your build, that I don't think you need an over the top set of fenders.  

 

[onanysunday]

 

[Bobalos]

Super nice. 

 

[onanysunday]

I'm liking this style of gas cap. Some of these darn things are $500 which is nuts.

 

[zilla68]

I'm liking this style of gas cap. Some of these darn things are $500 which is nuts.

View attachment 89692

BE THE SHOW!!!! that's cool never seen that before

 

[onanysunday]

Well I wanted 25 gallons but it looks like I'm going to be settling at about 19 or 20 gallons. Unless I bring the top angle portion of the tank up closer to the top of the edge of the frame rail which I have another idea that I want to do there. Building this tank out of stainless is going to be one hell of a job. And I still have to get a fuel pump down in there with a flat spot at the top to mount it.

 

[onanysunday]

This will be the same 3-in raised floor like the front wood sections. If I put a real steep taper on my pieces of wood going across the back in front of the tailgate that angle can blend in to the frame rail. Looks like I can get about 13 and 1/2 in width of wood across the back section in front of the tailgate. Then like the one photo I wanted to put a piece of wood in the angle. But I need the thickness to do that which I may have to make the fuel tank fit into that space. Then just put about a 22 by 6 and 1/2 in steel panel instead of wood.

 

[onanysunday]

Those little pods on each side of the main tank are right at 3 gallons each. I don't think I dare go any wider and get in line with the tire in case the tire comes around and tries to hit it. Even now it's pretty close but I'm in board a couple inches.

 

[onanysunday]

Now I need a couple support pieces welded directly to the frame to support this framework. I'm thinking about building the fuel tank out of aluminum instead of stainless. That will save probably 10 to 15 lb in the back of the truck. Looks like I have a fair amount more room on several sides of those two side pods to get some more fuel into this tank.

 

[onanysunday]

Needed to be able to strap a vintage ice chest in the back. Found this on Ebay and snapped it up. Takes me back to being a kid in the 60s. So cool. 

 

[onanysunday]

Poking around on Ebay and my guess was right. They made that ice chest in 1964. Same as the truck. Exactly what I wanted.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/296029907838?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338678874&toolid=20006%26customid%3Ds%3AGS%3Bgc%3A4c85a59817191e27e893c018e560a662%3Bpt%3A1%3Bchoc%3A1&customid=s%3AGS%3Bgc%3A4c85a59817191e27e893c018e560a662%3Bpt%3A1%3Bchoc%3A2&msclkid=4c85a59817191e27e893c018e560a662

 

[onanysunday]

 

[onanysunday]

Phase one operation bead roller complete. First had to make a coupler to adapt. Then made a bracket to put the motor from the 19-in Eastwood bead roller on our 24-in hand crank Mitler bros. bead roller. The sleeves for the Eastwood forming dies fit a little loose so I used some .010 thick brass shim stock to tighten it up. Next up I'm going to make a table for larger work. Then we'll see if I can make some nice wheel wells for the back. Shoot some black paint on this today and then hit it again next week. Next weekend the plan is to maybe start on the main hoop for the roll cage in the cab.

 

[onanysunday]

 

[onanysunday]

I have two choices for location.

 

[onanysunday]

Looks like the corner so I can get two lawn chairs in.

 

[onanysunday]

We had some sheets of stainless laying in the back room. Now I know why. Stuff is a pain in the ass to work with. This table does not have to be fancy so I wasn't too worried about it.

 

[onanysunday]

My first attempt at several pieces of equipment. Really happy with this first try. English wheel to pre-stretch. Bead roll with the new bigger bead roller and table. Bend it by hand. Which was more work than I thought it would be. Then the bead roller again with radius dies. I don't think I will even need the shrinker stretcher very much on this piece. The flat inside panel will warp all the heck and we'll need to be shrunk.