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TBtwofive

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Hello all. Just getting started on my build. At 75, I figure I had better get busy! I want to flare my frame from radiator to firewall on this modified T bucket. Can someone please tell me the common dimensions for the engine compartment (rad.- firewall)? Even though I am using an Iron Duke 4cyl., I still want to have ample room. Thanks for any direction!
 
Thanks for your reply, Sir! I am planning on channeling, but I may not. It won’t be traditional, because I’m planning on forward frame horns similar to a ‘32. I realize I won’t need as much room as a sbc or any other V-8. I don’t have a donor body, or a reproduction yet. I’m also looking to putting on a small p-up bed on it , so the w.b. will probably be at least 110”. I’m going with a frame width at the radiator of 24-26” outside. I just need(among other things!), the width of the firewall and the typical depth between the rad. and the firewall. Thanks again for your help.
 
You are welcome!
I have not built from scratch. I bought mine complete and fixed things. That said, I have read a fair amount on building. One that stood out as a general recommendation was this; Collect all the big hard parts (engine/trans, front and rear suspension/axles plus wheels and tires, body) and set them up on a flat floor, blocked up at ride height. Keep adjusting until it all fits and looks the way you want. Then grab some wood 2X4s and mock up a frame. It's cheap, easy to make any changes and helps to check for any issues.
If you try to just slap a bunch of parts together as you can afford them, it will probably cause fitment issues and look 'off' especially if it's your first build.
There are bunch of builds detailed here and elsewhere. Anything from a new kit assembled with typical parts to scratch builds with exotic engines. There is something to learn from each and every one of them.
I can appreciate what you’re saying. Firstly, I can afford the parts and pieces all at once, so that is not an issue. I just hoped to get an answer to my questions. Thank you.
 
Mine is set up for SB Chevy V-8 and it's 32" from firewall to radiator. That said, I purposely wanted the engine tight to the firewall and close to the radiator, but I could have moved the radiator as much as 4" toward the front axle for more room.

PS - I channeled mine about 5" which limits my interior space, but . . .it's what I wanted.
 

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Mine is set up for SB Chevy V-8 and it's 32" from firewall to radiator. That said, I purposely wanted the engine tight to the firewall and close to the radiator, but I could have moved the radiator as much as 4" toward the front axle for more room.

PS - I channeled mine about 5" which limits my interior space, but . . .it's what I wanted.
Thanks so much, Spanky! I knew someone would come through for me. It may be me putting the cart before the horse, but I just wanted to know this info, before I made my next step, body wise. You’ve got a really nice looking ride, and you’re right….”It’s what I wanted”!
 

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