Pro Street Willys

[Rick]

Heres how it looks with the body sitting on the chassis. When you start with quality products it sure makes the extra work a lot easier.

[Rick]

With the body and chassis on wheels and tires, and a blown Hemi mocked up, you get a feel for the look I'm after with this build.

[Rick]

This build will include a blown TDR Hemi backed by a Lenco transmission from Dave. Between the engine and trans is an original and very rare George Zurowski bellhousing.

For those of you who are unaware of George, he was the "father" of the 8th scale aftermarket and produced the very first Hemi in several configurations. George is gone but I feel very fortunate to have some of his original pieces, including this bellhousing.

Once all three pieces are buttoned up, I'll build a front engine plate and a trans mount.

Georges bellhousing is an almost perfect fit to the TDR engine block so its an interesting combination of old and modern technology, especially considering that George carved his masters by hand almost twenty years ago as compared to todays digital technology used by TDR .

[Rick]

I've changed my mind, I'm going to build a 392 Hemi blower motor rather than the 426. Its shown here in mock up stage so I can build motor and trans mounts and it fitted to the chassis. Following that, I'll be able to finish the firewall and floor.

[MADD FABRICATOR]

Rick, it's looking GOOD. GREAT build. Can't wait to see it finished.
CHEERZZZZZ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MADD FABRICATOR

[hot ford coupe]

It's good to see you building again. This is looking great.

[Don Garrett]

I'm not a big fan of pro-street but this is a great looking ride. Nice going Rick.

[Rick]

Me either Don. Hopefully one day TDR will do a pro touring or a simple hot rod chassis that will fit under the Willys, Anglia, Cuda etc.

For the time being, all they need to do is create an optional rear clip (for the current chassis) that will work for each application.

[Rick]

Made a little more progress today. I've mocked up some mounts and have the engine and trans sitting where I want them in the chassis. I've also opened the floor to accomodate the bellhousing and trans.

[Rick]

Ya I know Don, I forgot to mock up the blower in the previous photos.

Now I know why the darn thing was running so rough............

[Don Garrett]

Actually, it would look sweet just running 2 fours.

[STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND]

looks great great isnt doing it justice

[Rick]

TDR produces a great IFS that can be adapted to the R/M deuce and the pro street chassis. Unfortunatly, the IFS kit does not come with a rack and pinion. A R&P kit is availiable but it does not bolt on to either chassis or to the IFS.

I'm adapting the kit R&P and for my application on the Willys, I'm going with a rear steer version. To do this, I'll have to modify the chassis front cross member and scratch some steering arms.

TDR is aware of the IFS/R&P issue and to their credit, they have assured me they will deal with it.

[Rick]

The rack and pinion steering is assembled and painted and will be attached to a custom mount when the chassis is painted.