gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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03-18-10 04:01 PM - Post#1882386
thanks guys, for the motivational pep talk a few days ago. the 50' is on the lift and today i finally got the front end off. i found a little bit of cancer on the lower fenders and below the headlight bucket on the left side. next i'll pull the engine and transmission. in the mean time i'm checking craigslist daily for a donor car or i'm going to order the MII for it...
Jim
Salem, Oregon
1950 chevy, sport coupe. gone, but not forgotten
2011 chevy, SS camaro, synergy green
2011 silverado 4x4 crewcab, 3500 HD
2006 corvette convertible
2014 39ft. 5th wheel
2013 harley fatboy
2006 john deere riding mower
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 davidchristopher
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Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-18-10 05:19 PM - Post#1882441
In response to gsport
Jim- We're at about the same stage ('cept the motor's already missing from mine). When you pulled the front end off, did you yank the fenders? Bumpers?
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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03-18-10 05:45 PM - Post#1882462
In response to davidchristopher
hi david... yes, i took everything off, fenders, inner fenders, grill, bumper, radiator and support. i tried to d/l some pictures but they wouldn't go through, i'll try again later
Jim
Salem, Oregon
1950 chevy, sport coupe. gone, but not forgotten
2011 chevy, SS camaro, synergy green
2011 silverado 4x4 crewcab, 3500 HD
2006 corvette convertible
2014 39ft. 5th wheel
2013 harley fatboy
2006 john deere riding mower
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50fleetline
Member
Posts: 32
Age: 57
Loc: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Reg: 01-30-06
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03-19-10 01:34 PM - Post#1882917
In response to gsport
thanks guys, for the motivational pep talk a few days ago. the 50' is on the lift and today i finally got the front end off. i found a little bit of cancer on the lower fenders and below the headlight bucket on the left side. next i'll pull the engine and transmission. in the mean time i'm checking craigslist daily for a donor car or i'm going to order the MII for it...
Which MII are you going with?
John
1950 Fleetline DeLuxe |
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gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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03-19-10 03:42 PM - Post#1882972
In response to 50fleetline
not absolutely sure yet... but i do like the idea of the bolt in one from CE
Jim
Salem, Oregon
1950 chevy, sport coupe. gone, but not forgotten
2011 chevy, SS camaro, synergy green
2011 silverado 4x4 crewcab, 3500 HD
2006 corvette convertible
2014 39ft. 5th wheel
2013 harley fatboy
2006 john deere riding mower
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crs36
Contributor
Posts: 161
Age: 42
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Reg: 12-21-07
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03-19-10 05:33 PM - Post#1883037
In response to gsport
What kind of donor car are you looking for?
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crs36
Contributor
Posts: 161
Age: 42
Loc: Alberta, Canada
Reg: 12-21-07
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03-19-10 05:40 PM - Post#1883041
In response to gsport
What kind of donor car are you looking for?
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-19-10 07:15 PM - Post#1883105
In response to gsport
not absolutely sure yet... but i do like the idea of the bolt in one from CE
If you wait a day, I'll probably have pics of mine going in.
I pulled the front end out today (wow, I'm so happy) and after a quick run to the hardware store in the morning I'll start installing the crossmember.
It's the CE crossmember (with mounts) that's going in. Charging the camera now 
 Attachment: 006.JPG (1 B) 283 View(s) 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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Edited by davidchristopher on 03-19-10 07:17 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-19-10 07:23 PM - Post#1883110
In response to davidchristopher
Jim- We're at about the same stage ('cept the motor's already missing from mine). When you pulled the front end off, did you yank the fenders? Bumpers?
... see, I misunderstood. When you said Front End, I thought you meant the crossmember.
It's NOT hard to remove- you'll need to start with the steering column - you'll need a picklefork (is that the right name) or a puller to get the arm off the box, then it's 5 bolts - 3 on the frame, 2 in the dash - and it should slide right out.
Then, iirc there are 16 bolts holding the stock crossmember in place. Don't forget to drain and remove the brake cables.
Have a friend around to help there (I wish I did). they bolt in topside so it'd be best if you left it on the lift but dropped it to the ground- that way when it's all out you can just raise the car and walk out with the crossmember.
One thing I found helpful- on the driverside spring "hat" there was a grease nipple that's in contention with one of the crossmember bolts- removing this facilitates easy access to the bolt.
It's not necessary on the other side though, because the two 'halves' are the same (not symmetrical, but identical).
Lastly, have a pressurewasher handy. 60+ years of crap really builds up!
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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03-19-10 09:12 PM - Post#1883169
In response to davidchristopher
keep the pictures coming david... you leaving the fenders, bumper, etc. on??
Jim
Salem, Oregon
1950 chevy, sport coupe. gone, but not forgotten
2011 chevy, SS camaro, synergy green
2011 silverado 4x4 crewcab, 3500 HD
2006 corvette convertible
2014 39ft. 5th wheel
2013 harley fatboy
2006 john deere riding mower
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-20-10 04:55 AM - Post#1883270
In response to gsport
For now, yes- I can work around them. I've cut out the inner fenders 4"x11" at the bottom- the P.O. did some strange things to them. (The battery box was a 'for sale' sign of some kind!)
I'll be test fitting the crossmember in a few hours  I'll be sure to take pics.
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-20-10 03:02 PM - Post#1883540
In response to gsport
Isn't it amazing how a few hours turns into the whole day?
Starting here at 9am:
Powered up the compressor and got my air chisel out. There's a little bullhorn bracket on either side that has to come out. It was a bit stubborn, but once I'd woken up the neighbours they both came out.
Next, I test fitted the crossmember. Actually, I drove over to my buddy John's place and borrowed another 2 pairs of stands and a bigger jack. Mine is just too small. Anyway, I was ready to go, so I went ahead and lifted the crossmember into place and put the hats on. And... wow... it was NOT a perfect fit, and I really had to play with it to get it to sit right. Reason, is that we're dealing with a 61+ year old car. It was only off by about 1/4 inch side to side.
I marked the holes and drilled out the new holes and enlarged the ones reqired. You've GOT to do this before you start bolting it in - because the two inner rear bolts will NOT be accessable to a drill once the tophats are on.
Once the crossmember and top hats were in place, I passed the drill back through all of the holes, to clean them up. Then, bolt, lockwasher, locktite and the bolt. Torquewrench and...
voila!
Top Passenger Side from the Driver's Fender:
From below, looking towards the passenger side:
And now from the driver's side via the wheel opening:
I need to give it another coat of paint, and now that the crossmember is done, I'll be pulling the lower rad support and the old swaybar (I have a new one).
There's still a TONNE of work to do, but I[m happy with the progress so far.
Tomorrow, I'll probably try to get the control arms painted and installed. Woohoo!
PS: DISCLAIMER- I don't know what I'm doing, I'm learning and making it up as I go along. Would NOT have been able to do this without you guys here on CT!
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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03-20-10 03:16 PM - Post#1883551
In response to davidchristopher
great progress david... you are my motivator. the wife's off this weekend so i'll probably not go back out to the shop till monday...
Jim
Salem, Oregon
1950 chevy, sport coupe. gone, but not forgotten
2011 chevy, SS camaro, synergy green
2011 silverado 4x4 crewcab, 3500 HD
2006 corvette convertible
2014 39ft. 5th wheel
2013 harley fatboy
2006 john deere riding mower
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-20-10 03:17 PM - Post#1883553
In response to gsport
Heh. Mine brings me beer
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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arnieg141
Dedicated Enthusiast
Posts: 6085
Loc: nj
Reg: 10-06-08
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03-20-10 03:28 PM - Post#1883556
In response to davidchristopher
wait till you start saying in your sleep. oh baby i realy love you now. she gets a smile on her face ! then you say oh baby i love getting behind your wheel!!  
| GET ER DONE .. AS I GET OLDER I LIKE FAST CARS I CAN STILL DRIVE. AND VERY SLOW WOMEN I CAN CATCH while still able..arnie garrison |
Edited by arnieg141 on 03-20-10 03:29 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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03-22-10 08:35 PM - Post#1885043
In response to arnieg141
here's the only pictures i could get to download, photobucket is messed up again... sighh
Jim
Salem, Oregon
1950 chevy, sport coupe. gone, but not forgotten
2011 chevy, SS camaro, synergy green
2011 silverado 4x4 crewcab, 3500 HD
2006 corvette convertible
2014 39ft. 5th wheel
2013 harley fatboy
2006 john deere riding mower
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-23-10 05:04 PM - Post#1885557
In response to gsport
Looks good, Jim! Keep at it. I wanna see the beast rumbling down the road when I eventually drive up and dow nthe west coast!
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-28-10 04:34 AM - Post#1888030
In response to davidchristopher
Important Tip to anyone from "The Future" who's looking on MUSTANG II install tips.
If the motor's out of your '49 - '53, and you're installing a Mustang II IFS front cross member, you will ABSOLUTELY NEED external coil spring compressors to do the job.
I've seen howtos and even the instructions supplied with my CE / Heidts kit indicate that I should be able to compress the springs by placing a jack under the lower control arm - but I do not yet have enough weight in the car for this to work- and I end up lifting the car - dangerously - off the jackstands.
I've found a strutcoil spring compressor at Princess Auto for a whopping $25, will be heading out today to pick it up. Hopefully the weather holds up here long enough to get the front ends assembled!
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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ralph47 
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2335
Age: 63
Loc: wadsworth, ohio
Reg: 10-28-08
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03-28-10 08:06 AM - Post#1888101
In response to davidchristopher
for $20 i took my coils to a local spring shop...they compress and band them so i could put them in..no jack required...just slip in..push arm up and start bolting together...have done this several times on other cars..safe..fast..easy...even some auto parts stores can do it.
also...even with motor in....still not enough weight.
Ralph
Edited by ralph47 on 03-28-10 08:10 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-28-10 08:45 AM - Post#1888115
In response to ralph47
I think I'm going to do that for the driver's side. I just got the passenger side in, but now I don't know if I can get the damn spring compressors out.
Lol.
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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ralph47
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2335
Age: 63
Loc: wadsworth, ohio
Reg: 10-28-08
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03-28-10 08:51 AM - Post#1888120
In response to davidchristopher
just remember..there is a LOT of stored energy there when compressed...ready to jump out and wound a favorite body part or two 
just be vaery careful with springs
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-28-10 09:26 AM - Post#1888133
In response to ralph47
Understood! Actually, I think this is my least favortie part of the build...
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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 Coaldalecar
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 186
Loc: High River, Alberta, Cana...
Reg: 10-10-08
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03-28-10 10:12 AM - Post#1888154
In response to davidchristopher
I just put the springs into my CE MII with nlt the motor and tranny in the frame
(bare SBC & 700R) There was just enough weight to get the nuts on. I tried spring compressors but they were too big and just in the way. my 2c
Alan Klassen, High River, Alberta, Canada
1952 Chev 2Dr Sedan Deluxe, 99 Olds Alero, 02 Chev Silverado Ext Cab |
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-28-10 11:52 AM - Post#1888204
In response to Coaldalecar
Were you able to get the shock in too?
I'm gonna tackle the other side next week. It's raining. Ugh.
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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Coaldalecar
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 186
Loc: High River, Alberta, Cana...
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03-28-10 08:33 PM - Post#1888589
In response to davidchristopher
Sorry, I haven't tried the shock yet.
Alan Klassen, High River, Alberta, Canada
1952 Chev 2Dr Sedan Deluxe, 99 Olds Alero, 02 Chev Silverado Ext Cab |
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-29-10 03:58 AM - Post#1888672
In response to Coaldalecar
First time around, I was able to get the spring compressed enough to mount the spindle, but the arms were at too steep of an angle and the shock wouldn't fit. Took it apart, compressed the spring and it went in like a charm.
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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Coaldalecar
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 186
Loc: High River, Alberta, Cana...
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03-29-10 02:46 PM - Post#1888935
In response to davidchristopher
I was going to wait till I had the body back on the frame to put the shocks in. I have a feeling I will have to cut my springs in order to get the front end down.
If you compressed the spring to put the shocks in and then released the spring don't you now have the shock fully extended? I thought I might damage mine. I've never down anything like this before and am learning as I go. Reading this forum is just like being in school-more information than a guy can digest. I love it.
Alan Klassen, High River, Alberta, Canada
1952 Chev 2Dr Sedan Deluxe, 99 Olds Alero, 02 Chev Silverado Ext Cab |
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-29-10 03:33 PM - Post#1888966
In response to Coaldalecar
I was going to wait till I had the body back on the frame to put the shocks in. I have a feeling I will have to cut my springs in order to get the front end down.
It takes a little while for the springs to settle, so don't cut them right away.
If you compressed the spring to put the shocks in and then released the spring don't you now have the shock fully extended? I thought I might damage mine.
Nah- the spindle seems to hold everything together.
I've never down anything like this before and am learning as I go. Reading this forum is just like being in school-more information than a guy can digest. I love it.
Ditto. I'm actually quite lost - but that's the fun of it
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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Coaldalecar
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 186
Loc: High River, Alberta, Cana...
Reg: 10-10-08
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03-29-10 04:20 PM - Post#1889001
In response to davidchristopher
How much would you estimate the springs would settle? Front coils versus rear leafs?
Alan Klassen, High River, Alberta, Canada
1952 Chev 2Dr Sedan Deluxe, 99 Olds Alero, 02 Chev Silverado Ext Cab |
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davidchristopher
"4th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1660
Age: 42
Loc: Saint George, Ontario, Ca...
Reg: 08-02-09
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03-29-10 04:43 PM - Post#1889018
In response to Coaldalecar
Not really sure, to be honest. I'm regurgatating what I've been told/ read.
Anyone?
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special. (350 4 Muncie '55 Driveshaft CE crossmember Heidts Mustang II front suspension, 3:10 Posi)
The '51 Chevy Blog
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