PT Rod Project

[Milajohn Performance]

Well, we pretty much have the car down to bare body and glass. We have cut the floor to position the engine/transmission, so we can start looking at the frame extension requirements. We have sold quite a few of the parts already through Craigslist; evidently, there is a brisk market in repair/ reconditioning these cars, as much went on the first day at the asking price. Here is a preview of the engine, about where it will sit. We are going to add about 12-16" of length in front of the firewall. We're going to do a roll cage and do away with most of the stock interior, we have decided. We just have to make sure this will be alright with DMV (We won't have airbags), as it is our intention to have a streetable ride. We think the roll cage will give us some frame reinforcement for our extension. This will allow us to do away with the stock sub structure in the front end.

[EdSidders]

Our shop built some Henry-J's and English Fords years ago for different customers for Gas and Altered drag race classes...Looks like Y'all are headed in the right direction....You may have some problems with the state if you want to register it as a street car..I would suggest a lot of research into the requirements as it is a newer body that you are using..In the past the NSRA was a big help with registration here in Texas on a few projects but they were much older builds...Good Luck

[Milajohn Performance]

Thanks. You are right about DMV, but I have seen some unusual looking things on the road in Ohio, so I remain optimistic. Meanwhile we are keeping the airbags and seats from sale until we are sure we don't need them.

Sorry for no posts lately! Keeping the wolf away from the door the past couple of months. Here are a few updates: We are back to thinking we will use the front of the Dodge Ram frame. We think we will section it and use the front to mount the engine and then tie it back to the body underneath. Remember our plan is to create a prototype that others can follow so that the million or so PT's out there can be recycled into hot rods. We are also focusing on a low dollar, sweat-equity situation, but something that will be satisfying to build and drive. We'll make a whole website detailing everything we learned.

Deadeye--I know I owe you a call and will do it as soon as I can spend the time uninterrupted.

The picture attached shows some sense of why you can't just slap the motor in there. Unless you want it in the passenger space, you will have to lengthen the front.

[Milajohn Performance]

OK--we're back. Got the body on the frame for preliminary measurements. We built some special sawhorses to hold the body up while we rolled the frame underneath. I know it looks more like The Gravedigger than a gasser right now, but we have to get the two things together to see how to cut the frame. Remember, our objective is to illustrate how this can be accomplished using ordinary skills and low budget. We've been working all summer so our budget would be more than zero, in this economy! Also, we did sell the Holley dual quads for a tidy profit and got some AFB's that will fit the manifold. So now our carb expense is just $90. But the Holleys were much nicer. Bought by a guy with a 31 A with a big block Chevy. In case readers are wondering why all this about induction, 1) it is cool, and 2) we want to get the motor on the frame with the body to start taking measurements for the motor positioning. The frame is a beastie that will be cut to about 30% of its current weight. But for only $99 rolling, how could we pass it up? We'll use the 3rd member it came with until it blows up. Main thing is it is all inside for the winter, which is a sensitive item around here.

[SilverEagle]

I've always wanted to buy a used PT that didn't cost a lot. High mileage one. Cut the body behind the front door .Have about a foot cut out then weld it back together,then lower the top nine inches. Have the back end cut so the car would look like a coupe when finished. Change the rear windows to really be two smaller ones. Put on chrome hot rod bumper's front and rear. Cut off the front fender's so it looks like a hot rod. Put the old fashioned big bullet head lights on it. and drop a small block Chevy engine with rear wheel drive. .It's either that or go to Speedway SuperAmerica: Home Page and buy a kit car piece by piece.

[Milajohn Performance]

Well, based on what I can tell, that would take a bodywork DaVinci. maybe what you could do is find a convertible and graft a roof from a sedan on it. I think there will be a lot of PT's available in the coming years and that's why we are working to demo a modern revival of the original hot rod idea. Model T's and A's were plentiful when WWII was over and new cars were being built again. We want to see hot rodding returned to its roots which was fun for everyone. With guys like Chip Foose and Boyd Coddington setting the pace, it's become an out of reach hobby for back yard mechanics. Frankly neither of their senses of aesthetics appeal to us.

[SilverEagle]

I thing I'll stick to the original Idea.The convertible doors are to long. And I already have a convertible and We have checked it out .The back doors on the original PT will be welding closed and filled and the door handles would be shaved .

[2_2COOL]

Ohhh, awesome. Looking forward to seeing this monster come together.
Please, KEEP US POSTED, MilaJohn!!

[Milajohn Performance]

Here is the dirty 440 with a nice, clean intake put up there to determine height. The body will sit ~6" lower relative to the motor than it is here. That should be about right for the intended scoop to stick above the hood. The motor will spend the winter getting taken apart and rebuilt. We plan to add aluminum heads from 440source.com, some nice pistons and medium-hot cam. It looks like the headers will be going in a fenderwell-type arrangement.