Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

So, I finally found a little bit of time to mess with the truck. I trailered it to work today and threw it on the alignment machine during lunch. Set it up as an 88 Corvette and went to work. Everything aligned perfectly, the thrust angle is perfect, and she should be ready to go! Now I can finish the frame and get to work on the body.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Great, that has to be a good feeling.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Very much so, glad to know all that hard work wasnt wasted.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Great to hear about the alignment...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Way to go! Good job!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

nice job looks great!!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Ok fellas, debating going a different route with my truck. I am looking for a very nice stock shortbed frame. Is there anyone here that would be interested in my tube chassis? It's not No Limit or anything but is a HUGE head start if someone wanted to do the C4 stuff. Anyone have an idea on value? If I generate enough interest I'll start a sale thread. Will consider selling all the Vette stuff too if I have people for everything.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Wow, didn't see that coming. If I was anywhere near Wake Forest I would be beating down your door right now. Can I ask why you changed your mind? Probably have a better chance of selling if you get the chassis to a roller.
Best of luck.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Yep, we tend to change our minds when a project takes too long to materialize. It can also be expensive to change directions in the middle of the build too....:(
I have a '67 GTO that I would like to go away and know I will lose money when it does.
Good luck with the sale.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I see Porter Built has the AD truck suspension almost done, you headed in that direction?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Was debating something different like that but had a couple good friends and my wife encourage me to keep the course and get it knocked out. Made some killer progress on it tonight. The chassis is all but finished, will mock it up one more time than blow it apart for paint.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Glad your wife and friends talked you out of it, I think it's a good decision to continue with your build as started, just my .03 cents worth....Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Really nice work, good decision to continue with this build, IMO. I like the wheels too.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Ok guys, I know Ive been slacking but heres some progress pics. Got the engine mounts built and installed. 3" adjustable to help down the road with any fitment issues. Suspension is done and it rides on its own weight 100% finally. Now to figure something out for the running board brackets. I really like the mandrel bent rectangular tubing ones Ive seen but havent found anyone here who can mandrel bend rectangular tubing. Ill keep looking though. Here are some pics!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

More

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Glad to see you stuck with the original plan. Those wheels are way cool...:metal: It's gonna be a one-of when you're done...:chevy:

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Good looking engine mounts. Nice progress!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looking great if you don't mind me asking what do you do for a living?You have some awesome fabrication skills!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Josh, looking super ...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks for all the compliments fellas. Ozzy, Im an auto tech by trade but love the fab stuff a lot. Wish I did that for a living instead!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

looks real good, engine mounts are a good idea, nice to think a head. I often make stuff a bolt on application just for that "incase" factor. For instance my running board brackets, I welded some tubing to the frame that the brackets bolt to, so they aren't in your way all the time on the rolling chassis. Maybe something to think about for yours.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looking killer Josh.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks guys, made some progress on the cab today. Got the inner and outer cowl panels and firewall cut out and fit all new stuff. Big props to Dynacorn for the best fitting patch panels Ive ever seen. Here are some pics, more to come once its all welded up.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

O yeah, dont be hatin' on my home made cave man like press brake!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

lol

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice! The press brake looks like it is doing the job.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

This build is a BAMF! Seriously considering this as an option now for my 53.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Sorry Ive been so slack lately. I have however made some small progress. I cut out all the fishplates I needed to strengthen the joints in my chassis over the axle. Also ordered my rear coilovers from Flat Out. Now I need to decide how to mount them. I thought Id seen guys putting them on the factory Corvette shock stud on the spindle but not sure about that. Anyone whose done the Vette rear have any opinions on this? Thanks guys. Hopefully some progress pics soon.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Very nice work on the cab Josh. Looking good.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks Mike!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I have not done it yet, but been doing a lot of research. I noticed that they are mounted to a bracket that spans between the shock bolt and upper dog bone. Look closely at the pic on flat out's website.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I've seen that bracket as well. There is also a small bracket available that mounts only to the spindle where the shock stud mounted. I'd think with no more weight on the rear of a truck than there is it'd be ok? Seems to be a popular option on a lot of the road course web sites I've seen.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looking great man. Looks like I'll be doing a vette suspension under one of these this winter. I'll be referencing your thread for sure!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I'm sure the transverse mono spring mount would be more than adequate, since the factory designed it to carry the weight. I haven't looked at it close enough yet to figure out a way to make it work. I'm undecided on coils or bags.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I'm sure the mono spring would be ok, but won't let me adjust as much as I want. I'm definitely using the coil overs.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I'm definitely ditching the monospring, too. What I meant was to fabricate a bracket that attaches to the knuckle where the monospring attaches vs. using the shock mount. I haven't looked at it close enough to see if there is clearance behind the half shaft.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

That point is waaaay too high though. I'll get back on it next week sometime.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Im planning on putting a C4 IRS in my 95 C1500. Im going to fab a cantilever behind the suspension somewhat like a KP 6-link and attach at the stock spring mount. I'll most likely use an airbag too, but its not necessary.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Stockish, I see what you mean about the spring mount being too high. I found this closeup pic on the net:
http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t.../photo_28.html
ccreddell, I'd love to see how you do this. LFD's Tahoe build did a bag behind the axle, but it's not cantilever.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Just out of curiosity, why a cantilever setup? That is designed to keep the axle centered under the truck during suspension travel. You dont have that issue with an IRS setup so it seems like a lot of extra work. Youll still need to solid mount the batwing and trailing arms so Im not sure what the cantilever would even do except just sit there, look cool, but have zero function.