54 C4 Build
 

Well I thought it was about time I started a thread. I bought this truck back in 05. It came with a 283 and 350 trans, had some of the front leafs remove to lower it. Drove it back home to Santa Cruz from Modesto, did ok but it handled like a pig. So I made up my mind to install a corvette IRS. So this is what I'v got so far.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Some more pixs.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Are you doing C4 front and back? Looks like a great start for a Beechin truck.

I guess if you use the name of the firewall company that starts with a "B" it gets edited?

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Yes I'm also installing an 88 IRS. here are some more pics. I got another frame to build from, the original frame is hacked up as you can see from my pics

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

So this where I am today, cross member tacked in, upper a-arm mounts tacked in place and finished fitting the upper shock mounts. Will tack those in tomorrow and final weld this weekend. Then make cut outs for the rack. After that I'll have half a roller. :lol:

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Your build looks great. I love the look of the C-4 ifs. Where did you get the parts/ did you get them from a vette of are they from a supplier. Thanks for the detailed photos. Keep them comming.......

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Got the IFS and IRS off Craigslist and the IFS cross member kit from Progressive Automotive. I've been collecting parts for the past there years. And thanks....

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Hey lookin good so far if you need pics of anything just ask because we have done the same thing. C4 front and back.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Thanks thinkblue4ever, I'm already taking a cue from your IRS setup. And here's an update. Got the upper shock mounts tacked in place and will do the finale welding tomorrow. Then on to mounting the IRS, woooohoooo! :metal:

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

WOW! That's going to be one sweet ride!

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Thanks Chuck, I'm having a blast doing it.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

i like this...good combo

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

updates?

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Is it going to be hard to reach and adjust the shocks when it is all comp?

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Sweet looking project, are you keeping the 283 in it? love the corvette suspension, but my only concern is the welding yet to take place. Just by the looks of your visible tacks, they look very cold and lack penetration (specifically the upper a arm mounts and crossmember) What type of welder are you using, voltage, and what are your settings?

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Well here's an update guys, been busy with life and such. Hope these pics answer your questions.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

To answer your question, not sure. Probably not, my guess I'll have to remove the tire to get to the adjust nob.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Does the crossmember kit for the front keep the hub to hub width the same as the vette? Does it allow you to use the stock steering rack?

Did you buy the coilovers from Progressive?

If you dont mind saying, can you post prices of all the kit stuff and the donar vette parts.

Trying to decide on a front suspension and the Vette setup is tempting assuming a guy could find a cheap donar vette or decent price on a front hub to hub setup.

Would conside doing the vette rear as well. Did you buy a kit to install it as well?

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

I have the front and rear, just reading all these great builds to decide how Ima tackle this! Looks great!

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

The wheel base for the front is the same as my 54 and I'm using a 89 T-Bird rack and pinon. And yes I got the shocks from Progressive. Here is there link to that page.http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/sweet.htm I'll also include the link for Street Rod Headquarters.The kit is from Flatout Engineering. http://www.streetrodhq.com/detail/49...KIT_FRONT.html
I didn't get a kit for the rear, I just started tonight mocking up the rear. Going to build the rear clip myself, should be fun. Hope this helps, look around on here there are some other folk doing the same. Good luck.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Any reasons you went with the Progressive kit vs the Flat out?

I like how flat outs has the top pieces all welded together with the crossmember, less stuff to locate.

Also, why are you using the t bird rack? Is the stock vette one not the right width?

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

I picked the P-kit because it gave me a little more option for ride height. And i liked that Progressive had been around for awhile.
Progressive sets up there cross members for the T rack, little narrower and fits lower. I'm very happy with the Progressive unit and I'd use it again. Hit me up anytime I'll try to help as much as I can. Good luck.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

Any updates, leaning towards vette suspension under my 50.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

So my buddy and I ripped this out today. Have notch the frame in order to get the ride height I'm looking for (14 9/16 from the top of the frame.) Should have plenty of room now. Next step is to get some more metal,do some finish welding, fab the hangers and shock mount, cut out that center section and roll the rear into place.

Re: 54 C4 Build
 

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