Econo Rod

Came across this old story about my first runner coupe, enjoy

Econo-Rods
Bring back the budget rods and customs The days of rich kids and moma's boys are over!
Question is: What could you do with $3000 dollars?

Body: late 31 model A 5 window chopped 3" Frame: Model A, boxed and kicked 6 inches Motor: Rebuilt 327 chevy with 3 dueces Tranny: Rebuilt turbo 350 Front-end: 4" dagoed I-beam with 40 ford brakes Rear-end: Narrowed 9" ford Rims: Steel slots 14" front/15" back

Now here's the scoop kids: I bought the body for $800 it was rough but work able, I replaced the passenger side quarter panel which I made from some 20 guage sheet metal. Chopped the top 3" and built a wood kit out of lumber from the ole home depot.

The frame I bought complete minus body from a little old lady who just wanted it out of here yard for $150. I kept the frame for the coupe and later got another frame and put the chassis back together and sold it for $700. Boxed and kicked the frame, built a tranny mount cross member and she was good to go. The steel slots were on the chassis from the little old lady and figured what the hell, painted em red and ran em.

The motor was another steal, I bought a 300amp lincoln welder for $60! I traded the welder for a 225 buzzbox and the rebuilt 327. My tranny is rebuilt thru Cottman, I traded 3 junk turbo 350's for 1 good one. The 3 duece set-up set me back $300 for the intake with 3 rebuilt carbs and air cleaners (I rattle canned em silver). Which actually I should take this time to thank my wife for, she won $3000 in Laughlin and gave me the $300!

Front-end was $125, 40 ford spindles $50 and brakes $150. I made all my wishbone radius rods which cost about $300 for front and rear. The rear end was $50 (which I traded some t-shirts for) me and my buddy Dana narrowed it ourselves. Yes the axle did break the first time,and the housing the second, but we figuired it out finally and it works great.

The coupe has a gas guage which is stock $10, speedo works and is from a core I bought for $5 greased up and threw in, not real accurate but who cares? Oil pressure guage was spendy at $60 from Moon liquid filled and fits in the stock amp guage spot. The water temp is a Moon guage that fits right into the top of the intake manifold and was $60.

Head lights are from spotlights off a fire truck for $45, and the tail lights are running lights off a trailer for $10, which leaves the radiator $250 and the grill $20 with a $4 insert.
Add it up kids, less than 3 grand for a daily driver!!!

Next project is a 30 sedan which I hope to drive for under $1500 Is it possible, I'll let ya Know

Never did finish that sedan......