Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

A 265 is about as wide as you can go without tubbing the bed.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I have no problem tubbing the bed, but unless I move the trailing arms in that wont help. I might narrow the Vette rear by about 3 inches on each side and narrow the rear of the chassis a bit. I bet that will do the trick!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Well fellas, no progress as of late. Still debating narrowing the C4 rear stuff or using a narrowed 9" and leaf springs and being done with the rolling chassis already. If I do the
9" Im not sure if I would use the C4 front or just sell the C4 stuff and buy a Mustang II front end. Would like some feedback and thoughts if you guys dont mind. Kinda at a stand still until I can figure out what Im going to do.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I'm not very good at reading various tires sizes and visualizing what they look like in my head. If I see a tire under a vehicle that appeals to me, I write down the size. The reason I am going with a C4 rear is I like the width of the rear tires when you see them under a vette. To me, they are massive meats and any wider looks too big. Just my opinion but I'm after vette width rubber (what ever size they are) under the rear of my '51.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

The Mustang IFS and 9" Ford/leaf rear will be much easier from the cost side of things. The Vette suspension will most likely become a "money pit" when all is said and done (machine shop costs, coilovers, etc), but then you have the Corvette handling as compared to the Mustang handling in the Mustang/Ford 9". I chose the Ford 9"/leaf spring rear and fabbed my own Monte Carlo IFS. The expense was minimal, but the leaf spring rear isn't going to ride well at all. We all have to decide what is most important build and cost wise. You have a great build going, and either choice will be fine in the end if it is done right. Keep it going. Looking good.

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?