Seeking Some Build Inspo? Check Out These Wild Rides

April 23, 2021March 26, 2021 Mark Williams 0 Comments Air Lift, Art Morrison, Barracuda, BD Diesel, BF Goodrich, Borgeson, Budnik Wheels, Chevy, Cummins, Dakota Digital, Datsun, Dodge Coronet, Forgeline Motorsports, Hemi, LS Swap, Power Wagon, Pro-Touring, Rat Rod, SEMA, Toyo, Wilwood

In a world full of automotive wonders, one cannot limit themselves to standard builds. Sure, there’s plenty of glory in tradition but, every once in a while, it’s good to get a little nuts.

We recently took a look at some of the most inspiring builds on the internet. And, while we’re certainly not disappointed in that list, we felt there were simply too many wild animals left to admire. So, we decided to take a deeper look in hopes of inspiring you to try something new. Dig in!

PerTronix_Aeromotive_Acquisition — As technology continues to transform the auto industry, a record number of mergers and acquisitions are sweeping through the aftermarket. One new partnership that recently raised eyebrows was that of PerTronix and Aeromotive. The former is an industry-leading supplier of ignition components, renowned for its Ignitor Series points replacement kits, HEI performance modules, Flame-Thrower HEI, billet and cast distributors, ignition coils, and spark plug wire sets. Similarly, Aeromotive is an absolute juggernaut of fuel-delivery and fuel-system components. The brand encompasses everything from late-model muscle and drag racing to marine and powersports. Their budding partnership spells opportunity for enthusiasts across the spectrum.

1970 Demo Ranch ‘Cuda

@drdemolitionmatt – Matt Carriker

Demolition Ranch is nothing new to the world wide web. And while the channel may focus on spectacular firearm-related antics, it’s the host’s charisma that is most to thank for the content’s success. Matt Carriker – who also hosts successful sister channels, Vet Ranch and Off The Ranch – is the proud owner of a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that’ll make purists squeal. Least of all because it’s wearing the frame of a first-gen Dodge one-ton dually.

1970 Plymouth Barracuda build — *Instagram @drdemolitionmatt*

Is it the first of its nature? No, muscle cars have clashed with the off-road world for decades. (In our last run, we highlighted the “Chupacabra” Desoto. And who could ever forget the “Goodyear Grabber” 442 driven by actor James Garner?)

Even so, there’s no denying this Barracuda/First-gen Dodge (nickname pending) truly is one-of-a-kind, with its massive 39-inch dual-rear wheels and diesel powerplant smashed under the hood. It’s not even finished, and is already bringing in all kinds of new viewers to the channel.

Muscle Rod Shop, the team bringing this dream to life, even started up its own Youtube channel to document the build (as well as some other impressive rides) and is quickly climbing the ranks, as subscribers pour in.

Check out the ride for yourself in the video below and let us know what you think!

Build Specs

First-gen Dodge 1-ton dually frame
1970 Cuda Body
First-gen 12-valve Cummins
Custom frame and body work
39-inch BF Goodrich Tires

1947 Dodge Pickup Mash-Up

Matteo Medoro

We’re certainly not the first to highlight this incredible build, and we won’t be the last. Who can resist the story of a young kid pulling off the seemingly impossible? Especially when it includes one of the greatest-looking trucks of all time.

We won’t pull any punches: This is another body swap involving the chassis of a first-gen Dodge pickup. You can say we’re a little biased, but we say that 1947 body really caught our attention.

1947 Dodge pickup mash-up rat rod — *SEMA Digital*

While good for their time, there’s a lot to dislike about the performance of a seven-decade-old truck. So, young Medoro opted to slap that body on the chassis of a legendary performer and took its diesel guts along for the ride. Oh, and did we mention he fitted it with a BD Diesel turbocharger and 38-inch Toyo tires underneath?

Medoro named his modern rat rod “Old Coal” for the simple reason that “it’s diesel and blows black smoke,” he told Tech Life Today. The Top-40 SEMA Young Guns competitor also stuck with the appropriate theme of keeping the truck’s original patina and war scars. “You can do whatever you want — and you don’t have to worry about people scratching it. It’s already rusty and old looking,” he explained matter-of-factly.

Build Specs

1947 Dodge Power Wagon body
1991 Dodge 2500 Chassis
12-Valve Cummins
BD Diesel Turbo
38-Inch Toyo Tires

1970 Dodge Coronet

@brycecold_ – Bryce Tunget

A little bit of time on Instagram is a sure-fire way to pinpoint some truly inspiring builds. I mean, we do like to lean to the more radical options, but there’s no lack of love for something a little more obtainable.

Bryce Tunget is the proud owner of a 1970 Dodge Coronet. Not too long ago, he sat down with Muscle Cars Illustrated to talk about the car’s heartwarming origin story. (He found the car by accident after returning from a tour of duty, then got his hands on it with persistence and persuasion.) But an all-American tale of boy-meets-car isn’t the only thing making this an inspiring ride.

This wildly-stylish 1970 Mopar had the coveted 318 under the hood for many years — until recently, when Tunget opted to get something a little more substantial turning the wheels.

The motor of choice? A 6.4 Hemi backed by an automatic transmission. Combined with the Borgeson steering box he’s fitting into place, Tunget will truly bring this machine into the 21st century.

Build Specs

1970 Dodge Coronet
318-6.4 Hemi Swap
Automatic Transmission
Borgeson Steering Box
BF Goodrich Tires

1966 Datsun V520

@datsun_v520 – Steven Finney

But do you really need a long line of available aftermarket parts to make a dream a reality? No. And this mad Aussie proves it with this 1966 Datsun V520 build.

Even if you’re not a fan of this body style, you have to take a minute to appreciate everything that’s going on with it. Sure the lowered chassis is going to jump right out at you, but the longer you look at it, the more details appear — like the shaved door handles and custom hood. When you learn that most of the work is custom, with very little dependence on aftermarket parts, suddenly you can’t stop looking.

1966 Datsun V520 Build — *Instagram @datsun_v520*

“Six years ago, I thought I had finished my chassis (thanks FB memories),” quipped Finney on his Instagram page. “Since then, it’s had a fresh custom independent front suspension, and I have started the 1uz conversion.”

That’s right. This is no “low and slow” build. A supercharged Toyota 1UZFE is lurking under the hood. Overkill? Maybe. But if the folks Down Under are known for anything, it’s being ready to fry the tires off at a moment’s notice. We’re loving everything about this wild ride.

Build Specs

1966 Datsun V520
Supercharged Toyota 1UZFE
Custom Hood, Steering and Brakes
Custom IFS with Toyota Spindles
Mods to be done: 3.5-inch stainless steel exhaust, 3H Airlift system, Toyota Hilux LSD diff

Pro-Touring 1955 Chevy Post Car

@metalworksspeedshop

We’re bringing our discussion to an end by looking at another build from MetalWorks Classics & Speed Shop. In our last round, we talked about a killer Corvette they completed that anyone could adore.

That said, this build is a long-term goal for all car lovers. It’s the kind of thing you invest your “FU” money into, or chip away at for years.

So, what’s going on here? Aside from an gorgeous platform with iconic paint and dress, it’s a total beast of a car. This Chevy is packing some serious heat with a 1,000 horsepower LS under the hood. The overdrive transmission, Art Morrison GT Sport chassis, Dakota Digital gauges, and Wilwood disc brakes make it more than just an overpowered moose, though.

We get it – Pro-Touring cars are nothing new. Nor is there a shortage of their presence in pop-culture. That’s for a good reason, though. One look at a whip like this, and you’re ready to do whatever it takes to bring your current project to a whole new level.