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

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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!

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.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

AD. Definitely been following Reapers build! In fact I pm'd him about his 4 link. I work in Warrenton now and then. I too like VA! Always wanted to hunt Illinois though.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

That was some good progress! Nice cart.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Thanks AD!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Nice work!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Moving along and looks good...Jim

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

Cool. Sound like you've got a good plan. Im interested to see this one.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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!

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

I can stumble home from there.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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.

Re: Hotrodelrods 54 build
 

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.