Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Awesome build!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Great build you have going here.
In response to your delema, why not keep the C4 front IFS and go with ford 9" in the rear?
Or if you deside to keep the C4 in the rear you just need to have the drive axles shortened then just use a heim joint set up for the rest after you narrow it. I say this because this is the road I will have to go down if I use this on my 39 Chevy.
Just a thought since you have done alot of work already with the C4. BTW nice fab work

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

You could build a 9" on a triangulated 4 link... that would give you both the ride and handling you are looking for. It would also help keep the costs down.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Still debating fellas, been too cold in the garage to make any real progress. I did buy my wheels though. Boss 338s Grey, 18x9.5 rears and 18x8 fronts. They look amazing. Got to pick up some tires and mount everything then I will get back to measuring for everything to get this baby rolling!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

OK fellas, heres a little progress. I picked up some tires for mock up, 255/35-18 for the front and 295/35-18 for the rear. The fit is great so that is what I will run. I also picked up a 135K 2005 model 5.3 and a have a 4l60e trans to use as well. This weekend I spent some time in the garage and made the main crossmember for the C4 front suspension. I have the DOM ordered for the lower control arm mounts and hope to have the crossmember finished by next weekend.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

looks really good, I like what you did with the crossmember.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looks awesome Josh! If I read right, you made your new frame the same dimensions other than making the C notch bigger? So you disassembled your C4 IFS and that's where your getting your measurements from? Mind posting the dimensions of what you have made so far?

Since you already have your rims and tires, are you going with the C4 IRS? What's the back spacing?

Your covering so many things I want to do and will make things so much easier for me. I have a complete assembled 1990 C4 IFS if you need an info from it. I'm no where's ready to start my cross member but maybe I should get some material and build along with you. What materials are you getting for the rest of the cross member?

Cheers!

Sid

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Yes, my frame is the same dimensions as the 49 frame that was under my truck when I got it except the notch is a little taller and longer as well. I actually plan on re doing the rear half and lowering the notch by about 4 inches so I dont lose any bed depth.

Right now I still plan on using the IRS but have a 9" I am debating if needed. Not sure if the IRS will take the 5.3 for long.

I had some amazing help with the C4 front dimensions. The dimensions I have are the same as the Flat Out kit, which is pretty identical to the factory crossmember I have. I will be glad to post dimensions if people need them. Thanks for the compliments guys.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice going on the crossmember, love the tire/wheel combo, just the right amount of offset front and rear...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Here is the crossmember drilled for the lower control arm mounts.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Here are the measurements I promised. The crossmember I built is 2x4 1/4 wall. All measurements are factory Vette dimensions. Feel free to use and share them, but please dont sell them to people or try to do anything to make money off them. I dont think thats what this community needs to be about.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Hey Josh, have a couple questions for you. In the 2nd pic it shows where the upper A arms will be mounted, my question is "what degree are the two holes at to each other" and is this what would be called anti-dive build into the front end. From some of the pics I've seen on Flat-out installs they look to be about 10 degree, or I'm looking at them wrong...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice job Josh! Nice toolbox/workbench. I have some pictures on my work pc that shows a jig that was made to assemble a cross member. There are a few dimensions that may be of some help.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

What's up Josh. Glad to see you are making some progress. The crossmember looks good. Looks like you went with the 1/4 instead of the .120? Cant hardly read the chicken scratch writing on those drawings. I think we have them in the pc now, I will forward them to you or anyone else that needs them. I had that same toolbox but traded it in on my graffiti box. Nice choice on the wheels!! You going to go thru the 5.3 motor or just run it?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Please pass the drawings on Ray. That box would be nice to have.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Oldman3, The UCA angle is 16* on the Flat-out kits and the crossmember design that Josh is using.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Ray, what's up buddy! The 5.3 will get freshened up for sure. I did go with 1/4 wall for the crossmember. It is strong as mess! The box belonged to a friend of mine that was killed, I paid it off and am keeping it for his kid when he gets older. Thanks for the comments fellas.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks Hellion appreciate the info...Jim

Josh, very nice thoughts on thinking of a friends kids...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

looks awesome, and I agree about the toolbox, mighty kind of you.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

16* Wow! How much caster gain per inch travel does that angle create? Anybody know?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Yeah, he was a great friend, he would have done the same. A terrible loss for everyone who came in contact with him. 30 is to young to go.

Now, if I can get this 292 out of my garage I'll get moving on rebuilding this 5.3!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Spent a little while in the shop tonight and finished my upper control arm mounts. 7 cutoff wheels later and a lot of grinding this is how they look. Clamped them together and threw them in the drill press as well. My DOM showed up today too so hopefully the cross member will be finished this weekend and installed in the truck!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

damn, very nice work. if you haven't or don't use dewalt cutoff discs, do so. I'v yet to find anything better. you can get em bulk on ebay. I shoulda done that on my last build. This build now, I'm between 30-40 discs. Didn't get them in bulk till about 20 discs in.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looking good!!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Killer progress Josh. I like the new power plant plan.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice job Josh! You gotta slow down a bit. LOL! I'm waiting for my material to come in so I can build along with ya. How did you come up with upper control arm mounts from that picture of a drawing?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Here's a few pictures of a jig a buddy passed on to me. Maybe they will be of some help.

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...20IFS/Jig2.jpg

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...20IFS/Jig1.jpg

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...20IFS/Jig3.jpg

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

In post 102 you can see the template I used to make the upper mounts. I like that jig. I don't have anything like that. Just tape measures, levels, and angle finders over here. Low tech all the way! It fool yo show people that you don't have to have 150,000 worth of equipment and frame tables to do something like this. Just have to take your time and measure, ALOT!!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I have low tech tools too. I saw the drawings you posted but can make out some of the dimensions. They are blurry when you try and zoom in. How did you make the upper CA mounts from that drawing? The lower control arm holes measurement is cut off in the first picture. I'd like to start fabbing along with you but those drawings are lacking quite a few critical measurements. Would you mind posting what those measurements are?

I find the Walter Zip disks last the longest.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

If you are asking the distance between the lower control arms they are 24 1/4 from center of the bolt to center of the bolt. Thats the only measurement I can see that is cut off, sorry about that. As for the upper control arm mount I just layed that template you see in post 102 on the 1/2 plate and traced it out.

Mike, Yeah Im pumped about the LS for sure. Now if I could just unload this 292!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks for the measurement Josh. I just reread my post and I think I may have come across a little crusty. I didn't mean to come across that way. I got to thinking, I wonder if the holes in the upper mounts should be slotted for caster and camber adjustment? Your thoughts?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

No you didnt sound weird at all. No worries man. The camber and caster is adjustable with shims just like the factory would have been. You have to move the upper arm in and out horizontally to adjust camber or caster, not up and down vertically or front to rear.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Made a little progress tonight, I made a simple jig to ensure my lower control arm mounts stay nice and square while I burn them in. They are 1" diameter
.250 wall tool steel so hopefully they will be strong enough. I will either add a couple gussets or put a piece of 2" .500 wall DOM over them and weld them on as well. What are your guys thoughts?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nicely done, I would do both DOM and the gussets. Better to be safe now than wish later.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Made some kick ass progress today. Got my front cross member all welded up and installed in the chassis. Everything is perfectly square and the tire size and clearances are perfect for my ride height. Need to figure out correct spring rate and order coil covers now.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Love the work you've been doing on this, looks really good.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks man. I appreciate that.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Friggn right you've been kick'in ass! Looks awesome. Post some more closer up pictures of fab job with components installed.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I will take more tomorrow when its light out. Super pumped!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

you made that look super easy. nice work.