gasser wheelwells

i want to go for the gasser look on my mid engine pu should i radius them or leave them ?

The "gasser" look refers to drag cars of the early to late 60s.
At the beginning of the decade, the tires were narrow and hard. It was tough to get all the power to the track. The answer was to have more static weight on the rear axle. This was done by raising the front and removing as much weight on the front as was legal or practical. In 5 years, the tires were better and by then they were modifying the rear suspension, going with small, light bodys only and the rear wheelwells were radiused for the bigger tires. By the late 60s, the tires had really changed and you saw cars that were starting to look more level and have the huge slicks you probably think of when thinking "gasser". The nose high look was fading though.
In the whole era, there were very few trucks done this way and all the van-style PUs were too heavy and had too much frontal area to compete in these classes. Your Econoline would be against a Falcon with the same engine.
I understand the appeal of the look, but it wasn't done to most vehicles. It can be done, but you need to pick an era and try to match the time frame. Early would be easiest. Get some retread slicks, raise the nose and remove the front bumper. No need to wheelwell cuts, the tires aren't wide enough. The middle era would require wider tires and the cuts. The late era would lean a bit more to the pro street or street freak look. Bigger rear tires, stock height in front with skinnys, and as much weight out as you can live with.

well much like the 55 chevs the rear wheelwells were very low i would like to bring the truck up on the front & rear the rear wells have some rot anyway so cutting them saves work i have seen them done either way hard to say they both look good

Sounds like you already have your answer!

I am also doing the gasser look. Waiting to sell the tires and rims I have now, then ordering skinny rims and tires from summit. Plan is to bring it to a local spring guy and have him either re-ark the springs or add to them. Will post pics when done.

There's more to a gasser than that. Donn, your plan ADDS weight.

Are you guys going to actually race these trucks, or is this all just for show? Poseur gassers?

mines for show only !

What's the point of building a race car that isn't raced?

iv been down that road with racing a 454 that i blew up all it does is cost money now it for looks

The way I see it, customize to your hearts desire. The gasser look is cool rather or not you plan on hauling ass every where you go. Love to see the pics when you are done.

Sounds like your going for this look.....

https://2img.net/h/i176.photobucket.com/albums/w181/NcRanger/HPIM0232.jpg

yep thats it

I say cut the wells if you want the look, since the rear wheel well sheet metal is available, buy a set in case you ever want to go back stock.

Hellfish wrote:There's more to a gasser than that. Donn, your plan ADDS weight.

Are you guys going to actually race these trucks, or is this all just for show? Poseur gassers?

Adds weight??? How do smaller tires add weight? By raising the front you are transferring weight to the rear, not adding weight.. As far as racing, yes I plan to run it this season..Don't know if you know anything about racing but depending on your ET the NHRA requires certaint things, roll cage, how many points depends on ET, welds showing, seat belts etc..
Still have to add gears, 411 or 456, Nitrous, Line lock, weight over the rear wheels, drive shaft loop...Etc.
I do feel however even if you do not race your truck why can't you do the gasser look just because you like the look???

I meant the adding leafs, etc. Ounces, and not a big deal.

It sounds like you not only plan to race, but do some serious racing! Yes, I know a little about racing. I am one of the organizers of the Heads Up * Meltdown Vintage Drags Series in WI/IL.

Fake gassers are like fake Olds Rocket valve covers on Chevy motors and fake patina paint jobs. Fake. I just don't get it.

well cant always get the real thing no difference than a tribute or clone car

I don't know, I personally HATE clone cars. I think Gasser's, Rat rod's, Low riders etc.. as more of styles not a particular car. Clone's seem to be fake to me and I would think more then a few people have been ripped off by a clone.
I guess to each their own.
Except the rice burner cars, they really drive me crazy