Durant Motors Internet Forum
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Preserve the automobiles manufactured by the Durant Motor Company, provide enjoyment for each member with meets, tours & technical assistance.
This forum is provided by the Durant Motors Automobile Club located at durantmotors.org
Hello everyone.
I live in Adelaide South Australia. My main area of "expertise" (if you could call it that) is Jaguar cars. I'm 51 years of age and have wanted to build my own car since I was no more than 10 years old.I have unfortunately been diagnosed with brain cancer so time is a bit against me now to complete a project and I'd love to get it done for my boy who is now aged ten and loves the old cars.
My original idea was to build a replica of the Biondetti Ferrari Jaguar Special but that will be a very long process under South Australia's rules.
Instead, a year or so ago I bought a bare chassis which was sold to me as being a Dodge but which I now think is some sort of Durant / Rugby. Please refer pictures at the Ozrodders Forum. Can anyone identify it? There appears to be no chassis number stamped on it anywhere. Did Durant only use the firewall plate for I.D.?
My plan is to build a sensitive tribute to a period racer either for road use, or hill climbing (or even better both) without doing the chassis any permanent harm.
Thankyou all in advance for any and all information :)
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model unknown
I realise it is Christmas and you all have many more important things to do than answer my probably dumb question. I just noticed lots of views though and thought the way the forum I linked to with my pictures of the chassis on it might have been blocking them. Please go to my blog instead which will also give an overview of what I'm trying to achieve:
Browny's Place
Thankyou everyone for your time.
PS. Is there a simple way to be added as a friend to the DMAC Facebook page? I couldn't find one.
Browny's Place
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only at this stage
Hi Mark
Doesn't look like a early Durant/Star frame and I'm not sure about the 30/31 frames. Anybody know if it's a 30/31 614 frame. I have a picture of a Durant race car that I'll send you.
Mike
Where Are You From? Oviedo, Florida
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1928 Durant Model 65 4 door sedan
Hi Mike, thankyou so much for your reply and also to Don who emailed me to let me know that my link to the Ozrodders forum wasn't working.
Just wanted to let everyone know that wherever possible this will be a no harm done to vintage components build. I'm going to scratch build panels etc wherever I can. My inclination has always been to restore wherever possible. This project I've been wanting to do for so long though is more the like of a hotrod build than a restoration; as an old and slightly damaged bloke I want to go racing!. Even so, my minimal harm rule still applies!
Every extra snippet of info is helping. Thankyou one and all.
Mark
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model unknown
Oh my goodness not that fake Cliff Durant car again. 660. Its not a Miller Special as confirmed by the Miller/Offenhauser club. 660 was orig a 1929 model 6-60 sedan. We have it in photo section in Monaco when it was owned by Raymond Squarciafichi. Its now dolled up again with fenders, lights and Ralph Hepburn's name stuck on it to perpetuate the fake. There's lots of emails on this one. The owner hired a firm in the US to sell the car and agent would not sell cars until fully investigated as not being fakes. She uncovered many cars as not being true. Last I knew from her on this one she was working with a former owner in Holland in working backwards in its history. The owner sold it in 2016 for 46,488 € I see knowing it was a fake.
Where Are You From? Ottawa Ont
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1932 Dominion built 614 Sedan
Your frame is from a Star "M", late 1926 to early '27. Star M's had three different frames, early '26, late 26 to early 27, and late 27-28.
Where Are You From? Texarkana, TX
Do You own a car built by Durant? Several and one in the "oven"!
Had me doing a little checking on 660. Originally the 1929 sedan was made in Lansing Steve had this in Registry info as a 1929 model 60 (6-60) car, listed with an 14L engine and serial numbered 14L-155628 out of Lansing. Even the firewall vin repro plate has been altered and now out of Oakland with a vin number higher than any 60 made. 660 with C-039597 . Last vins for 60 are ... Lansing is L-23,635 ... Oakland is C-24,316 ... Leaside is T-23,190. The racing people said they had no such car in their files raced by Cliff or Ralph. Bernard the seller of the car admitted he had the Hepburn name stuck on the sides to add to the illusion. The 14L was removed and replaced with a 1930 22A engine with Miller like carbs added. Rad shell is cut down 1930 shell. So its a mixed bag of 1929 and 30. As we concluded back in 2014, someone has been very creative and cobbled parts to make a pretend racer.
At least Don has id'd the Star M frame for Mark.
Where Are You From? Ottawa Ont
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1932 Dominion built 614 Sedan
Please allow me to state straight off the bat that I will not be perpetuating any sort of line of Durant/Miller or otherwise fakes. This sort of American oval track racer has a real appeal to me as a potential regular use road driven sports car with its classic simple attractive lines, simple construction and space for a second occupant. Even if I do end up building a copy of a fake it will be very much marked as such. I want my boy to be proud that he helped his dad make something that I would like to become a real family heirloom :innocent:
If you were to attempt something like this Norm, is there a better Durant race car you could suggest? Please, anyone else also give an opinion. Now that I can be quite certain that the chassis itself is a Durant, should I just build my own take on a 30'sish Durant race car with my own nice big plaque on it stating that it is Mark & Henry Brown's "Durant #1", built 2019 in the style of a 30's race car. That at least would be honest, leave no room for doubt and perhaps be more in keeping with making a true "hotrod". Using modern components in the build seems less of an issue then too and means not using up dwindling original parts which I think are important to maintain for true restorations.
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
I think under South Australian motor registration rules, I will need to provide an actual chassis / car / build number for this chassis (although the street rod rules may in fact allow the motor registry to simply apply one). What I know I must prove is that the original build date of the chassis is pre-1949; based on what you have written that problem at least appears to be beyond doubt.
Is there any way that DMAC records could assign me a known defunct number for which I could get a plate made ? As previously stated, I do not want to perpetuate future confusion but I need to find a way around our silly rules.
Am I correct that the chassis itself is not stamped with a number or am I just not looking in the right spot?
Thankyou again for the time you have spent already on this.
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
I haven't got an M2 to compare but I just know Star's. I base my ID on the location of the brake cross shafts, and the solid engine mounts. There are no numbers on these frames, only on the firewall data plate. From time to time you will find Star "M" data plates on Ebay. You need a serial number range of 350000 to 405001 for this frame. Frank Witkowski has reproduction data plates from the various factories. Purchase an original plate to obtain a valid serial number.
One other note. Back on the late eighties, Jeff Cromeen and son built a replica of a 1925 Durant speedster that used two Continental W5 engines assembled to make a straight eight. I think they entered this car in the Great Race about 1995. In 2003 I visited him in Dallas and had a chance to ride in this car! The sound of the engine/engines was indescribable!
Where Are You From? Texarkana, TX
Do You own a car built by Durant? Several and one in the "oven"!
Thanyou yet again Don. I will (and have tried) to buy both a complete firewall with plate and just an original plate on its own. Not easy to do here in Australia and I don't want to do the wrong thing and buy an overseas plate that someone else might need. I might have a lead on a firewall and plate in Queensland though; A mere 1500km trip:tired_face:
Thankyou also for all that extra info which is so important. I've got to loook up that 2 x Continental 4 build. I've been looking for just that sort of info. Continental 4's are pretty plentiful it seems here but not the sixes and how grand would a straight 8 be!!!!
You guys run a great forum. Thankyou so much.
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
Distance to travel is no obstacle! Road Trips can be fun! Seems like there was a write up in the early club magazine on Jeff's twin W5 roadster. Maybe someone can locate a copy for you.
Where Are You From? Texarkana, TX
Do You own a car built by Durant? Several and one in the "oven"!
Mark,
Pretty sure that these chassis pics are an M-2, either a M-2 Star or an M-2 Durant (same frame) You can see differences between your frame and the pics...Spring hangers are different, core support member is different you can probably fine other differences, also, like Don said the M-2 has rubber engine mounts which require their owne brackets, It appears that your frame may have engine mounted on the core support?...I downloaded these pics from an earlier post on the forum and now can't find the thread.
Where Are You From? Yuma / Leavenworth
Do You own a car built by Durant? several
Thankyou everyone again and especially Don. I just bought the original plate below off Ebay USA which looks correct to me based on Don's advice. So, my chassis has now become a 1927 one built in Lansing, 08/1926? :grinning: I can finally plan my build, most of which will be done in CAD before any cutting or welding is done.
no man is an island lyrics by john donne
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
Ha ha ... lets confuse you more. vins are model year not production year. So Aug 1 to July 31 of next year in most cases with Billy's empire. Effective 1930 and later they stopped that practice and model year would only be when a model was updated. As example the 1930 614 Durant was Jan 4 1930 to Dec 31 1930. 1931 614 model year was Jan 1 1931 to Jan 31 1932. 1932 model year was Feb 1 1932 to end of Durant's in 1932. Only the Frontenac and Rugby trucks went to Dec 1933 when all production stopped for good at Dominion Motors in Leaside. Lansing the last plant US stopped Aug 1931. Leaside became totally Canadian owned and operated Jan 14 1931 to make whatever it wanted, name changed to Dominion Motors later. They decided to continue the Durant / Rugby lines.
Having said that your vin plate L 389786 is 1927 model year from Lansing plant. 1926 model year for M Star at Lansing is L 350,000 to L 379,999 Jan 1 1926 to July 31 1926. 1927 model year is L 380,000 to L 414,999 Aug 1 1926 to July 31 1927. 1928 model year is L 415,000 to L 425,000 Aug 1 1927 to Dec 31 1927 and M model was replaced by the M2 Jan 1 1928 and I won't confuse you more after that ha ha.
So production wise your plate could be in 1926 and I would go with that. You can claim the car was imported from Lansing by some owner in its past, which is why it has the Star plate not a Rugby plate. Exports are Rugby to OZ and other countries since Britain already used the Star name.
"Beside badges and right hand drive for some models, the vehicle was identical to Durant's Star car, and was assigned to export markets by Durant Motors, due to the name Star being under copyright by The Star Motor Company in the British Commonwealth. The Rugby was built from 1923."
One of our members in Ontario owns a 1930 407 Rugby (Durant) touring that was exported to Argentina by Leaside, brought back and restored by him.
Where Are You From? Ottawa Ont
Do You own a car built by Durant? 1932 Dominion built 614 Sedan
Pretty sure that these chassis pics are an M-2, either a M-2 Star or an M-2 Durant (same frame) You can see differences between your frame and the pics...Spring hangers are different, core support member is different you can probably fine other differences, also, like Don said the M-2 has rubber engine mounts which require their owne brackets, It appears that your frame may have engine mounted on the core support?...I downloaded these pics from an earlier post on the forum and now can't find the thread.
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
I've let the lady in Queensland know that we might still head up to pick over the pile of bones she has there.
Cheers, Mark
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
Having said that your vin plate L 389786 is 1927 model year from Lansing plant. 1926 model year for M Star at Lansing is L 350,000 to L 379,999 Jan 1 1926 to July 31 1926. 1927 model year is L 380,000 to L 414,999 Aug 1 1926 to July 31 1927. 1928 model year is L 415,000 to L 425,000 Aug 1 1927 to Dec 31 1927 and M model was replaced by the M2 Jan 1 1928 and I won\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t confuse you more after that ha ha.
So production wise your plate could be in 1926 and I would go with that. You can claim the car was imported from Lansing by some owner in its past, which is why it has the Star plate not a Rugby plate. Exports are Rugby to OZ and other countries since Britain already used the Star name.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Beside badges and right hand drive for some models, the vehicle was identical to Durant\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Star car, and was assigned to export markets by Durant Motors, due to the name Star being under copyright by The Star Motor Company in the British Commonwealth. The Rugby was built from 1923.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"
One of our members in Ontario owns a 1930 407 Rugby (Durant) touring that was exported to Argentina by Leaside, brought back and restored by him.
You wrote: "So production wise your plate could be in 1926 and I would go with that. You can claim the car was imported from Lansing by some owner in its past, which is why it has the Star plate not a Rugby plate. Exports are Rugby to OZ and other countries since Britain already used the Star name."
I was aware of the Rugby naming issue but I doubt SA Motor Reg will be so I will claim a degree of ignorance on that one if it comes up. At least it's unlikely this particular "VIN" will come up on their computer as already registered!. USA plate and my chassis was found in Victoria too. Before I even get that far I have to submit a detailed "street rod" build proposal. I'm finally heading in the right direction :grinning:
You have all been most generous with your time and information. Thankyou so much. I'm going to try to keep my blog at Browny's Place as updated as I can whilst this thing progresses so please all feel free to drop in there to take a look and give your opinions both positive and negative.
Browny's Place
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M
This has been a long series of posts, so I'm not sure where to butt in. It sounds like you need
a frame of a legitimate car to start with, which you have. In the US you can build anything and
get a title after inspection. Thus the Rat-rod phenomenon.
I would suggest that putting it on wheels wouldn't be so hard, even in Australia. [In my case,
who would have guessed 1958 Ford pickup axle would fit precisely to the springs on a 1928 Essex. This frame was used with a 1925 Dodge Brothers Coupe Body]. The width varies with cars and trucks, but the late model axles are still pretty antique-looking, and come with hydraulic brakes. Studebaker, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet.
As for engine, you could simulate Durant by using any of the flathead sixes, which also look
antique. Such as American Motors, Fords, Hudsons, REO, Studebaker, Willys Overland, Kaiser, Chrysler. Last Dodge Power Wagons still used them in 1980's. Many Continental and Chrysler engines were used in farm machinery. Perhaps even in Australia.
Ideally, you would want a floor-shifted transmission and flywheel clutch. Heavy truck trannies
are probably overkill. Perhaps a stick shift from a Jeep Cherokee [Japanese-made], or equivalent.
Rear axles are wide open for selection. It would be nice to fit in the fender area and to have
same bolt pattern as front wheels.
As for cowl, firewall, body, you have to have a eye for what can be cut and pasted together from
old farm equipment, truck cabs, etc. Radiators, being a prominent feature would be difficult
unless you can build one from other parts, like a tractor grille. There still are Durant grilles around.
As for the body, you may take some tips from the movie, "Chitty Chitty, Bang, Bang!"
Boat tails were built. Aircraft cloth and Shellac had their day. I visualize the panels of old
grain combines with their compound curves. Weld up a roadster body.
yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=harvest&th=40436
Enough of this castle-building. Thanks.
Do You own a car built by Durant? Yes
a frame of a legitimate car to start with, which you have. In the US you can build anything and
get a title after inspection. Thus the Rat-rod phenomenon.
I would suggest that putting it on wheels wouldn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t be so hard, even in Australia. [In my case,
who would have guessed 1958 Ford pickup axle would fit precisely to the springs on a 1928 Essex. This frame was used with a 1925 Dodge Brothers Coupe Body]. The width varies with cars and trucks, but the late model axles are still pretty antique-looking, and come with hydraulic brakes. Studebaker, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet.
As for engine, you could simulate Durant by using any of the flathead sixes, which also look
antique. Such as American Motors, Fords, Hudsons, REO, Studebaker, Willys Overland, Kaiser, Chrysler. Last Dodge Power Wagons still used them in 1980\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s. Many Continental and Chrysler engines were used in farm machinery. Perhaps even in Australia.
Ideally, you would want a floor-shifted transmission and flywheel clutch. Heavy truck trannies
are probably overkill. Perhaps a stick shift from a Jeep Cherokee [Japanese-made], or equivalent.
Rear axles are wide open for selection. It would be nice to fit in the fender area and to have
same bolt pattern as front wheels.
As for cowl, firewall, body, you have to have a eye for what can be cut and pasted together from
old farm equipment, truck cabs, etc. Radiators, being a prominent feature would be difficult
unless you can build one from other parts, like a tractor grille. There still are Durant grilles around.
As for the body, you may take some tips from the movie, \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Chitty Chitty, Bang, Bang!\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"
Boat tails were built. Aircraft cloth and Shellac had their day. I visualize the panels of old
grain combines with their compound curves. Weld up a roadster body.
yesterdaystractors.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=harvest&th=40436
Enough of this castle-building. Thanks.
I don't think I've ever seen a car on a South Australian road that I would considered a US style "rat-rod". The level of red tape we have to deal with is huge, starts at the Federal level and is further "interpreted" by each State. Having that chassis number means I can submit paperwork to obtain a letter from our motor registration authority which will give me permission to start work on something which, providing I follow the national street-rod construction guidelines to the letter, gives me reasonable hope but no certainty that on inspection day I will be granted registration. The system effectively locks and unlocks my shed; no just going outside to build something today that I would like to, just because I would like to. Sure, I could do that providing I'm willing to accept the likely consequences.
This will be much easier to do now because I can fill in all the numbers when I submit my MR640 Form, the "APPLICATION TO BUILD A STREET ROD" form, before I start to build. As a point of possible interest, That form is available online: MR640-Application-to-build-a-STREET-ROD as are the construction guidelines
Thankyou also CDMN for the construction and parts usage tips which have started me thinking about the overall design direction.
My Blog about all my build my own car sillyness: Browny's Place
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M