Leaderboard

I was originally offered this project a couple of months ago but I took one look at it and said no. But I got outvoted 2-1 so here it is. It’s a 1938 Ford 351 Cleveland Engine, possibly from a Mustang. I’ll get numbers at a later date and do some research 3 Speed FMX automatic transmission Corvette Stingray rear end Drum brakes all round Bear in mind, it is a rat rod build and will be true rat rather than rat look or rat style so don’t expect loads of shiny new parts. As it stands, the truck has no wiring, no fuel tank, no brake system, no propshaft, no interior, no floors, no pedals, basically no anything, so the first thing to be done is get some fuel and a spark to it and see if it runs. The engine turns freely and seems to have compression so looks like a good start. After that, make a proper wiring loom, lights, lengthen the chassis and make a longer bed, fit some fat rear tyres and see what happens next. Nothing is in stone and it’s set to be an adventure. Enough said, here she is in all her ratty glory. Watch this thread for updates.

Yes. We'll be fitting wider wheels on the back and possibly skinnier wheels on the front. No power steering.

How much did you enjoy your first drive ? My first time was in January, at Pink Rock + Big Red. I was feeling a little bit anxious before we moved, as it was my first real experience on dunes (after only a few drives off the tracks) and I didn’t have a clue about how difficult it would be : will I get stuck, break my car, etc. But thanks to Gaurav’s, Rahimdad’s and everybody’s help, it has just been fun and very exciting. What did you enjoy about the drive ? - safe adrenaline - precious advices - gradual difficulty of the ride - friendly atmosphere Which part of the drive you think you enjoyed the best which you would like to repeat ? When you are faced with a difficult crossing and you ask yourself : Really ? I will do this ? And before you find the answer, you discover that you just made it. Do you think there was a good mix of lecture and practical, was the lecture too long, and any part that can be avoided or done in a shorter or different way ? To my opinion, it was OK. The first lecture is never a waste of time. Do you think anything else could be added to the lecture? Not really, considering the many opportunities we have to ask questions during the day. Do you think prior reading material would help ? I agree with Richard and Sertac, nothing can replace practice, however it could be useful for all newbies to have a short document, I mean one page, summarizing a few basic rules (for security), prior to the first drive. Would you know where on the Carnity forum you would be able to find the information you are looking for? Yes. Is there anything you think could be done in a better way ? I will think about it… How do you suggest to make things better for the new comers ? For my first drive, I didn’t have a walkie-talkie yet, and I must admit that sometime I felt a bit lost and « lonely ». For that reason, I would recommend to all the absolute newbies to buy one before their first ride. How do you think you can progress within the current atmosphere and learning opportunities provided ? The more I will drive the more I will learn.

@Rahimdad @Asif Hussain @skumar83 @Gaurav @Atif

Totally agree, on words of wisdom.

The old Mustang engines are reliable. Pushrod design. Really easy to work on too. You don’t need any specific knowledge. Just take it apart and put it back together again as long as you have an imperial sized socket set. I’m not so worried about the petrol tank in the heat. It will be properly vented. May also switch to an electric fuel pump with safety switch in the future. We’ll see how it runs first. If the engine has a problem or two, I’ll repair it. If it needs a total rebuild, LS engines out of an old lumina or similar car can be picked up cheap here. Also to add, the engine will run on petrol. Red Horse is too valuable to waste in this hot climate.