I got to thinking (dangerous, I know) about how difficult it is to find parking spaces in many urban neighborhoods. A "Smart" Car could be really useful, but I just really don't want to be sitting in anything that small.

The issue is length. The 170" sedan fits in many places. The previous 160" car was even easier. An early A-body at almost 190" is not much different than a Volvo 240, which I've discovered requires a winning stroke of good luck in the game of Parking Lotto.

Sure, I suppose I could go find a 148" CRX if I wanted to. Or a 175" Volvo Amazon is a serious temptation. But none of those will hold a slant 6. As the brain started smoldering with curiosity, I stumbled upon this old thread wherein lies a fascinating comment:
Seriously? OK, I know some people can fabricate almost anything, and I admire them. But is this viable? Where would the various cuts be made, in such a way to keep the integrity of the unibody? I've read that the most important points (in the middle) are rockers, transmission tunnel, and roofline. If those were all cut at the same spot, wouldn't it be put together a little like a butt weld? Whereas if the tunnel was cut in the middle, rockers cut near the front, the roof cut near the back, (or vice-versa) would the pieces stack together sort of like building a brick wall, so the original strength of one piece overlaps the cut of the other?

I could imagine the shorter wheelbase adversely affecting handling and stability, especially given the "hang over" percentage of vehicle weight (past the tire contact points) being considerably higher... On the other hand, a Valiant/Dart trunk is big enough to carry the weekly groceries and still swallow half a Honda...

No structural degree, here. And I have just enough experience welding and painting to realize I'm not the guy to build this. I much more enjoy the mechanics and electrics of a project.

Thoughts?

- Erik

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Lots of early Valiants and Barracudas have crossed my path.
Also a handful of other toys for variety now and then.

Time to photoshop an example............

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Do this:



to a A100 van...........

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

I have thought about doing this with an A-body, but maybe remove 8-15" from the middle (butt weld all in one plane) and shorten the trunk section as well. Yes, this would take a lot of time and patience. I would do it for a smaller/lighter package and not for parking. I would also love to chop the top 2" and maybe lower the body down 2" over the subframes for a lower profile and less air resistance. I would not go below about 98" wheelbase or handling would likely go bye bye. Move the engine rearward 2-4" to improve/regain weight balance.

If purely for length/parking, I would rig up a non-leaf-spring rear suspension and chop off most of the trunk instead. Much easier for structure removal and fabbing. The "Street Lynx" from RMS (or similar 3 or 4 link) would handle the suspension.

I have recently been thinking an old Model A or Plym Sedan street rod would accomplish these same things and be very cool. Much shorter and almost no overhangs. Room for a Slant and a very light package. We'll see...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Several examples of shortened [url=http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=image+shortened+1978+cadillac+seville&qpvt=imag+shortened+1978++cadillac+seville&FORM=IQFRML]Seville’s here[/url] as an example to strive for. Love those side mounts, and how about the blue ragtop? I recall seeing these altered wheel base “coupesâ€￾ for sale at Cadillac dealerships in Chicago area in 1978 for big bucks.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

I saw a really cool Edsel that was shortened and narrowed and dropped at Bonneville Speed Week last year. It was about 2/3 size in every dimension. Dude even drove it on the Salt!

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Here's a quick - shop.



1965 Dart with rear doors removed, and windows combined to allow roof line to slope the same. Looks kinda like a thunderbird or something.

Move the engine back like Lou said and put he battery in the truck and it should be a wheel stander !!!

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

I would keep the roof long, and shorten the trunk lid, but not the trunk. You would have a bodacious trunk, and a very long package shelf.

OR....... Keep the roof long,and shorten the trunk. You would maybe have to go with coil springs. There is a company that makes such a kit for the A body Mopes that sells for about 2K.

I like Serj22's photoshop. That is cool. But you have to move the rear wheels back.

Sam

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I knew some guys in the old days from the U.P of Michigan who rallied an Olds Toronado with the rear seat area cut out. The short wheelbase was better for turning, but the car was just as wide. Following them on a narrow stage was entertaining, seeing numerous saplings on the road's edge mowed down.....

So how about one of the short wheelbase 2DR 2-post Valiants, like a '63? Thinking it was around 183"....

SmartCar = TotenKar

Add a straight axel on the front and some wheely bars

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51 Plymouth Cambridge with / 6