This was the first vehicle built by the guys at Atomic Rat Rods, before there was an Atomic Rat Rods. The bodywork on Atlas was tremendous. After media blasting every inch of its 215 inch long body, we replaced all the rusted panels (and poorly executed repair panels of the past) with all new sheet metal. Previously running on propane, we reinstated a Chevy 350 small block and turbo 350 transmission combination. The build was focused on mostly “restoring” the truck with a few modern touches but not to the level of what we would call a restomod. Lot’s of lessons and skills learned on this one.
Atlas, named for the classic symbol of strength, is a 1970 Chevrolet Suburban.
Build Specs
VEHICLE:
- – 1970 Chevrolet Suburban
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN:
- – Chevy 350 Small block engine
- – Turbo 350
- – MSD Ignition
- – Dual exhaust
- – K&N air filter
- – Edelbrock Carburetor
- – Hooker Headers
- – Aluminum Radiator
- – Comp Cam
- – Mickey Thompson valve covers and air cleaner cover
- – Optima battery
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION:
- – Painless Wiring full chassis wiring harness
- – Rancho R7000 adjustable shocks
- – Rancho steering stabilizer system
- – Power Steering
- – Front and Rear stabilizer bars
- – 4 Wheel drive
WHEELS & TIRES:
- – Ultra motorsports alloy wheels
- – 33 inch Wild Country Radial TXR tires
INTERIOR:
- – Rebuilt gauges with tachometer
- – Reupholstered bench seat
EXTERIOR:
- – Custom paint by the Atomic Energy Commission and Mother Nature
- – Side molding and rear bumper from a 1996 Chevy 1500 pickup truck
- – Tinted glass
- – Two-tone paint. The metallic green color was barrowed from a Ford mini van
Photos