Why This 1956 Rat Rod Needed a Homemade Crane to Come Together
Why This 1956 Rat Rod Needed a Homemade Crane to Come Together
Ian is in the shop today, and to move the build forward, he has to visit the past to bring the future alive. In this episode, Ian finally reveals why he built the crane in the first place—and it’s not the reason you think.
Join us in the workshop for a detailed look as raw metal components come together to create a fully custom solution for the vehicle's chassis . This project highlights the precision and craftsmanship required for car restoration , tackling rust repair and shaping new bodywork. Watch as we address the fender and other panels, showcasing real-world fabrication decisions that transform ideas into functional hardware during the auto body repair process.
Just when you think you know where this build is headed, Ian delivers a surprise ending you won’t see coming.
If you’re into classic car builds, metal fabrication, shop projects, automotive storytelling, and project car journeys, this one’s for you.
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This DIY fabrication project highlights the precision, problem-solving, and craftsmanship required when building from the ground up. Using a variety of shop tools and techniques, Ian tackles fitment challenges, alignment, and real-world fabrication decisions that turn ideas into functional hardware.
If you’re into custom fabrication, metalwork, project cars, or one-off builds, this video shows what it really takes to build something truly unique from scratch.
🔧 Built, not bought.
🛠️ Designed in the workshop.
🔥 Made to work.
Our original build that we started our YouTube channel with "Little Jewel" 💎. It is a 1956 International COE and Ian, as usual, is going FULL CUSTOM with this one. Now with more room to roll this monster project in the garage, he can get back to it!
Stay tuned and SET YOUR NOTIFICATIONS FOR NEW YOUTUBE VIDS OF THIS RESTORATION AND CUSTOM MODIFICATION 🙌
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1121 W. Valley Blvd, Suite I Box 414
Tehachapi CA 93561
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Introduction and Initial Setup
01:15 Introducing the 1932 Ford Fenders
02:03 Addressing Fender Clearance and Steering Issues
02:59 The Crane's Purpose: Adjusting Cab Height
04:34 Raising The Cab with the Crane
07:45 Evaluating the New Cab height and Fender Fitment
11:28 Making Fender Adjustments and Cuts
14:20 Assessing Steering Clearance
16:50 Planning the Front Pan Fabrication
22:57 Cutting and Hemming the Front Pan
26:15 Initial Fitment and Bending of the Pan
29:05 Further Shaping the Pan with a Slip Roll
32:00 Finalizing Pan Fitment and Overall Vision
Concept/Fabrication: Ian Roussel
Editing/Producing: Jamie Roussel
Music:
Track: Monster Funk
Title for Cue Sheets: Monster Funk
Music provided by: Slipstream Music https://slipstreammusic.com
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