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Post by chevender on Feb 3, 2009 2:30:19 GMT -5
Hi everybody. I'm getting ready to install a 54 pickup axle in my 57 chevy that i'm building. I'm collecting all the parts I need befor I start on the job. I'm looking to do this using the original frame so any help would be appreciated.
Rick
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Post by Kustomizer on Feb 4, 2009 0:09:12 GMT -5
Hey Rick, should be a cool ride when you get it done. Are you planning on cutting the front end off and welding on 2x4 steel or leaving the stock cross member in?
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Post by chevender on Feb 4, 2009 2:47:21 GMT -5
I want to keep the stock crossmember.
Rick
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Post by Kustomizer on Feb 10, 2009 13:50:45 GMT -5
I know it's a lot easier to keep the front crossmember, but they look so much cleaner with it gone. Anyway you might cut the front-end off and build a 2x4 or don't you have the resources for that?
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Post by chevender on Feb 10, 2009 19:50:49 GMT -5
Actually, it would be easy to cut the frame off and build a new one. The steel is not a big cost and I do my own welding. It's just that this frame is in nice shape and I may want to return it to stock some day  . Now if someone gave me another one, i'd cut it up in a minute.  Rick |
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Post by Kustomizer on Feb 13, 2009 16:35:18 GMT -5
You know, me and my buddies had this conversation awhile back and we talked about how people are afraid to cut up a frame because they may want to change it back in the future and we kind of came to the conclusion that if you wanted to or needed to change it back you could find a stock frame and change it back if you wanted to, but I know it's a lot of work, but it can make for an interesting discussion. The way I see it, and it's just something to think about, but if you go to the trouble of removing all of the A arm stuff and weld on springs, it's still going to take a little work to put it back stock, so why not go the extra step and chop the front off? Either way, I'm sure your going to build a cool gasser and that's all that really matters!
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Post by duckuscrapus on Feb 13, 2009 17:38:47 GMT -5
I was one of those guys who didn't want to cut the frame on my car. I have always dug gassers, but wasn't sure if I wanted to actually make my car that way permanantly. The way I see it, if I get a hair up my butt to put the car low to the ground I can put all the stock stuff on in a weekend. I made my straight axle 100% bolt in so I can remove it with ease.
The rectangular tubing will shave a bunch of weight though. My ca pretty much weighs what a stock '55 would without clipping the frame.
But to each their own.
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Post by Kustomizer on Feb 13, 2009 19:30:33 GMT -5
Yeah, it seems like there are a few idea's on how this should be done and it all depends on what your abilities and/or your checkbook are. Our little club really likes the way gassers look with the front-ends cut off, but by no means is the the only way or the correct way to do it. Many of the early gassers didn't even have straight axles at all, it just depended what you wanted to do. The main thing is that people that love the look put something together that they are comfortable with, that has the look and that you can get out and drive.
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Post by chevender on Feb 14, 2009 5:33:44 GMT -5
In the past i've built Harley's, model A Fords and alot of other stuff that I cut up and threw old parts out  . Now the original stuff is getting hard to find and the guys who have it know it and are getting pricey with the stuff  . So that's part of the reason i'm not going to cut the frame. I will be leaving all the upper controll arm mounts on so everything can be bolted back on. I'm also keeping my eye's open for another frame that's not as nice as the on I have so I can put the original one away. If I can find one with some front end damage I'll have the sawsall out in a heart beat ;D. Rick |
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Post by Kustomizer on Feb 14, 2009 23:37:12 GMT -5
Sounds like a good plan if you can find a nice cheap frame.
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Post by vintagedrags on Mar 15, 2009 2:38:01 GMT -5
I just sold s 57 seamless frame to a guy that is going to cut it up and straight axle it!! he maybe selling his other frame that needs a little work. if you are interested, let me know and i'll put him in contact with you.
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. Now if someone gave me another one, i'd cut it up in a minute. 
. Now the original stuff is getting hard to find and the guys who have it know it and are getting pricey with the stuff 
. So that's part of the reason i'm not going to cut the frame. I will be leaving all the upper controll arm mounts on so everything can be bolted back on. I'm also keeping my eye's open for another frame that's not as nice as the on I have so I can put the original one away.