How to zed a frame.

[Diesel Gypsy]

Hi folks.

My enthusiasm for modelling has reached an all time high. After many years of truck modelling I find my modelling interests turning full circle, I’ve started to build cars once again.

My main obsession is cars from the `40s, `50s & `60s mainly “Fat Fenders†but not exclusively.

My apatite has been whetted, (by the excellent Rat Rod models posted on these forums,) to attempt a build myself.

My problem is; how do you zed a frame to give that low mean rodded stance?

Do you scratch build or modify?

Your help you can give will be much appreciated.

Edited December 8, 2008 by Diesel Donkey

[Jairus]

My Comcast server is acting like “dial-up†today and I almost didn’t respond.

But, felt it was important that you and anyone reading this know that:

There is a wealth of information in the Tips and Tricks section of this forum. Yes, I know… there are many, many pages of stuff to wade through. Well bunky, do a word search and most likely you will find what you need including basic subjects like hinging doors, latching, cutting trunks, decals, scratchbuilding, vinal roofs, photographing models and… YES, even how to “Z†a frame.

Check it out first before you post a question please.

As for the basics… The following pictures describe as best I can the steps.

Here also is a thread where the question was answered in the Tips and Tricks section.

How to "Z" a frame.

[E St. Kruiser50]

Hi folks.

My enthusiasm for modelling has reached an all time high. After many years of truck modelling I find my modelling interests turning full circle, I’ve started to build cars once again.

My main obsession is cars from the `40s, `50s & `60s mainly “Fat Fenders†but not exclusively.

My apatite has been whetted, (by the excellent Rat Rod models posted on these forums,) to attempt a build myself.

My problem is; how do you zed a frame to give that low mean rodded stance?

Do you scratch build or modify?

Your help you can give will be much appreciated.

Hi Dave

Another dave here

Actually what you do is "Z" the frame, not "Zed" the frame.

"Z" ing is accomplished by lifting the frame by cutting it where the suspension goes, front or rear, so the stock configuration of the suspension is not changed, and the car still rides well, without having to modify the suspension to get it lower - heating the coils, cutting the coils, modifying the spindles, etc.

The "Z' name that this comes from, is because the frame is cut and pieces added to create a sort of dog-leg just behind the front suspention or just in front of the rear suspension, and makes the suspension rest higher than stock.

A lot of modifying may have to be done to the cars under side, depending on the type of car, because the lifted part of the frame may interfere with the trunk ares and engine area on later model cars. The pre-fat fender cars are much easier , say like a Model "A", especially if it's fenderless.

Hope this helps - dave

You can probably 'go on line and Google "Z" ing a frame and that might help you with pics.

Edited December 9, 2008 by Treehugger Dave

[Diesel Gypsy]

Treehugger Dave.

Many thanks. I am intending to build A model A rod, not a fat fendered so your advice will help loads. Cheers Dave .

Jairus Posted Today, 01:30 PM

There is a wealth of information in the Tips and Tricks section of this forum. Yes, I know… there are many, many pages of stuff to wade through. Well bunky, do a word search and most likely you will find what you need including basic subjects like hinging doors, latching, cutting trunks, decals, scratchbuilding, vinal roofs, photographing models and… YES, even how to “Z†a frame.

Check it out first before you post a question please.

JARIUS

I asked what I thought was a reasonable, well mannered question & in return I get arrogance & sarcasm.

Who the hell gave you the right to call me “bunky†!!!!!

Quite frankly Jarius I don’t need your single celled intellectual wit.

[Jairus]

ME?

I am nobody.

Yes, sometimes sarcastic but rarely arrogant. However, both require a similar frame of reference between the writer and reader to be truly understood. (Much like British Humor)

FYI, “Bunky†means friend or bunkmate. Buddy if you like. If you were really truly lost in the 50’s as your signature states… then you might know that. My apologies for using a term you are unfamiliar with, however it was not directed at you specifically but as a sweeping generalization to all forum members.

I have been on this forum since it was first set up. I have answered hundreds of questions, most written in a reasonable and well mannered way like you’re question. Nothing wrong with that! The problem is that if just 6 people ask the same question in the course of a year… the last 4 posts will most likely not be answered by anyone. The reason is that the people who know the answer get tired of typing the same response over and over. You at least received an answer…

That is the reason for my seemingly “sarcastic†response.

Have a great week!

[E St. Kruiser50]

Not to stick my nose where it doesnt belong .... buuuuut........ I have to say that this was just handled quite well and could / should go as a lesson to those who may have responded more quickly and less understandingly (myself included).

However, just as a side note, there are more and more modelers here each day, and repetitive questions should be expected. When I first signed on here, I was so excited to find so many like-minded ppl that i asked several questions that I later found to have been answered in earlier posts. Yes i felt a little dumb for not checking, but I still recieved several replies to each post. I'm not sure I see the problem with multiple threads of simmilar topic, because most modelers here seem more than willing to help (as illistrated by your illustration-- get the pun there?), and each reply seems to be alittle different / easier / better than the last. IMHO i like the more chances to help and or learn.

just my thoughts hope i didnt aggrivate anyone

Hi Brian

I agree with you.

As more and more new members arrive here looking to be greeted and accepted, I think it's a great chance for all of us to welcome them and answer their questions, no matter how often asked.

We all had "TRANING WHEELS" on at one time and needed that first :PUSH", hopefully not over the cliff

See my thread on "CONTESTS AND CLUBS under "GENERAL"

Thanks for your opinion - dave

[Jairus]

Hey Dave.

you have a lot of skills with model cars. Some might say that you could even be a "professional"!

I leave it to you to answer all the questions from the new guys... no matter how repetitive.

(I apologize in advance to anyone who might take that response as sarcastic.)

[E St. Kruiser50]

No worries Jairus, whatever Dave doesn't answer, myself or one of us here gladly will. You can go take a nap or whatever. Maybe that will ease your crankiness!

BTW, you do know part of this reply was tongue in cheek I hope!

[Harry P.]

Hi Dave

Another dave here

Actually what you do is "Z" the frame, not "Zed" the frame.

Dave is from the UK... we say "Z', they say "zed".

[Harry P.]

Does Dave in the UK listen to "Zed Zed Top"???

[E St. Kruiser50]

Does Dave in the UK listen to "Zed Zed Top"???

Stop it You guy's are killin' me

[george 53]

OK STOP NOW! If you guys kill Treehugger Dave I will Personally hunt you down and do NASTY things to your puppies!! ( )

[E St. Kruiser50]

OK STOP NOW! If you guys kill Treehugger Dave I will Personally hunt you down and do NASTY things to your puppies!! ( )

George George George

[Jairus]

Z or Zed... heck, it's ENGLISH!

[MikeMc]

Does Dave in the UK listen to "Zed Zed Top"???

NO BEARDS.........

But do follow the link that Jairus left......My '34 (see avatar) frame is shown with a front and rear Z

Edited December 9, 2008 by MikeMc