Tech Talk & Articles > Hotrods

Rat Rods in Australia?

(1/2) > >>

mike.biggs:
Hi guys, I've been chasing some real steel to get into as a new project, and I've finally found a decent 1930 Ford Tudor. Its complete, but definitely leaning towards the Rat Rod look, and I'm happy with that after a bit of a cleanup.

Its been dropped and sits real nice without being stupid. Has a Merc Flathead with twin 97s and a 4sp Borg Warner. Plan is to just cut a few inches out of the roof height, cleanup the panel work, drop some bomber seats and harnesses in and give her a tune :)

I can imagine that rules for HotRods in Australia are very different to say America. I know wheels need to be basically covered, moving engine parts covered etc etc...but what about the appearance of surface rust etc? Do cars need to be painted? If so I guess some matt black wouldnt be too hard...but I never want this to be a show car or look like an easter egg.

What about exhaust exits? This thing exits basically next to the doors :) I know the old rule was 40mm behind the last open window or something, but I cant find the exact details. Does all this apply to such an old car?

In regards to cutting the roof...how low can I go? I want to cut it as low as I find comfortable and safe, but I'm guessing theres rules out there regarding this.

Should I be looking at some sort of different rego? I'd like to be able to drive it where and whenever, but I know theres different rego available out there for rods and classics.

Long term plans would be a fresh flathead with some work and 21st century brakes...but I'd be happy to just have something old, cool, and gnarly to cruise in :)

Any feedback would be great guys.

srh:
Hi Mike
Probably your best source of info would be http://www.ozrodders.com/forum/index.php  i reckon its the best Hot rod forum in Australia
Good luck with the car, sounds like a beauty!
cheers
Steve

mike.biggs:
Thanks for that Steve, I'll head over there and see what I can dig up :fingers:

mike.biggs:
Hi mate, no real update...but I am currently sourcing some real steel from America and looking to import directly from there. Found freight for $3200 from L.A to Melbourne, which I thought was reasonable. There are several cars I am currently looking at. The wife really wants a '57 Belair, and there are several original ones for under US$10k. I want more muscle, and looking at some '70ish Cudas etc, between $13-15k.

But really, for $35000 delivered, this ProTouring big block 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle has stopped me in my tracks :)
http://www.harwellmotors.com/muscle-cars/1970/chevrolet/chevelle-big-block-pro-touring/133370k163431

We'll see what ends up on the boat over to here...

roadhound:
If the chevelle was pro toured before 1989 then there should be no problems bringing one in.
But then again, some have things that have been coming in that should not have. Or so I thought. Cheers

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page