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Preserve the automobiles manufactured by the Durant Motor Company, provide enjoyment for each member with meets, tours & technical assistance.
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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
Where Are You From? South Australia
Do You own a car built by Durant? Chassis only, model M