Building a Cheap Rat Rod Frame

In this video we finish up the chassis for the model T. Lots and lots of welding have gone into this modified model A frame.
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[@patcoon3266]

Your work is awsome,we watch your videos everynight,

[@matthewbuirley9434]

I respect how you PUT IN WORK and get things done , you really inspire me to get out in the garage and start a project, keep up the great work I really enjoy your videos.

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

WHAT....I thought everyone has a project......most definitely need a project....or two.

[@shotsrodder]

I would add a cross brace with a drive shaft loop to stiffen it up and capture the shaft if it lets go 🧐

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Renard Shotter that’s a good idea! Nothing is worse than watching the rear u joint let go and the driveshaft beat the hell out of the underside of the vehicle

[@DDSpeedShop]

do me a solid and comment below. Don't leave me hanging.

[@jeremystrickland5196]

Looking good bro

[@rapdaddy2642]

Looking great

[@AndyGeesGarage]

I cut the frame horns off my A frame (bobbed it for a suicide spring mount) I can send them to you if you want.

[@wschell4023]

Personally I’m glad you reused the A frame. It’s more in keeping with traditional rodding and using what’s available.

[@bricehatch1943]

@@AndyGeesGarage me to 😎

[@rustyachers2459]

When you are finished you can say I built this. You didn’t buy an oversized model car and assemble it. Good job I like it.

[@mrromantimothy]

You haven't heard of the Goonzquad? They buy salvage title rebuildables and then go to the dealer for all the parts ,bolt them on and claim they built a car, if that was an actual real world shop they would go under fast, they wouldn't be able to sell the cars for half the money they put into them, they're a couple of youngsters that are brothers, I tell them :no dudes you didn't build anything someone in China built it, you just assembled it and KZbin views paid for it. I wasn't saying that to be mean I wanted to light some fire under their asses to get them to learn some real skills like Dan .

[@donbearden1953]

Dan, it’s looking good. I think If you would go ahead and paint the rear end and front end, it would look so much better. You said something was in the boxed frame making some noise so just name the car “the rattle can”. Of course it’s yours so do it your way. It’s going to be cool!

[@dangerous8333]

He "modified" it.

[@jamierichardson971]

I think your a hard working feller that's building a nice antique car collection, love watching your videos .

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks for watching!

[@rickm5806]

I don't know if this welding tip will help or hurt. plus I'm not saying you are doing anything wrong. What works for you is what you need to do. There is a rule of thumb in welding, "if you are using gas push your rod/stinger and if there is no gas you drag the rod/stinger ". I find that pushing the stinger gives me better bead control. Also most "welding manuals" tell you that you get better weld penetration by pushing the stinger w/gas. Anyway, I love your videos! i'm building a Studebaker truck Rat Rod in a small space like you are. So I find that I am constantly having to clean up like you. thanks for the vids and I am looking forward to more.

[@williamcarey6592]

You need some diagonal bracing to prevent racking of the frame . That’s what Ford did

[@CharlieBrown-pb9xn]

At the trans rear susp mounting crossmember

[@waynespyker5731]

Have Brent plasma cut components to form (4) 1 1/2 x 3 channel portions with oval lightening openings to form a 40 Ford style X member to triangulate the trans/rear suspension crossmember.

[@OwenFromOhio]

I understand that a good weld is stronger than the pieces it holds together... That being the case that frame should be strong... A great begining!

[@DDSpeedShop]

im hopingg so haha

[@94jimmy5]

Hi Dan, You are taking apiece of junk/yard art & turning into a very cool rod. Love you are using what you have. Awesome!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks 👍

[@BigJon129]

That frame don't look that bad, you're using what you have and that adds to the hot rod vibe!

[@cobadogeats]

the only way to get good at fab work and welding is to keep on doing it - looking great man

[@DDSpeedShop]

totally! thanks man

[@CharlieBrown-pb9xn]

And if you use a panhard bar go to farthest points possible. A short one causes too much side to side movement during travel

[@DDSpeedShop]

totally, i want it at ride height before i start messing with it

[@mikeschultz410]

I like how you are building the car you are doing a great job

[@pappabob29]

One suggestion: When you are folding over a "cover" like you did at the back step, If you run a "score" line across the outside edge where you are going to fold your piece down (cut half or a bit more through), it will fold down without making all that "de-formed" corner. Once it's folded over, it will leave a nice "v'd corner for you to fill with the welder. Grind all your welded edges -------------- presto!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks man, good tip

[@lasvegasbill4711]

Love the acoustic blues when working on a model T... appropriate and very cool too! Love the project as well. 👍👍👍

[@paulwhite9076]

You're a good worker love your videos the frame is looking awesome 👍. Thanks

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks 👍

[@lawrencephaneuf2977]

Flat black, my favoite color.

[@homespuntools2115]

Dan , I'm sure there's a lot of people out there that wish they were doing what you just did. I'd do 4 cart wheels and a back flip if I could make and weld in your door bottoms.Well... maybe not the back flip(career ending injury immanent).Let's remember stick,mig or tig weld... a good weld is a good weld! We think you did a fine job .Your not building a formula one car it's a Hot Rod

[@RustyIronProjectsRIP]

Thanks for the update...love watching the rat rod build....keep up the good work, we'll keep watching.

[@andybennett4923]

As long as you are happy thats the main thing. Youre doing another fantabulous D n D build!!!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

yeah im stoked on it!

[@dansimmons1964]

As always I enjoyed the video. Thanks for the progress update!

[@Swamp46Daddy]

Nice work Dan You will be driving before good weather !

[@DDSpeedShop]

I hope so!

[@MRTYREMULISHA]

looks awesome man, going to be the coolest kid in town when shes Cruisin´ The Streets !!!

[@oldcarnut3953]

I enjoy your channel so much! Keep on Motoring brother!!!

[@michaelguinn5736]

Hey Danny, great job, remember, you built this, you are correct, you could have built new rails but you used what you had which is what they did back in the day, also think about what you have learned, what really bothers me is people that sit on the couch & put other people's handy work down & don't know the first thing about it....your doing a fine job....keep it up, looking forward to the finished project!!

[@my31and37]

Great work, glad to see the fishplates...You won't ever have to worry about that frame being strong enough!

[@eddiemason4316]

When it comes to building a car, it's a lovely cruel game of hurry up and wait. Keep on rollin!

[@DDSpeedShop]

haha so true

[@robertgibson88]

For a guy thats just winging it I'd say you get an A+. I'd ride in it. Can't wait to see it finished now! Great Job!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks 👍

[@Jddvs]

I like the fact that you have made sure that it will be safe by reenforcing it at every joint. T-Wreck is shaping up well!

[@stevecr8934]

Nothing better then your own Welds. Now you know how strong your frame is.

[@DDSpeedShop]

totally agree

[@41plymouthnut87]

Pretty Rad! Gonna be fun driving around in it for sure.

[@georgew.morrowiii118]

It’s getting there.. good job on the frame work

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buddy!

[@davidingling9791]

U are kicking butt !! I can't wait to see it done

[@MLFranklin]

What a GREAT looking frame! I love the stance.

[@ericmcginnis9413]

What a cool ride! Enjoying this build bro! When it comes to power to weight ratio, I can only imagine the pull this light ass ride will have!! Pretty awesome project too!!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

haha oya!

[@mikepoint4983]

Simply FANTASTIC , your attention to detail is awesome . Taming of the Shrew . Keep up the great work . Cheers

[@fastdadgarage-northsouthch4418]

Nice and clean, not a bunch of extra cross pieces. That’s a lot of welding, but looking good

[@battyboomfatty]

Really enjoying this Hot Rod content. I for one really enjoy the welding stuff as well! I would reiterate what others have said and would say cross brace the frame, I would also throw a load of rust treatment down the insides of the chassis.

[@craigrobbins8981]

LOOKING GOOD DAN.

[@Sludge73]

Looking good, Dan! Thanks for sharing.

[@getlost692]

The frame still came out nice Dan

[@charliemclaughlin1042]

Looks great and should be nice and strong 👍👍👍👍👍

[@harleyironhead7090]

Awe job

[@wismar1971]

Dude.......you rock.

[@bass-player.22]

That should be a kick ass little cruiser when she's finished love it

[@williamdavis3509]

I like the diamond fish plates. Looks soooo much neater than just a strap.😀👍🤘✌️

[@patrickharrand]

Thanks for sharing your Garage Time with us Dan.

[@LeeSmith-BigK51984]

Great job on the frame the fish plates turned out great but ya gotta put some cross bracing in there that will help and I would make a track bar for the rear. But those are only my suggestion. But what a awesome job so far and the front looks way better with that little bit being up.. Awesome job. And keep up the awesome work.. And like always keep the wrenches on turnin and the tires on burnin..

[@DDSpeedShop]

yup still needs some love

[@BillyJoeJimBob28]

The back section is strong! But good thing it will be covered up by the body.😋 Nice job Dan!

[@levisclassics9330]

Love it!!! Cant wait to start welding! Building a frame for the next project would be some sick videos

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buddy!

[@chuckwinters8296]

Frame looks great!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks!

[@TurlosGarage]

I’m taking notes for my cheap hot Rod build.

[@shitbox7413]

Loving the fabrication and welding, nice work Dan. 👍🏻

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buddy!

[@shitbox7413]

I’m kinda at the point anymore where I enjoy the build more than the finished product, engine and drivetrain stuff is fun but I love chassis stuff like you’re doing, welding and fabrication is the best. 👍🏻

[@1963impala2drWaylonWire]

you inspire me to move my big ass ham! haha I cant wait to get my work season over with and get the Doje'llac buttoned up so I can get started on the V12 project! I think you're gonna like it!! keep em comin' m'friend!

[@DDSpeedShop]

im excited to see it! im sure itll be right up my alley

[@1963impala2drWaylonWire]

@@DDSpeedShop of course it will!! You a brudda frum anudda mudda!! Haha

[@kevpreston3842]

Should look great when it's back together..👍

[@Beandiptheredneck]

I think with all that boxing and fish plates and gussets you could put a 5th wheel on the trunk lid and haul a gooseneck with that thing! That’s a pretty sturdy frame now

[@DDSpeedShop]

haha, thanks buddy

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Looks good and strong

[@carlfluty6962]

First off Glad you two are healthy! Frame is looking good I really liked the way you folded the frame ends over, I leaned something there.

[@danmoore2443]

Nicely done👍🏻it does look better I enjoy how you always use what you have and don’t complicate things ...looking good keep having fun!

[@DDSpeedShop]

haha i like to keep it simple

[@N-Scale]

Looks great to me. Impressive.

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buddy!

[@josephneill7398]

Hey Danny , The "T" is coming along good , I know your still a little ways off but can't wait to see it complete ! Joe

[@martinfloyd6599]

Keep up the good work lad👍 🇮🇪🇨🇦

[@guillermonieri4203]

It looks great. Thank you for sharing.

[@aflove1971]

Really nice build. I am enjoying the progress. You made a comment about how it might have been easier to just build a frame from scratch. I think everyone needs a 1.0 version of major project. Your 2.0 rat rod can be from scratch. Short version, you're doing it right. :-)

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks biuddy!

[@timrussellguitar1516]

Practice makes perfect Dan. You’ve welded about 500 miles of wire. You’ve got it

[@380.motorsports]

Nice work on the frame. This hot rod is coming together nicely.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks 👍

[@raymari7658]

Bit by bit it's getting there. Oh yeah !

[@DDSpeedShop]

day by day

[@tmytco7664]

Nice work Dan. I think it's great that you go the extra mile to make sure the frame is strong and safe. I've seen too many rat rod builds where the focus was on the art with no attention to proper design.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Very true!

[@kevingathercole5161]

Rusty is right this isn't an erector car kit you bought. YOU built this. Well done sir.

[@lawrencephaneuf2977]

Simple is an understatement !

[@michaeltaylor8529]

Looking great keep up the great work

[@jamesblevins6078]

Admire your drive! Getting it done!

[@RK-mc8zy]

e'fn cool man! Keep going, can't wait to see more.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks, will do!

[@vet-7174]

Gonna be great when it's done 🖒🖒

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

Looking good Dan. This project is actually more entertaining then The 55 which I thought was great. Keep up the cool builds!

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks! Will do!

[@SweatyFatGuy]

The cool thing about simple cars is taking them apart and putting them back together to work on them. Blowing a T apart is vastly less work than taking a muscle car apart, or worse yet anything built after 1979. Pre War vehicles and 40+ year old trucks are the easiest, basic frame, bolt on parts, makes them kinda modular. So you're doing a highboy and not channeling it over the frame, tall guys and channeled rods don't mix well. Wide guys like me don't fit with passengers in these small cars so I feel ya in the X vs Y axis. No worries man the welds are fine, they'll hold and don't look like a cat pooped on the metal while that special kid wiped boogers on it like some guys welding..

[@maxrensberger9856]

Yep..."I'm happy with it"..and you're havin fun and I'm getting use to the background pickin' twang..

[@DDSpeedShop]

haha people love it

[@DavidJones-hl5om]

Good job it's a lot of work Dan get that frame together make a cool little hot rod

[@lawrencephaneuf2977]

Dan, I love your fab work!

[@deopersad2915]

Awesome 👍🏾 yeah there's a lot of cutting & welding but it's looking great now 👍🏾 seen others do it with new box section z the back and v cut to bend it and weld it all up make all look like one peace, still alot of work to do, then the other way is get steal laser cut in to the shape then have a jig to hold it and fully weld it up looks good but still alot of work to do, but that's how you save some money doing it yourself 👍🏾👍🏾 awesome when it's done 👍🏾✌🤙

[@rwruther]

Frame looks great! Woo Hoo!

[@jimarena1166]

Looking good Dan keep up the good work mate

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buddy!

[@callmenortnortin467]

Sure sign of a Canadian hot rodder>>> Tremclad !!! LOL!!! GivverDan!!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

haha all day everyday

[@davidwulf288]

Going to be a cool ride!!!

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks!

[@chasevans7171]

Yet another cool build. In record time just like your previous ones. I'd definately say that chassis needs some triangulation between the main rails though. Either a K at the trailing arm crossmember or an X for a gearbox crossmember. Or both. Top work.

[@Nova.1971]

Coming along great job on the frame.....

[@hotrodjimmy3085]

Coming together nicely. Looks like a fun project. Keep up the great work. 👊✌

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks 👍

[@cutworm59]

Watching and a learning. Thanks Bubba!

[@79beans347]

Yeah man I would roll with it cause it is solid and safe I wouldn't worry about it and plus this is a rat rod like build in a way so I the its cool and it will look cool when you get it all painted black so yeah rock on with it man great work and welding looks fine better than me for sure

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buddy!

[@braysanborn6000]

Not a Rat Rod with your skills and work ethic this is going be a 60s- style Hot Rod like we built in Dads driveway from swapmeet parts ! Way better than a Rat 🏆

[@DDSpeedShop]

thanks buudy!

[@alschopper]

Good job!

[@willgrcmt]

Coming along very nice. Great work ethic.

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks 👍

[@larryz24]

Looks great and super strong Dan! Loving the transformation....

[@DDSpeedShop]

Thanks so much!

[@rickijimenez2386]

WAY COOL BUILD !!!!

[@l92375]

The frame looks great man.I got my 55 running under its own power.I got some kinks to work out.I did back it out of the shop and drove it down the driveway.Im just doing piddly stuff today,kinda took a break from heavier duty stuff.

[@waynespyker5731]

Model T frames have a small riveted gusset to triangulate the front crossmember into the frame rail. Model A front cross members have a triangular gusset rib on the rear to rivet into the frame rails. While still in the rough please consider adding gussets behind the front crossmember being careful to provide ample clearance for radiator mounting brackets and hose routing.

[@bart9859]

I've got 2 words for you: "rust converter". Spray it on, let it convert the rest to a paintable surface, then paint. Saves you time and money. Plus in a few years you will not have to take the Rat Rod apart to repaint the frame or fix rust holes if you do that.

[@DDSpeedShop]

tremclad is a rust converter, I think its goo enough for me haha

[@russellzacharias3535]

You've used both corded and cordless grinders with flap discs, preferences, pluses or minuses of either (not by brand). All my grinders are corded as I was used to the kick and knowing it takes a lot to stop them never got to cordless ones but they are on the list. Project looks good and great progress, hope it warms up just a bit more soon.

[@DDSpeedShop]

love the cordless but the batterys cant keep up on bug projects

[@garykelley5030]

Man I can't crtizxe your work I'm learning from you. Keep up the good work.