C5 Vette Suspension - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Frizzle Fry · 08-19-2005, 07:40 PM

Just thought you guys might be interested in what I'm doing to my '61. I have Z06 sway bars and will be installing shockwaves or CA-Varishocks. I may need some advice when it comes time to fab my upper shock mounts, so I figured I'd introduce myself. Love this site

70short/step · 08-19-2005, 08:15 PM

I checked out the pics in your link. Looks Awsome! You need to give some details on what you have done. Like those inner fenders in the bed. Toooo Crazy! But I think they are cool. Cant wait to see it finished. Looks like it will be a blast when your done!

71swb4x4 · 08-19-2005, 08:29 PM

Uhhh, nice truck!! How many hours do you have into it? It looks like you really know what you are doing, or at the very least you have learned a lot!! What happened to the C5, fire?

Edt: I just saw more pictures, obviously a fire. That is an awesome project. How long have you been working on it?

Frizzle Fry · 08-20-2005, 02:53 AM

Ya, the Vette was toast

But all the metal parts are fine. Just need to refinish everything. It also gives me an excuse to use poly suspension bushings and braided steel brake lines.

There's a lot of aluminum so that'll all get polished. When I'm done with mock-up I'll send the frame out for blasting and powder coating.

I've had the truck since I was 17 in the early 90's, but I didn't REALLY start this project until about 2003. I did a lot of body mods before the vette came along. Like many, I was overwhelmed by all the possible engine, tranny, frame, and suspension options. I knew I wanted IRS and a Gen III, but would I have a frame made or mod mine... The usual questions. All of those questions were answered in one package: A C5 rolling chassis with LS1/T56.

I paid $5000 delivered for frame, suspension, engine, tranny, brakes, fuel cells, radiator, wheels/tires (not keeping those), and a few misc parts. I could have easily spent that on a custom chassis alone...

One of the best things about the body swap is that I was able to set the body height relative to the chassis where I wanted it. So the ride height you see in the pictures is with the suspension at stock height. The C5s have composite floor panels flush with the bottom of the frame rails instead of setting a body on top of the frame. I wanted to keep this for a few reasons, so I removed the truck floor and set the body down over the frame rails. It's like a body-drop or channeling, but the floor is stock vette.

The list of body mods is pretty long and growing. Most are subtle like the shaved drip rail and rounded door corners (pass side done), and some are very obvious like the bed work.

I appreciate the good words

It's nice to find other's as enthused about these trucks as I am (my neighbors just think I'm crazy

).

Joe67 · 08-20-2005, 09:46 AM

Damn nice setup you are building there

On top of the C5 chassis, I love what you did with the rear fenders

**Hart_Rod** · 08-20-2005, 01:14 PM

FF,

If you were closer that stepside would be setting in my yard!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob

Frizzle Fry · 08-21-2005, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hart_Rob

FF,

If you were closer that stepside would be setting in my yard!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob

The '69... It's at $2500 for a few reasons: It's no longer lowered and has different wheels (back to 6-lug). It has big block front spings with a 350 so she's perky

And it has a "rebuilt" title. Otherwise it's a great truck. I wish I could keep it. I just need it gone so I can focus on the other two. Even with those factors I think $2500 is a smokin deal

phantom dually · 08-21-2005, 03:34 PM

Nice project!!

bluex · 08-28-2005, 10:14 PM

Nice truck, lots of work. Looking forward to seeing it done, if it ever is. I dont think any of us are truely ever done.

One question, In the first two pictures I like how you are supporting the tailgate. What are you using for a latch? Do you still have any info or part numbers for the struts?

Thanks
Paul

LUV2XCLR8 · 08-29-2005, 07:05 PM

Wickedly insane project you got there, can't wait 2 see more updates

Frizzle Fry · 08-29-2005, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluex

Nice truck, lots of work. Looking forward to seeing it done, if it ever is. I dont think any of us are truely ever done.

One question, In the first two pictures I like how you are supporting the tailgate. What are you using for a latch? Do you still have any info or part numbers for the struts?

Thanks
Paul

They are from a newer (can't remeber year) S10 blazer tailgate. Both the cables and the struts. Paid $10 at a yard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

Wickedly insane project you got there, can't wait 2 see more updates

Thanks, I'll post again when I have more pics/progress

**N2TRUX** · 09-14-2005, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

...Thanks, I'll post again when I have more pics/progress

Anything new?????

Frizzle Fry · 09-15-2005, 01:28 AM

Just started a 10 day vacation and I'm not going anywhere

Been working on the Burb a bit lately (fab'ed an exhaust system with headers/flows) so I plan to give the '61 some love in the next few days. Pics to come...

08-19-2005, 07:40 PM	#1
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	C5 Vette Suspension Just thought you guys might be interested in what I'm doing to my '61. I have Z06 sway bars and will be installing shockwaves or CA-Varishocks. I may need some advice when it comes time to fab my upper shock mounts, so I figured I'd introduce myself. Love this site

08-19-2005, 08:15 PM	#2
70short/step Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 1,579	I checked out the pics in your link. Looks Awsome! You need to give some details on what you have done. Like those inner fenders in the bed. Toooo Crazy! But I think they are cool. Cant wait to see it finished. Looks like it will be a blast when your done! __________________ For every person with a spark of genius, There are a hundred with ignition trouble. 70 Short/Step

08-19-2005, 08:29 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Uhhh, nice truck!! How many hours do you have into it? It looks like you really know what you are doing, or at the very least you have learned a lot!! What happened to the C5, fire? Edt: I just saw more pictures, obviously a fire. That is an awesome project. How long have you been working on it? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. Last edited by 71swb4x4; 08-19-2005 at 08:31 PM.

08-20-2005, 09:46 AM	#5
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,733	Damn nice setup you are building there On top of the C5 chassis, I love what you did with the rear fenders __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

08-20-2005, 01:14 PM	#6
Hart_Rod ************* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 17,858	FF, If you were closer that stepside would be setting in my yard!!!!!!!!!!!! Rob __________________ Rob - https://www.instagram.com/hart_rod_c10 As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man Sharpens Another. Proverbs 27:17 FOR SALE: DBW pedal bracket - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=651123 FOR SALE: Hood Brackets http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=679945 1987 Silverado SWB - 34.5K original miles http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=801834 1969 SuperBurb - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=200387 1968 Farm truck - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358692 1968 SWB - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=551258 1948 Chevy - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=122164&page=3

08-20-2005, 02:53 AM	#4
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Ya, the Vette was toast But all the metal parts are fine. Just need to refinish everything. It also gives me an excuse to use poly suspension bushings and braided steel brake lines. There's a lot of aluminum so that'll all get polished. When I'm done with mock-up I'll send the frame out for blasting and powder coating. I've had the truck since I was 17 in the early 90's, but I didn't REALLY start this project until about 2003. I did a lot of body mods before the vette came along. Like many, I was overwhelmed by all the possible engine, tranny, frame, and suspension options. I knew I wanted IRS and a Gen III, but would I have a frame made or mod mine... The usual questions. All of those questions were answered in one package: A C5 rolling chassis with LS1/T56. I paid $5000 delivered for frame, suspension, engine, tranny, brakes, fuel cells, radiator, wheels/tires (not keeping those), and a few misc parts. I could have easily spent that on a custom chassis alone... One of the best things about the body swap is that I was able to set the body height relative to the chassis where I wanted it. So the ride height you see in the pictures is with the suspension at stock height. The C5s have composite floor panels flush with the bottom of the frame rails instead of setting a body on top of the frame. I wanted to keep this for a few reasons, so I removed the truck floor and set the body down over the frame rails. It's like a body-drop or channeling, but the floor is stock vette. The list of body mods is pretty long and growing. Most are subtle like the shaved drip rail and rounded door corners (pass side done), and some are very obvious like the bed work. I appreciate the good words It's nice to find other's as enthused about these trucks as I am (my neighbors just think I'm crazy ).

08-21-2005, 03:34 PM	#8
phantom dually Project92 SWB stepside Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 4,792	Nice project!! __________________ 92 C1500 stepside 496 Stroker Competiton Engineering Ladder bars/QA1 coilovers. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gear and posi. Bonspeed Palisade 20x12 in rear w/335/30/20 and 20x8.5 front w/245/40/20. 5/8 drop with Belltech springs/DJM spindles/drop shocks. WWS Progress thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=140448

08-28-2005, 10:14 PM	#9
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Nice truck, lots of work. Looking forward to seeing it done, if it ever is. I dont think any of us are truely ever done. One question, In the first two pictures I like how you are supporting the tailgate. What are you using for a latch? Do you still have any info or part numbers for the struts? Thanks Paul __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Last edited by bluex; 08-28-2005 at 10:15 PM.

08-29-2005, 07:05 PM	#10
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	61 Wickedly insane project you got there, can't wait 2 see more updates __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

09-15-2005, 01:28 AM	#13
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Just started a 10 day vacation and I'm not going anywhere Been working on the Burb a bit lately (fab'ed an exhaust system with headers/flows) so I plan to give the '61 some love in the next few days. Pics to come...

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