57 chevy build

[Tanman]

So far im about 14 hours using the wire wheel. Do not buy the ones from harbor freight. They really suck. I used two of them on my motor and chewed them up. I got a dewalt one and its more bang for your buck. Thanks for the info GhostTown. Did you notch out where the front bags went into the sub frame? Im going to leave the whole sub frame intact and just run the new frame on top of it.

[GhostTown]

The Shockwaves fit perfectly into place. My clip is actually a '79 Firebird, so I called up Ride Tech and ordered Shockwaves for that specific application. There for, it was a bolt in set up.

My frame sits perfectly on top of the clip rails too. Like below:





That ride height was great when using the F-bird factory springs, but then I went and C-notched my rear end and when everything is aired out, it sits nose high. It's not a HUGH notch, but enough to get my running boards an inch from the ground. The front end doesn't have enough travel to sit level with the rear.



This is the front (poor pic, I'm sorry) at full slam. It's about 2 inches, or maybe a bit more, higher than the rear when when both are fully dropped.



Anyway, I don't mean to jump into the middle of your thread. I just saw that you are doing something similar to what I have, and thought I would point out that before you weld that clip up, double measure the full range of suspension travel to make sure the truck will sit the way you want it too. The clip, or the shocks might stop it from getting as low as your custom rear end. When all was said an done, my mistake was switching plans in the middle of the build and going with air ride. Drop spindles will fix it, but if I were going this way the whole time, I would have made up the difference in the frame and not have to buy the spindles.

Also remember, I have a '50 so that might make a big difference in where you place yours anyway, and I could just be full of hot air. I simply thought I would say something and you could discuss it with your friend. I could be wrong.

[Tanman]

The dash was a Pain in the butt.

[Tanman]

Thank you very much for the pics and info. No problem at all for jumping in the water is fine. haha...
I just need to get the old bushings and ball joints out now.

[55Cameo]

Looking good. Can't wait to see some more progress

[Tanman]

Haven't posted in a long time. Been really busy at work. Starting to get the frame going again.
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[made2drag]

nice!

[fat56]

looking real nice. Are those foose wheels? they look killer.

[Tanman]

Yes they are. Hopefully getting some work done on the frame soon.

[Tanman]

Cleaned up the rear end and took off the drum back plates. Also mocking up the rear notch. Hopefully going to weld it up soon.Posted via Mobile Device

[Tanman]

[Rods57]

This is looking great, love the low stance so far.
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[Tanman]

Thanks

[Tanman]

Ok here is a little update. I finally found a 95 explorer rear with all the needed parts plus the parking brake cable for $170. The dust covers were a little beat up but i got them all straitened out. It needs the normal new pads and rotors. So they are on the way. Pulled off all the stuff and stared to fit and clean everything for the swap.

[Tanman]

They fit perfect.

[Tanman]

Now one thing I have found out is that you need a spacer to fill in the gap between the axle bearing and the bearing retainer plate, since the explorer bracket is thicker than the torino drum housing. Currie has the spacer for $26 bucks. Well I didn't know that you would have to press off the bearing on the axle shaft put the spacer on them and install the new bearing. So I said the heck with it and measured the diameter of where it was supposed to go and got out my grinder and cut a piece out.

Now one thing to know is the spacer sort of springs out when you cut it, so when that happens don't cut all the measured piece. If you can under stand that. Cut back 1/4 of an inch. I was able to pop it on the axle this way. It sort of gives when you pop it on the axle. So what you will have to do is get a pair of channel locks and put it back to it original circumference to match the bearing..

[Tanman]

Dont forget to also get new axle flange gaskets too.

[Tanman]

More mock up.

[Kim57]

Looking good.
Kim

[Tanman]

Thanks. Kim.
Just wondering if any one can answer this question. I'm going to be painting the frame with por 15. How much should i get?

[Kim57]

I would think no more than 2 quarts and that may be too much.
Kim

[Tanman]

Ok thanks Kim.

[Tanman]

Well I finally took the plunge and ordered a miller 140 auto set with cart. I have never welded before but it cant be that hard. I should have it by Monday.

[Tanman]

I finally got my welder. This is going to be fun finally going to be able to weld soon.

[Tanman]

Moved the truck over so im able to get around it and organized my garage so its easier to work. My work is starting to slow down very early and I might not have funds to get anything till September. Getting the welder was it for a while. I might have to sell some of my guns to get money I need for my truck.