Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
#233537
02/23/09 01:00 AM
02/23/09 01:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,857 Cambridge Idaho
RUMBLON
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OP
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Cambridge Idaho
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OK, I am more than likely going with a 360 carb motor and am going to try and keep it kind of cheap, not cheapo, but no 392 HEMI or 5.7 computer motor, ect. I may even go with a 273, just because I have this dual quad manifold, who knows. I now need to order my cross member from fatman for the mustang II conversion and start deciding on what else I may need. I have been wondering what type of gas tank fits in these well and where to place it? Can I use a tank from a junk yard vehicle, if so, what kind or am I going to need a more pricy rod style? I dont mind, just need to start a nice list and see what I am looking at. I also want to use some sort of aftermarket style tail lights, turn signals, ect. Not being a Rod guy, this is new to me. What is a decent brand and what company makes decent items like the panels to french in if that nice, or what? Also, lets talk wiring harnesses, I know painless is nice and pricey, but there are LOTS of other out there. Any one have experience with these and what decent for the money. How many fuses does one need??? I am going with some AC, afterkarket probably as this will be a driver and maybe a longer distance vehicle. It will have electric windows( which I also need to decide on a brand) a nice stereo and down the road, who knows, so I dont mind getting a larger one for options later. what else should I consider. I have finally gotten a few bils paid off( lots more to go) but at least this summer I can buy some parts and get this going. So, GAS TANK WIRING HARNESS POWER WINDOW SYSTEM SEATS. CUSTOM AND POWER OR OUT OF A VEHICLE OF SOME SORT AND REDONE? TAIL LIGHTS WHAT ELSE?????? THANKS FOR ANY OPINIONS AS ITS ALL NEW TO ME. I am trying to get my 67 dart done, get on this 38, get the (once easy 67 short wide power wagon resto) now major project with new sheet metal, all going a lot further along this summer, not to mention painting YOUNGUNNERS(MOPARTS MEMBERS) vehicle and get the new quarters on my 72 340 cuda-------- Now that I know I have a job until June of 2010, I am good for a while. Also, ahve any cool custom ideas????? Let me know. I wish I had RON here, I would chop this thing and learn from the master> here is a pic Dave
Last edited by LAWFISH; 02/23/09 01:01 AM.
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: RUMBLON]
#233539
02/23/09 02:22 AM
02/23/09 02:22 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,089 Sorrento, BC, Canada
4speeds4me
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,089
Sorrento, BC, Canada
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I'd start with a measurement between the framerails at the rear...I like to use rear feed gas tanks (B and C-bodies) if they'll fit, for the symmetry of hiding the filler in behind the license plate. If I gotta have one there anyways, it might as well serve a purpose...
2 Demons...no, not my kids!
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: RUMBLON]
#233540
02/23/09 09:07 AM
02/23/09 09:07 AM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 251 Lithonia, Ga
36PLYM
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 251
Lithonia, Ga
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I used Poly tank from Yogi's made by Tanks Inc. E Z wiring harness, seats from Dakota or Durango.
36 Plymouth Coupe 318 w/360 heads 518 trans 8 3/4 rear Ga. Tech BCE'78
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: 36PLYM]
#233541
02/23/09 11:20 AM
02/23/09 11:20 AM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,481 Chino Valley
RodStRace
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 12,481
Chino Valley
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Rod stuff is pricy due to a one time sale. Try looking at race car stuff; it's usually cheaper for the same or better quality, since they sell multiple times. Is there a roundy round track nearby? Talk to the racers. Tanks are either custom fit or generic. The custom stuff is pricy. If there is a race fab shop, see what they would charge to build one. Many times, it will be the same as the net one for your application. Wiring is usually get what you pay for. There are name seats for rods, but again, it's a one time sale. When you have the steering pretty much sorted, jam stuff in there until you are comfortable, then measure. As mentioned, a Dakota might be a good source. Since I'm tall, I usually end up looking though the top third of the windshield, and like to be as far back as practical. My eyes usually end up even or a few inches ahead of the B pillar. If you are behind the B pillar, you have blind spots. On the older stuff, this may happen. Try to compromise the best vision and comfort so it's to your liking, and anyone who will also drive the car. If you usually sit at 3 clicks up from all the way back, set it up that way. If you end up selling the car, you want it to fit more than yourself. Of course, if you are 5'5" and building a chopped Model A, build it to fit you since there is no way to fit anyone over 5'10". While you are talking to the race fab shop, get a feeling for the other stuff they may have that can be incorporated. Circle track stuff has to be reasonable, last, and be safe. Not a bad combo for a rod. EDIT: I forgot to mention that the gas tank on my 40 and I bet on your 38 are offset to the driver's side. The neck goes up to the fender, and the exhaust is only on the passenger side. If you plan on dual exhaust, you will have to make changes.
Last edited by RodStRace; 02/23/09 12:14 PM.
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: RodStRace]
#233542
02/23/09 12:34 PM
02/23/09 12:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,857 Cambridge Idaho
RUMBLON
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Quote:
Rod stuff is pricy due to a one time sale. Try looking at race car stuff; it's usually cheaper for the same or better quality, since they sell multiple times. Is there a roundy round track nearby? Talk to the racers. Tanks are either custom fit or generic. The custom stuff is pricy. If there is a race fab shop, see what they would charge to build one. Many times, it will be the same as the net one for your application. Wiring is usually get what you pay for. There are name seats for rods, but again, it's a one time sale. When you have the steering pretty much sorted, jam stuff in there until you are comfortable, then measure. As mentioned, a Dakota might be a good source. Since I'm tall, I usually end up looking though the top third of the windshield, and like to be as far back as practical. My eyes usually end up even or a few inches ahead of the B pillar. If you are behind the B pillar, you have blind spots. On the older stuff, this may happen. Try to compromise the best vision and comfort so it's to your liking, and anyone who will also drive the car. If you usually sit at 3 clicks up from all the way back, set it up that way. If you end up selling the car, you want it to fit more than yourself. Of course, if you are 5'5" and building a chopped Model A, build it to fit you since there is no way to fit anyone over 5'10".
While you are talking to the race fab shop, get a feeling for the other stuff they may have that can be incorporated. Circle track stuff has to be reasonable, last, and be safe. Not a bad combo for a rod.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that the gas tank on my 40 and I bet on your 38 are offset to the driver's side. The neck goes up to the fender, and the exhaust is only on the passenger side. If you plan on dual exhaust, you will have to make changes.
The fender side is fine as I actually prefer making a custom filler opening i the fender, ect. I am still learning the metal fab and like doing some oddball things or tank door, ect. Dave
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: RUMBLON]
#233543
02/23/09 11:35 PM
02/23/09 11:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,562 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
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I Live Here
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Posts: 10,562
Freeport IL USA
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For the gas tank on my 39, I built mine from 14 guage steel sheet. Measured the original tank, changed the things I wanted for clearance and stuff, then went to a local metal bending place. They bent the top, front, bottom, and rear from one piece then cut both ends and a center baffel. Put a short piece of pipe the diameter the fill tube needed to be, and located that and cut the hole for a tap in fit. Test mounted the fuel guage sending unit that matched the guage I was running and located that so the swing arm would clear everything. NAPA has a universal guage and sending unit that has a screw in sending unit and a genaric looking guage that is reasonably priced. Once all the holes are cut for the filler tube and the sending unit, I welded up the seam between the top and the rear. Then I positioned the baffel about the center, to miss the sending unit arm swing and welded it in at the top, botton, front and rear. Then I welded in both ends. I presureized the finished tank with air and checked all the weld seams with a water bottle for leaks. Mark and reweld any leaks found, redo until there are no leaks left. Install the sending unit, filler tube, and paint the outside the color of your choice. Install the tank. Think the whole thing was under $100 and it fit like it was made for the car, because it was.
When it comes to seats, take as much time as required to get them into the correct position for you. Nothing ruins a car faster then poor seating position. I've spent days getting the seat right for the cars I intend on driving. The only requirement for the seats is they have to fit in the car, in the proper location. The coupe has a lot of room for seats for 2 people. Your probably going to have to get them recovered to match the interior, pick confy seats. Gene
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: poorboy]
#233544
02/24/09 01:30 AM
02/24/09 01:30 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 771 Btween a rock and a hard place
moparlulu
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 771
Btween a rock and a hard place
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Quote:
I presureized the finished tank with air and checked all the weld seams with a water bottle for leaks. Gene
Please only use 3 to 5 psi of air when you check any tank for leaks. I knew a guy that was killed from over pressurizing a tank. And add some dish soap to your water too. Makes the hole's come alive.
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: moparlulu]
#233545
02/24/09 01:35 PM
02/24/09 01:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,884 Tracy CA
rabid scott
"You're Where?"
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"You're Where?"
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,884
Tracy CA
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Dave, these kind of cars are the most fun to build, they are free form, not a color by numbers kind of car like a muscle car resto! First thing I'd do is figure out what you want. Hot rod, custom, or just a modified driver? 50's or 60's style? 70's or later? A stock '38 Plymouth Coupe is a good looking car, you won't have to do much to the outside unless YOU want to. Don't modify it just to modify it, a fairly stock exterior over a lowered modern chassis would be a good start. I'd go to a few shows and see what ideas you liked on other cars and see how you could apply it to your car. Really want it chopped? It really isn't that difficult to do, there's a really good book by Tex Smith about chopping cars. You're already cutting and welding patches, so you can do it too. You might just focus on the suspension, steering, brakes, and wheel/tire combo for now, and let the rest develope as you finish up those projects. You will need to do them anyways, and this will give you time to figure out exactly what you want. A carbed v8 and automatic tranny is about the simplest swap into anything, and you'll need to put that in there to figure out where other things like steering, etc will be going. As far as gas tanks and seats, this stuff isn't rocket science, go to a junkyard with a tape measure and have at it!
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: rabid scott]
#233546
02/24/09 07:35 PM
02/24/09 07:35 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 192
Ferlin
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Joined: May 2003
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Here's a pic of the gastank Yogi's sells in my 37 coupe & I'm not using it anymore (I pm-ed you LAWFISH). It works great. Ferlin
Last edited by Ferlin; 02/24/09 07:38 PM.
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: Ferlin]
#233548
02/24/09 07:51 PM
02/24/09 07:51 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 192
Ferlin
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: Ferlin]
#233549
02/24/09 11:57 PM
02/24/09 11:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,857 Cambridge Idaho
RUMBLON
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Quote:
Here's a pic of the gastank Yogi's sells in my 37 coupe & I'm not using it anymore (I pm-ed you LAWFISH). It works great. Ferlin
Ferlin, I like th tank, where does the filler neck go/ where does it fill from???? Dave
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: RUMBLON]
#233550
02/25/09 12:15 AM
02/25/09 12:15 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 16,479 Canada
CrAzYMoPaRGuY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 16,479
Canada
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Alot of aftermarket fuel cells have adapters for remote fills, and are fairly inexpensive. Junkyard tanks are easy to come by too, just make sure they look to be in decent shape. Many imports have smaller, easy to install tanks, we've used a few... The B and C body tanks will probably be too long. I had one customized for my Coupe when I first got it on the road, it had to be basically cut in half, the distance from the rear to the rear of the trunk is too short, on my 1940 Coupe anyways...
CrAzYMoPaRGuY
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: Ferlin]
#233552
02/25/09 02:28 PM
02/25/09 02:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,857 Cambridge Idaho
RUMBLON
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Quote:
LAWFISH, it went to the original hole in the drivers side rear fender. Ferlin
Ferlin, works for me, PM sent bac at ya!
Dave
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Re: Need advise/38 Plymouth build- gas tank, and lots more!
[Re: RUMBLON]
#233553
09/14/09 12:24 PM
09/14/09 12:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,857 Cambridge Idaho
RUMBLON
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Well, sad to say I am not much further along than last year. I bought Ferlin's gas tank and will see if I cna use it this winter. I painted three gas pumps, most of my dodge truck and worked on the cuda vert this summer, oh and the 67 Dart. Since I can not paint in the winter I tend to do the heavy stuff, take down, fab, ect and paint all I can in the summer. I had to get all these small projects out of the way. oH, AND i BOUGHT THE 5.7 hemi FOR THE PROJECT.
And I had to change job again. Now that said, ITS TIME YO GET SERIOUS AND ORDER THE fatman FRONT END. I thought I knew what color I wanted, but now I am not so sure. I want this to look more old school (I think).
However I guess I need to remove the car from the frame and post some pics so I know where to start as I have no idea. Its a full frame with a huge cross in the center I need to know what to keep and what to remove on that and how to install the FATMAN front cross member.
I am a total novice and need some advice once the body is off.
Dave
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