Hotrodelrods 54 build
Last week or so I asked you all to help me ID my front clip. While up on the lift I started looking closely at the previous build (before I got the truck) and thought I could do better! By no means am I a pro. I've tinkered with muscle cars and hotrods but never any "heavy lifting" Spent several nights looking at some builds on here and man, there is a ton of talent on here! Some amazing trucks and guys willing to share and help. So without much planning i dove in!:metal: I have some parts I've collected and a pretty good idea of what I would like to do. I'm going to replace the tired 305 with a supercharged 406. I have everything but the heads and valvetrain. I also have a nice 700r4 for it. I have an Air ride suspension, compressor, and tank but need the control center and a rear suspension. The truck was on leafs. The rear is a 10 bolt and I'm not sure where to go with it. Sure, I would like a 9inch and even have a chunk with a new Detroit Locker and 411s I found on Craigs list, but its only a 28 spline and 411s will be too steep. Think I will build 10 bolt and hang it with a 4 link of some sort. Pics to follow
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1419030152
As you can see Ive got her down to the frame where I will be removing unnecessary pieces and cleaning up welds etc. What is the best way to remove old spring hangers. I ground of 1 rivet,head? but dont see how that will help? Also, the cab corners need help underneath and some of the original floor needs attention but overall seems pretty solid. How hard is it to remove cab and is it really necessary? I plan on leaving the G body front clip as is for now. |
Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
This is the suspension set up I am thinking about using with my air ride shocks. Does anyone have any experience with this set up or advice on other set ups?
http://www.fabquest.com/47-54-chevy-...reet-rods.html Thanks |
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Got rid of all brackets, cleaned up boxing welds from previous owner. Found some rust behind spring perch
Can I cut out mid crossmember now? Is the rear crossmember enough until I can install suspension? |
Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
Hotrod,
Nice looking shop you have there! Not positive which crossmember you are referring to. Be a good idea to leave crossmembers in until you start getting the rear suspension sorted out. Will help keep the frame rails in position. The one above the rear axle would be in about the right position for shock mounting. Of course you will want to repair the rusted out section of the frame that was behind the leaf spring mount first. I see you were able to remove the rivets! Kinda tedious work. Regarding the rear suspension....what are your goals for ride height? You can build a nicely low truck with parallel leaf springs and they are easier to install than one of the four link set ups. The cab is easy to remove...basically four mounting points...if you have something to help lift it with...cherry picker, lift, some good friends. Have fun with the build! |
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Thanks AD! My plan is to go triangulated 4 link as I have 4 shockwaves, compressor/tank that I picked up for a deal long ago. I want a low stance but also a nice ride. My driveway is a 1/2 mile long and gravel! I was looking at the cab last night. Think I will tackle removing it today. Thanks for the compliment on the shop!
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Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
Hotrod....in case you haven't seen it Reaper71 is doing a 4 link install now here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...67#post6971767 He has really great ideas and is worth following along. A half mile driveway is pretty cool! We lived in Warrenton VA back in 1992 - 1993 and really liked VA. |
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OK, mission accomplished! Got the tub off the chassis today. Built a little dolly. Of course idea came from this site.
used cherry picker, chain, and my seat mounts. Chassis is in real good shape. Time to box and try to figure out rear end suspension. |
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That was some good progress! Nice cart.
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Went back out for a bit and cleaned on frame some more. Also cut off leaf spring brackets and cleaned up axle tubes. Looks like (to my rookie eyes) whomever clipped the front did a nice job. Feeling good about my progress.
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Nice work!
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Moving along and looks good...Jim
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Cool. Sound like you've got a good plan. Im interested to see this one.
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So I've gotten to the point where I need to establish ride height. I know that I would like the truck to ride fairly low. I'm thinking that I would like to use 2 inch drop spindles on the G body front clip. I also think I'm going to use Paul Hortons triangulated four link to locate the rear. I have air ride technology shockwaves for all four corners. Rear wheels are 18 x 10 tires are 295/45/18's at 28.31 inches diameter. Fronts or 17 x 8 tires are 245/45/17's at 25.71 inches diameter.My questions are
1) is there any reason not to use drop spindles to lower the front end? 2) is there a specific spindle that you would recommend? 3) do you recommend setting up the frame with a rake? 4) am I on the right track to achieve the low stance with a good ride? This is my first go at setting up a chassis and I would love to hear any and all input, suggestions, recommendations Thanks,http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1419796361 Rick |
Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
Rick,
How was the ride height in the front before disassembly? If it was good you could wait on the dropped spindles until you have the rear all done and truck assembled again to double check the rake and front ride height. It may not be necessary to purchase dropped spindles. Typically I hear a 3 degree rake down from rear to front is good...low and level looks pretty good too. Anticipate other folks here will have way better input. |
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Through searching on the internet I think I found a way to use the "eye" mount shockwaves I have on hand. Have any of you done this mod and/or do you see any reason not to?
This is what I am aiming for http://www.pro-touring.com/attachmen...8&d=1345241265 |
Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
Hotrodelrod-
I was thinking about this and it should work, if the bolt shear strength was sufficient to handle the loads put on it. Duplicate the type of bolt and diameter that Ride Tech uses. Check with them. Sufficient bracing along the back of the A arm mount is needed too of course. My thoughts for what they are worth. Have fun! |
Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
That's a super nice shop, plenty of room for me to follow along on your build.
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Thanks for your input AD! I will def check with Ridetech.
James, thanks for the compliment. I was wondering if I was ever going to come across someone close by. I used to keep a boat at Herrington Harbor North. Loved that tiki bar! |
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I can stumble home from there.
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Haven't posted for a while but been getting after it. The frame has been rid of all old xmembers, bracketry etc. All 22,000 holes have been filled on the top and sides. Boxing almost complete. I still need to flip the frame over to weld plates and remaining holes.
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more pics. The middle pic is where I am at with regards to mounting my eye/eye Shockwaves. I think I have it figured out. I have ordered a Parallel 4 link kit fro Tim Horton and I picked up a 99 Explorer rear end with disc brakes and a 373 posi. Ordered new performance rotors and pads for that. Up front I have ordered the Hotchkis performance steering package and some tubular upper A arms. Still need to order ball joints and bushings. Once I get the frame back to "rolling" I will take it back apart and either get it sandblasted and powder coated or paint it myself. Still undecided.
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Frame is looking great...Jim
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Hey Hotrod, making good progress. What you may want to try is using some adjustable set-up bolts in place of the Shockwaves for now. By doing this you can set the lower control arm horizontal with the ground for your final ride height. AD is right on the money for normal rake rear to front. I have found that if you build close to final ride height you can find and correct some of the issues that come with a lower riding truck. I would agree, someone did a good job on the clip install. Keep up the good work.
Rob |
Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
You've been busy Hotrod! Looks good. Rob offers good advice above. I use large diameter all thread rod with nuts and large washers. Makes it easy to adjust ride height.
Check the ride height with the lower control arms level to ground before you buy the drop spindles. You may not need them. Keep at it! Good work. Doug |
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Thanks for the input guys. Rob, great idea. Doug, I think you are right. My front shocks will mount a bit higher than before effectively lowering the front ride height (I think?) I will wait and see on the drop spindles but really dont think I will need them. Jim, thanks for the compliment. I am really enjoying myself so far.
Rick |
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scored a 99 Explorer rear with 373 posi and disc brakes for $150
Started installing the Horton Welder Series parallel 4 link Mocked up the front suspension. Lesson learned here. Spend the $75 per shock for the stud mount top. Much time and aggravation went into trying too make the Shockwaves work as they are. Frame is now totally boxed with 3/16 plate. Just need to flip her and weld the bottom up. Rear view. Ordered a step notch kit and tubular frame center section from Horton. Will finally arrive tomorrow. I thought I could get away with a "C" notch but it was not enough. Only answer I have been able to find for getting the Ford 4.5 bolt pattern up front and keeping my stock G body spindle is redriling 4.75 rotors. My friend at the local Speed shop is going to let me use his mill to do so. I bought new rotors so I hope to only do this once. More to come.... Cheers! |
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You have been busy Rick! Nice score on the rear end. Frame is looking good!
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Sweet looking, keep up the great work...Jim
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Parts came this afternoon. Was able to get 1 side completed and other side tacked in before wife started chirping. Hope to finish other side and install tubular center section tomorrow!
Rick |
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The notches look good. Paul Horton's product?
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Finished up the step notches and panhard bar.
Mocking up for frame center section. |
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Coming together nicely...Jim
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Man, I really like watching a chassis come together. Looking really good Rick!
Was looking at Horton's web site and the center section so will enjoy seeing how this one comes together. Paul has some great ideas and sounds like good customer service. Are the tube ends notched to fit over the tube it joins to? |
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Rick |
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