ratrod rover

hi,
building a ratrod pick up. going the rebody route.
series 3 swb landrover, been offered all sorts but held out for a leaf sprung chassis which i thought more in keeping.





complete with v5c etc.

going to be a pick up, with a very short bed or maybe a metal trunk if i can find one at not a silly price!!!!

repair needed on n/s chassis rail on inside and bottom.

heres a few pics, battery was placed on there to show some progress!!!! lol

i spent some of the afternoon(after work) dismantling the chassis.


axles and springs!!!!


and chassis, seperated. its a heavy old bugger to move on ya own!!!!


little bit of chassis rot!!!!


and more!!!


hole near rear spring hanger.


and the only other bit i could find.


steel ready to start repairs.


got a free wheeling hub on one side.


and this on other!!!!! got a replacement on the way, think i might need to renew bearings as well!!!!!

a bit of rust.


hole!!!


clean inside.




not pretty but does the job.




just a small repair on other side then one near rear shackle mount.

bit more progress, this is not a mega money build, so after welding(forgot pics of rear spring hanger repair, but it got ratrher involved!!!) i started cleaning chassis up, and out came paint and brush. had 2 tins on the shelf so thought why not.

back on its wheels.

Suppose I had better get the ball rolling on the paperwork!!! i hate paperwork.

steering box/column mounted.







and some parts for doors!!!!!

chrome handles have been on shelf for 10yrs plus. hinges and latches are cheap budget items. no mega bling stuff here!!!!! lol

as the steel did'nt turn up today for the body, thought i would start on the front wheels.

started with a wheel.



which ended up with this bit that i don't need.



and this bit that i do.





glad i've only got front two to do!!!!

narrow 15" rim.





all welded, needs cleaning painting. then crossply tyres mounting.

right, no one laugh. this is how far i've got with the body. first time at doing this.
got one door outer frame in hole, need to get more steel for other side.
got the cowl and front bulk head to start yet, which i think will change the looks making it not seem so wide.







steering column/box will need dropping a couple of inches.

not got a lot done lately, got two panels on rear of cab, plenty more strengthening pieces to be fitted. will look similar to a ford model A cab rear. but higher and slightly bigger window.

mocking up ideas for cowl shape.

done a bit more tonight.

one a bit more this afternoon, challenging and very time consuming, other side to do tomorrow.

done with welder,grinder and couple of hammers.

more progress, skinned other side of cowl.



also planning where rear window will sit.









and my new favourite tool(?) to use.

this mornings progress, evrything just tacked in at moment.

bit more progress this afternoon.





put infill in above door but ended a little bit wavy!!!!!!

and ignore the **** welding!!!

rolled outside for first time, rear bed will be steel not wood!!!!!

This is a very interesting build! Your welding skills will be top dog after this!
As i don't know your balancing abilities, im going to say your front wheels may not be well balanced.

cheers, about to start a big weldathon today!!! the wheels might not be used yet.