498 chevy
Contributor
Posts: 450
Age: 66
Loc: hayward ca.
Reg: 09-28-07
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07-11-09 10:58 PM - Post#1733228
In response to 2Loose
hi excellent work  ron
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4dr 57
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4500
Loc: Texas Hill Country
Reg: 11-10-04
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07-12-09 05:19 AM - Post#1733283
In response to 2Loose
Probably just a worry-butt here,but but buddy..don't 'cha think some extra metal (plates) over the old frame and new metal would help share the load of the new full roll cage 
Choice, 2 Loose, really great project!! Best of Luck to You!! Keep up the great work!!
stanby
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 2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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07-12-09 08:58 PM - Post#1733873
In response to 4dr 57
Hi Stan,
Well, that's a legitimate comment, and we definitely considered it. The 2" x4" x 1/8" box steel we are using is considerably stronger than the original frame is. We inserted the new steel into the old frame rails as far as we could and aligned the inside and top edges of the new steel with the inside and top edges of the old frame, (outside against inside) and we inserted it as far into the old frame as we could, about 4". We drilled 5 half inch holes in the old frame on the inside and plug welded it to the new steel, then ground it down smooth so it is not noticeable. We notched and formed the outside edges of the old frame to match up with the outside and bottom of the new steel. The mig welds were done with smaller, hot passes, three of them, to build up a nice fillet between the old and the new steel. The front struts on the roll cage will catch the new frame rails above the front spring mounts. The rear spring mounts are welded into the original frame rails, with added gusset plates up the inside of the old frame rails. It will be plenty strong, not worried about it. This is about the 20th truck, car, or hot rod frame I've modified in various ways over the past 50 years. Mostly adding on newer independent suspension frame clips to older trucks. I prefer the GM A-body front frame clip for those mods. Never had a problem yet, they always come out solid, no flex, and last forever.
But there is no problem with adding the plates if you want to be absolutely sure, or if the old frame metal or the welding is at all questionable, better safe than sorry and it is added insurance.
I've made my living over the past 40 years as an Ag Engineer designing and building modified/custom farm equipment for the Hawaii sugar cane and pineapple industries, none of my designs have ever failed or caused any problems. so I have confidence in this setup.
Tnanks for the comment.
Aloha,
Willy
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inline0_0
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1456
Age: 75
Loc: Arizona desert
Reg: 03-10-04
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07-13-09 02:43 PM - Post#1734300
In response to 2Loose
Them details that are not obvious like smoothed out plug welds, internal gussets, welding technique & such are what really makes a difference in job quality. Very well done. Much can be learned here.
Doug
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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07-14-09 11:17 AM - Post#1734879
In response to inline0_0
When I cut off the tranny mount horns, I saw where there is a fairly substantial support inside the frame rails for those tranny horns, riveted in place with heavy duty rivets. I have managed to catch that support from the outside with the gusset plates I welded on for the rear leaf spring shackle supports for the front axle.
Now looking at only running three leafs, have it all set up and sitting on the springs, the bounce action is nice and smooth, and adding QA-1's with light coils to fine tune the suspension. Ordered the 17" long QA-1's (12" to 17"), and will mount at 14" running position, giving me 3"" up bounce and 2" down bounce at the axle. From the running position, the current springs only drop 2" to full drape when I pickup the front frame rails with the jack. Will put in bumpers for the top bounce to hit before the shocks bottom out.
5" of travel should be plenty for the front axle.
Aloha,
Willy
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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07-14-09 12:27 PM - Post#1734908
In response to 2Loose
Another question, I want to run front and rear sway bars, as the car will sit about 16" high at the frame rails, and I want to control body roll.
Anybody have any ideas how heavy a sway bar I should run?
Was thinking 3/4" to 1" in back, heavier in front, maybe 1-1/2"
Looking at junk yard pieces, what can be adapted, as that is the motif for this build, as much recycled parts as I can!
Aloha,
Willy
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jeffs55
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11788
Age: 59
Loc: Shelby Forest, Tennessee
Reg: 01-05-06
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07-14-09 01:59 PM - Post#1734957
In response to 2Loose
Maybe some SUVs or Camaros/Firebirds?
I got the ones off an 84 T/A that are pretty hefty.
Not to put on the 55 though.
I'm thinking the parallel springs up front may control some of the body roll by themselves.
Put it together and try it. You can add sway bars later if you want to.
Jeff
55 Handyman
66 F100 project
32 3 Window Coupe project
1996 Silverado short bed extended cab
1948 Studebaker Champion
1977 Toyota Celica Coupe
2000 Blazer 4X4
My Pics
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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07-14-09 04:16 PM - Post#1735037
In response to jeffs55
Yes Jeff, the springs might, don't know, the back is still sitting on jack stands, but the front is sitting on the tires and springs, I put teflon pads under the #2 and #3 spring ends, it had the button spaces already in the spring ends for that, and the spring articulation is excellent, but can't try rocking it side-to-side yet, when I get the ladders set up in the rear and the shocks on it, will check it out first and see how it is.
Aloha,
Willy
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inline0_0
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1456
Age: 75
Loc: Arizona desert
Reg: 03-10-04
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07-14-09 04:47 PM - Post#1735056
In response to 2Loose
I took the front sway bar & end links & frame mounts off a '85 Bronco & put it all under my '55 front. Heated & pulled it in just a couple inches to narrow it so's the ends would attach to mounts I made just inboard of the ball joints. Its around 1&1/8" diam. if I remember right. Really helped a lot, I'm happy with it.
My experience building single axle trailers with parallel leafs is they want to roll terrible when you climb in to load or unload them. Really I think any kind will unless the suspension is binding if there's no sway bar.
Doug
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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07-25-09 07:25 PM - Post#1741862
In response to inline0_0
My 55 gasser is keeping the orig seats front and rear, although I have to fit the rear around the minitub job.
Lotsa rust, but the metal in the seat springs still looks solid and good to go if I can eliminate the rust, anybody tried to sand blast these spring sets? If not, how do you get the rust out of them?
If sand blasting is a no-go, how about por15? I'd think it would just glue the moving points together into a big mess???
I found a kingpin rebuild set online and am heading to my buddy's shop in OR on Tue to press in the new bushings and ream to fit the new kingpins. I love it!
Also, I yakked with Craig Morrison at the GG Puyallup yesterday and he said he could provide me with sway bars for my gasser project! Yeah AME!!!
Aloha,
Willy
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4dr 57
Valued Contributor
Posts: 4500
Loc: Texas Hill Country
Reg: 11-10-04
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07-26-09 08:35 AM - Post#1742101
In response to 2Loose
I found a kingpin rebuild set online and am heading to my buddy's shop in OR on Tue to press in the new bushings and ream to fit the new kingpins. I love it!
Aloha,
Willy
Your Flying to OR to fit a pair of kingpins!!  Your Kidding!! Outragous man!! I think this is the time of year to see some migrating whales there if you get the time. One of my in-laws is yachting up the east coast from the USVI to Maine and hopes to see whales too. Thanks
Stan
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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07-26-09 08:53 AM - Post#1742110
In response to 4dr 57
Nawww, Stan,
I'm in Washington visiting my son and daugter and their families, also took in the NHRA races a week ago, and the Goodguys show this weekend. Driving down to Eugene this week to visit my other son and his family, so Corvallis is right along the way! Brought the '59 f100 spindles with me and had the kingpin kit delivered to my buddy so I could stop by enroute to fit everything together! It all worked out pretty nice!
And he is a dealer for QA1 so got me the coilovers for all four corners at his cost, I'm a lucky guy!
The whales hit Hawaii in the winter. They come out to calve and get the babies sized up enough to make the spring trip back up to Alaska. They are in Hawaii about Nov to March, we always go out "whale watching" when they are "in town"....
Aloha,
Willy
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 swbatt
West Coast Show Support
Posts: 4003
Reg: 03-25-01
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08-01-09 04:19 PM - Post#1746030
In response to 2Loose
Will,
This is up in Oregon somewhere.
Junior
"Which do I prefer? Chess or sex? It depends on the position." - Spassky |
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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08-13-09 08:31 PM - Post#1753517
In response to swbatt
Got back from a month vacation in the Pacific NW and got back to work on the Gasser....
New front spindle bushings, reamed to fit, new kingpins, had to ream the axle knuckle too as the kingpins were 0.010" oversize. It all came together quite nicely:
More pix here
Aloha,
Willy
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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08-20-09 10:25 AM - Post#1757441
In response to 2Loose
Got the steering box I want to use cleaned up and clamped in place, then I mocked up a drag link and steering arm for a cross-steer setup, and got the measurements I needed. Now I need to fab a steering arm, mount the steering box, buy a drag link (Speedway Motors offers nice custom length tie rods and drag links cheaper than I can fab them) and put it all together:
More pix here
Aloha,
Willy
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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08-28-09 09:33 AM - Post#1761977
In response to 2Loose
Got the QA-1's mounted....
More pix here....
Aloha,Willy
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jeffs55
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11788
Age: 59
Loc: Shelby Forest, Tennessee
Reg: 01-05-06
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08-28-09 11:20 AM - Post#1762035
In response to 2Loose
Hey! Lookin' good Willy.
Been wonderin' on your progress.
Jeff
55 Handyman
66 F100 project
32 3 Window Coupe project
1996 Silverado short bed extended cab
1948 Studebaker Champion
1977 Toyota Celica Coupe
2000 Blazer 4X4
My Pics
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WagonCrazy
"11th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3047
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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08-28-09 09:42 PM - Post#1762385
In response to 2Loose
Hey Willy,
Nice job on documenting the build. I liked the fact that you're keeping the evidence in some of the shots too. (6 pack...ha ha) 
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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57Townsman210
"12th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 5356
Loc: Always garaged
Reg: 02-23-02
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08-29-09 05:00 AM - Post#1762448
In response to 2Loose
Man, this is great!
Thanks Willie!!!
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cnbell
Senior Member
Posts: 9224
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 04-14-04
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08-29-09 10:04 AM - Post#1762551
In response to 57Townsman210
Nice....
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6-bangertim
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2218
Age: 60
Loc: El Cajon, Calif.
Reg: 11-30-08
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08-30-09 04:59 PM - Post#1763350
In response to 2Loose
Bitchin fab work Willy! You sure know how to draw a pretty bead - MIG or TIG?
Many thanks from all of us for the pics and updates - man, that is COOL!
As the build continues...Good Luck and Best Wishes,Tim
Too Poor to Restore...My Nifty 150!
Proud owner of MISS NOVEMBER - 2011 Tri-Five Calender
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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08-31-09 12:15 PM - Post#1763845
In response to 6-bangertim
It's all mig Tim. I have a tig, but haven't got it nailed down yet, need more practice....
I did have to move the motor to my buddy's shop, as several of us are going to start putting the blower motor together, so I modified my "cherry picker" to be able to move motors around on rough ground as will as on the road:
Link to more pix
That beat up, ten year old Subaru is my parts chaser, the back seats are pretty much permanently laid down and the back is always full of old parts as well as new parts, and a lot of tools, as I am constantly working in two different shops a couple miles apart....
And I have two old beat up military jeep trailers that are great for hauling greasy, dirty rusty parts home whenever I find them....
Aloha,
Willy
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WagonCrazy
"11th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 3047
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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08-31-09 01:09 PM - Post#1763872
In response to 2Loose
Necessity is the mother of invention...
I love that contraption you've built Willy!
57 Nomad -LS1 with C4 suspension
59 Apache Fleetside Shortbed BigWindow
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jeffs55
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11788
Age: 59
Loc: Shelby Forest, Tennessee
Reg: 01-05-06
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08-31-09 01:44 PM - Post#1763892
In response to WagonCrazy
What in the world have you got there, Willy?
An engine stand on a cherry picker with trailer wheels attached?
You been talkin' to this guy?
 
Jes messin' wit cha. 
Jeff
55 Handyman
66 F100 project
32 3 Window Coupe project
1996 Silverado short bed extended cab
1948 Studebaker Champion
1977 Toyota Celica Coupe
2000 Blazer 4X4
My Pics
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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08-31-09 03:43 PM - Post#1763955
In response to jeffs55
Now, the Olds 425 and all the parts to put the blower motor together are now up at the 'OD Racers' "clubhouse", which is where the 4dr is, so no more excuses for not putting it together and in the gasser!
Of course I need to watch the beer consumption, as I do want this to go together so it will STAY together, and with this bunch, well......
More later,
Aloha,
Willy
(OD = Old Dudes, or sometimes, OverDose.....  )
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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09-02-09 10:24 AM - Post#1765024
In response to 2Loose
Got the front suspension and steering pretty well worked out and together. Am happy with how that all came out. Weighed the front end, only 1,000 lbs at this point. Added another 300 lbs and got the leafs dead flat where I want them. Once the motor etc is in and I get a final front end weight, I can order the coils for the QA-1's, minus 650 lbs each side.
Stuck a tilt steering column I had laying around in to look at the linkage to the steer box, but not happy with it, have another one I will try tomorrow.
So now I started thinking about how I want to do the tilt front end. Started a new page here. Only one pic so far, will add more as the idea starts to come together.
Aloha,
Willy
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prostreet55
Senior Member
Posts: 644
Loc: Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Reg: 02-25-03
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09-02-09 11:53 AM - Post#1765068
In response to 2Loose
thanks for keeping us updated with your build Willy.
that is turning out really cool
i can't wait to see the video of you pulling the front wheels off of the ground
Darrin
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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09-05-09 12:09 PM - Post#1766887
In response to prostreet55
Got the front suspension and steering pretty well sorted out. Still need to install the steering column and linkage to the steering box.
Updated steering/suspension page here
Tilt front end page started here
Gasser home page here
Going to start mocking up the motor and tranny this weekend and setting it in the frame for mounts.
Aloha,
Willy
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jeffs55
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11788
Age: 59
Loc: Shelby Forest, Tennessee
Reg: 01-05-06
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09-05-09 02:16 PM - Post#1766943
In response to 2Loose
I can almost hear that big ol Olds rumblin' now. 
Jeff
55 Handyman
66 F100 project
32 3 Window Coupe project
1996 Silverado short bed extended cab
1948 Studebaker Champion
1977 Toyota Celica Coupe
2000 Blazer 4X4
My Pics
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2Loose
"13th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 4329
Age: 76
Loc: Sandwich Isles
Reg: 03-17-03
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09-08-09 12:07 PM - Post#1768255
In response to jeffs55
Starting to assemble the blower motor. I've been collecting these parts for quite a few years now, as money was available only infrequently, and I've been dreaming about this project for a long time.
Had to move all the parts for the motor assembly from my shop up to the "OD Racing and Beer Drinking Center" this weekend, as my buddies are involved in this project and my shop is pretty small, basically a one man shop! It took four trips, lucky it was the long "Labor Day" weekend:
LinkTo More Pix
Aloha,
Willy
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