Bartman's Build Thread

[mobileortho]

Bartman I used the IFS from a '79 and had it narrowed about an inch & a half. I cut off about a coil & a half from the springs. I also put some 2" drop spindles I'm pleased with the results. I had 16 x 7 & 17 x 8 Torq Thrust II' but I just purchased 17 x 11 for the rear and looking for some 17 x 7's for the front. That front end will work with some tweeking.

[av8tr33337]

Thanks Mobilortho.

I appreciate the information.

I looked your project over several times before I decided to jump into this with both feet. I really like the way it turned out.

I now have the old suspension gone. I'm using a 1980 IFS up front and on the rear I'm going to use Dodge Caravan leaf springs.

They are about twice as wide as the original and I can just bolt them on after boxing the mounting areas. (Just got them stripped off the sister-in-law's recently deceased Mini Van today) I also got the bucket seats(in great shape), seatbelts, emergency break system (hope it will be close enough in length), gastank (not sure if it will work). I'm tuckered out, did all that in one day!!!

I've been getting some "funny looks" here on the forum, but for good reason I suppose. Most guys don't like the wider stance and issues with wheel well clearence you have with this kind of and IFS swap. If I was financially able, I would definatley take the high road with a Mustang II set up, but like I said it's not in the cards for now and I NEED MY TRUCK ASAP. So I'm moving forward.

I've been working on this project every free day I can, over the last 2 or 3 weeks. Pretty much got all the major parts gathered and the truck stripped down to the frame. I took a few pics of my most recent progress, but haven't uploaded them to photobucket yet, but I will try to get them posted soon.

[av8tr33337]

I've made a little progress getting the frame ready. Stripped off everything I needed to. Welded in a rear cross member. Got some rear leaf springs mouted.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1502.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1507.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1509.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1508.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1513.jpg

Because of the shape of the rear spring Shackle mount I decided to "pie cut" it to make it look better and fit the frame rail better

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1514.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1515.jpg

Not bad for my first time ever attempting this.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1516.jpg

I'm a novice welder but I think it turned out ok.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1517.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1521.jpg

I even got some help from my father in law!!! He worked for JT Transport here in Wichita back in the 50's and has a wealth of knowledge on modifying these old truck frames. Back then they had to adapt stock trucks for many uses. One of which was hauling aircraft parts for Boeing and others.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...7/100_1526.jpg

[av8tr33337]

Sorry about the last post. I posted eveything as links instead of images. Oh well. Here are a few more pics of the leaf spring install





These spings are off of a 1994 Dodge Caravan. They are about twice as wide as original. I lined eveything up with the out side edge of the frame rails so as you can see, the front shackle mount hangs over the inside of the frame rail about and inch. I may add some gussets later for support.



After "pie cutting" the rear shacle mounts (see links to pics in previous post), they are the same size as the front shackle mouts but because the frame is wider toward the back, they fit fine with no over hang.

Since these springs are from a front wheel drive vehicle they were only designed for support, not for the torque they will see from the rear differetial under acceleration. In this case the main leaf is not as stout due this fact. I may have to build some tractions bars to keep them from "wrapping" under acceleration.

I found a good article and some measure drawings of these type of traction bars on the internet. I'll post the link and a couple pics.



This is what is likely to happen with out the traction bars



Here is the link to the article.
http://www.hotrodsandhemis.com/Traction.html

[4DSEVEN]

You may want to consider putting your rear bracket on the inside of your frame and cutting a hole in the side frame. You would then be able to make a shorter shackle.

In the end it would likely give you a lower ride if that might be of interest.

[ChuckDriver]

Or you could flip the mount over, put it on top and then section the bottom of the frame. This is done a lot on 55-57 Chevy cars when the leafs are moved under the frame.

[av8tr33337]

Lots of good ideas guys thanks

[Houston54]

In case you have not learned this, the 700R4 units made prior to 87 are considered pretty weak. GM made signicant changes in the internal hard parts for the 87 and up years to resolve the problem.

Also the 84 camaro rear axle is a 7.5 inch ring gear which is also considered rather weak. The width will work well with suitable back spacing but the bolt pattern for the rims will be different than that IFS you plan to use. You probably already realize all this.

In my experience it is better to get the correct parts to do a project even if you have to wait longer for them. Your end result will be much more satisfying and you will only have to do the work once. It appears in your case you have plenty of cancer to fix first. It is not too late to trash that truck IFS and find a better solution.

[av8tr33337]

Yes I was already aware of those issues. Thanks for the info though!

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

Or you could flip the mount over, put it on top and then section the bottom of the frame. This is done a lot on 55-57 Chevy cars when the leafs are moved under the frame.

This is correct it is done a lot on tri-5 cars. I have inboarded leafs on my 55 Sedan.

[99 to Life]

I am liking the build. I would leave it Patina for sure. Why because no other truck will have the same look, just like fingerprints. It makes it unique and I love the fact that it symbolizes it's age of almost 60 years. Just bag it and scrap the leafs!

[53GMC]

awesome build bartman....wanna see some more in the near future!