1971 Opel Drag Car Build Update
From bare beginnings to a serious chassis taking shape
This build has been all about getting the fundamentals right from day one. From drivetrain choices to chassis geometry, every step is focused on making this Opel a capable, hard-launching drag car. Below is a photo-by-photo walkthrough of where the project stands today.
Wheels, Tires & Chassis Fitment
We received our Alpha I Weld Wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson 29.5″ tires, and immediately started fitting them to the chassis and body. This step is critical — it allows us to get accurate wheel-to-wheel math before cutting the rear housing to final overall length.
Good news: the tire and wheel combo sits just right in the wheelhouse. Plenty of visual aggression, but still clean and functional.
Rear Housing & 4-Link Setup
With the 4-link buckets already in place, it was time to check the rear housing in its final position. This included verifying:
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4-link geometry
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Brake placement
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Housing alignment
From there, we moved into fabricating 4-link bars, anti-roll links, and finalizing housing tabs. Everything is being built with strength, adjustability, and repeatability in mind.
Upper Shock Mounts — Finalized
The upper shock mounts are now locked in. This is one of those details that doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s huge for suspension consistency and overall reliability down the track.
Final Engine Fit
Here we completed the final engine fit, locking in placement for the drivetrain. The car is set up with an ATI Powerglide transmission backed by a 9” rear with 4.11 gears, a proven combo for drag racing that balances strength and performance.
Tire & Anti-Roll Bar Clearance
Clearance checks are underway for both the tires and anti-roll bar. These photos confirm everything has the room it needs through suspension travel — no surprises later when the car starts making hits.
Chassis Tubing Progress
The chassis tubing is coming together nicely. At this stage, the structure really starts to define the car, and you can see the foundation of a purpose-built drag machine taking shape.
Where It All Started
This is day one — the starting line of the entire project. A bare beginning, but the most important photo of all. Every weld, measurement, and part since then builds off this moment.
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What’s Next
With the chassis advancing and major components fitting as planned, the next phases will continue refining structure, suspension, and final details that move this Opel closer to being track-ready.
Stay tuned — the hard work is paying off, and this build is only getting better.
Have questions or want more details? Contact us today to discuss this 1971 Opel drag car project.
