 53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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01-28-12 04:29 PM - Post#2184493
Well, the great adventure has started. I'm in the process of dropping the front cross member out from under the 53. And as for my usual luck the bolts that I didn't want to break did and the ones that I didn't care about came out as if they where new. When I put the rack & pinion steering in sometime ago I use the Loc-tite red on the bolts. I have to say that it was working well. For some of the bolts that I had to remove I could only use open end wrenches on because of their location. They caused some busted knuckles and some language that would make a sailor blush and took forever to get out.
Beause I'm an old man and my garage floor is so cold I quite for the day. I only have a few more bolts to go and I'll have it out on the floor. Then the frame can be cleaned up and painted tomorrow.
The guy that I bought the Jag front end from will have it ready for me next Friday. It's out of a 82 XJ6 and doesn't need much work done to it. The brakes and the rack are good. Just needs to be cleaned up and painted before I start to install. That when the real fun beginnes.
I'm sure that I'll be doing it the hard way. But I'll take picture and post them with the progress. Wish this old fool luck for I'll need it.
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Mike JW
Contributor
Posts: 911
Loc: Arroyo Grande, CA
Reg: 01-19-06
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01-28-12 05:12 PM - Post#2184508
In response to 53Chevy
Good luck, Looking forward to the pictures I've been thinking of doing the same to my 50. I rebuild the front end, disk brakes and dropped up-rights about 6 years ago. Still works great just toying with the Jag idea. 
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gsport
Contributor
Posts: 879
Loc: Salem, Oregon
Reg: 10-04-09
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01-28-12 05:42 PM - Post#2184515
In response to 53Chevy
yeah, good luck.. and i'm too waiting for some pictures...
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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rampeyboy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 25
Reg: 08-03-11
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01-29-12 06:05 AM - Post#2184693
In response to gsport
I am interested in how the change affects ride height. Please, keep us informed!
Boyce
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tigwelder
Contributor
Posts: 164
Reg: 09-18-09
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01-29-12 07:44 AM - Post#2184718
In response to gsport
the use of a torch heating a bolt with locktite works wonders and saves time. 
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 bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4902
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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01-29-12 12:47 PM - Post#2184809
In response to 53Chevy
Yes, good luck ...I know all too well about the "old man stuff" ..... keep us posted and be careful doing the job. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow  
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VANDENPLAS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1458
Age: 33
Loc: ontario canada
Reg: 07-29-09
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01-29-12 03:08 PM - Post#2184847
In response to bobg1951chevy
LOTS OF PICS,I AM SLOWLY GETTING MY TEENY ONE CAR GARAGE CLEANED UP AND SORTED OUT SO I CAN START WORKING ON MY CAR.
I AM GOING TO START THE SAME SWAP HOPEFULLY IN THE NEXT 2 WEEKS OR SO.
FOUND A WELDER TODAY THAT I NEEDS TO GO GET........HUMPH, JUST NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING THAT I WANT TO DO. 
Every mother on Earth gave birth to a child.Except my mother,she gave birth to a legend .
ALWAYS TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE BIG BUTTS,THEY CANNOT LIE. |
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Rickomatic
Forum Newbie
Posts: 11
Age: 50
Loc: Salt Lake City
Reg: 01-17-12
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01-29-12 04:54 PM - Post#2184912
In response to VANDENPLAS
This will be a fun thread to watch. Being old really does suck.
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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01-30-12 09:22 PM - Post#2185436
In response to Rickomatic
I got the old front end dropped out of it last night with help of my son-in-law.
As I said before I have to do everything the hard way. My wife says that I can do anything in the garage that I want, but during the winter she has to have a place to park her car in the garage. We only have a two and half car garage. So trying to keep my life as simple as possible I desided to keep the front fender on as long as possible. So I tried to drop the front end down with the fenders loose but still on. I knew I was going to have to take them off when installing the Jag front end. There's not a good place to store the fenders outside so, there for I had to take my wifes parking space in the garage.
Our 49 wedding anniversary is this Wednesday and I'm taking her out to dinner and a movie. Plus, I promise to clean the frost and snow off her windows as long as she has to park it outside. So far everything is good with that little problem.
Anyway, after pulled the fenders off and setting them in her parking spot,  it didn't take much time and we had the crossmember out from under it.
Having some type of problem with my camera so no picture tonight. But then there not much to see until Friday when I get the Jag front.
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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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01-30-12 09:45 PM - Post#2185441
In response to 53Chevy
Put the fenders in the living room. She gets garage space for her stuff, you get living room space for your stuff. Seems fair. No?
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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 rrausch
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9713
Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
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01-31-12 09:30 AM - Post#2185518
In response to davidchristopher
I rebuilt a '54 3-speed trans in SWMBO's dining room last year... of course she was out of town during the several days it took me to complete it! She came home and was none the wiser I am proud to report.
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster... shade-tree restoration about done.
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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01-31-12 04:38 PM - Post#2185646
In response to rrausch
Back in 1958 a friend of mine had just got married and they had a little house with a single car garage. He had built up a Pontiac engine and had no place to store it until he could put in a little coupe he had. So the engine sat in their living room for several months. When us guys would go over to visit we thought it was really cool having that big chromed engine sitting there in the living room. His wife didn't and that was marriage number one for him.
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 Cruzin Okie
"2nd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 565
Loc: Jay, Oklahoma
Reg: 10-26-11
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02-03-12 09:57 PM - Post#2186938
In response to 53Chevy
Keep us posted. I am picking up my Jag front and rear suspension next week. I will be watching to see how to do what I need to do. I will probably need step by step instructions. Post plenty of pictures.
Thanks!
Johnnie
1950 styleline deluxe sports coupe, 350 cid, TH 400, nova rear end. Gen IV Vintage air.
John 3:16
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Zombie Dave
Member
Posts: 178
Age: 45
Loc: Wichita, Kansas
Reg: 08-20-05
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02-06-12 08:44 AM - Post#2187759
In response to Cruzin Okie
Can't wait to see updates and pictures. I might consider doing this down the road as well.
1952 Chevy Styleline Deluxe Sport Coupe
1956-1962 235 Engine ( I think )
Looking for automatic transmission/steering column |
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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02-06-12 06:40 PM - Post#2187966
In response to Zombie Dave
"Well this is another fine mess you have gotten us into Stanley" That what I was thinking this week-end as I was working on this project. First none of the holes would line up with anything. Maybe I got a different front end from what other have said would have two holes kind of line up on the crossmember and frame. The Jag was a 1985 XJ6 with round headlights. So what I am doing is having two plates made to weld on to the crossmember with bolt holes located so that it will bolt to the Chevy frame. I'm having a friend of mine who, is a Pattern Maker by trade, making some templates so that we get everything line up squared and true. I have tried to post some pictures but keep getting messages that the picture file is to large. My son-in-law is going to see if he can make the picture file smaller. As soon as that happen I'll post them.
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VANDENPLAS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1458
Age: 33
Loc: ontario canada
Reg: 07-29-09
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02-06-12 07:36 PM - Post#2187996
In response to 53Chevy
surprised none of the holes lined up. ALL the research that i have done all said that this was the case.
but the metal wedges are necessary to get both pieces bolted together.
what are you doing with the 2 rubber bushings on teh front end of the subframe?
are you going to leave them on or cut them off?
while the sub frame is out install poly bushings in the rack,this is the single best upgrade you can do to these front ends to stiffen up the steering feel.
Every mother on Earth gave birth to a child.Except my mother,she gave birth to a legend .
ALWAYS TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE BIG BUTTS,THEY CANNOT LIE. |
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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02-06-12 10:13 PM - Post#2188032
In response to VANDENPLAS
A Couple places that I read about this conversion said that two of the holes sort of lined up. Enough to have a good referance point for getting it streight.
The plates that I am making to weld to the crossmember will be the wedges.
I have cut the two horns off of the front of the subframe. It was one of those do I or don't I things. So I decided to do it because there was no purpose for them in my installation. But I'll probably be sorry later.
I want to post some of the pictures so that I can explain things better.
What bushings are you talking about in the rack? And where can I get the poly bushings from? I would like get as much steering feeling as possible. I don't want that old Chrysler PS flooting feeling. Thanks for the info Vandenplas.
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 Keith_Knox
Moderator and "10th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2734
Age: 71
Loc: Napa, Ca USA
Reg: 04-02-00
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02-07-12 01:10 AM - Post#2188055
In response to 53Chevy
Here is a picture resizer I use. It was recommended by Tony.
http://www.webresizer.com/
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe Purchased 6/2010.
1996 Chevy Monte Carlo
2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
2013 F150 Crew Cab |
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VANDENPLAS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1458
Age: 33
Loc: ontario canada
Reg: 07-29-09
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02-07-12 07:35 AM - Post#2188114
In response to 53Chevy
NO PROBLEM MAN
i have everything i need to start my jag swap as well,but my garage is still a pitiful mess,and today my daughter is sick so i am home with her being mr. mom and making some chicken soup for her. 
anyways the bushings i speak of are the 3 that bolt the rack up to the frame.we swapped out the stock "soft bushes" for poly ones.
t.r.w makes a set in blue that work great and there is also a red set that i have seen and used that work well,not sure of the brand on that one.
they should be available from nappa or any part house,if not go to a jag dealer they will get them for you if they dont already have them iin stock as its a fairly common bushing to ware out and the poly ones are a great upgrade.
Every mother on Earth gave birth to a child.Except my mother,she gave birth to a legend .
ALWAYS TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE BIG BUTTS,THEY CANNOT LIE. |
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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02-07-12 05:34 PM - Post#2188310
In response to VANDENPLAS
This my 3rd attempt at trying to load this pictures. They say the 3rd time is the charm.
Thanks to both Keith & Vandenplas for the info.
Pic #1 if I do it right is the car up on the jackstands and level both front to back and side to side.
Pic #2 is to show that I won the fight to get the front fenders off.
Pic #3 is when the old crossmember was dropped down.
Pic #4 is frame after evrything was cleared away.
I'll post the rest of the pictures tomorrow night so that I can get rid of this headache from posting these few pictures. 
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rrausch
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9713
Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
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02-07-12 10:38 PM - Post#2188418
In response to 53Chevy
Beautiful car!
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster... shade-tree restoration about done.
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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02-11-12 07:03 PM - Post#2189598
In response to rrausch
Sorry no picture at this time. The camera has decided not to work. Must be a union camera and is striking for better batteries. Anyway, I will get some more pictures as soon as possible.
This morning made some paper templet for the mounting brackets. Going to weld the brackets to the crossmember and bolt it to the frame. Using 1/4" plate and countersink it on the bottom side so that we can use flathead machine screws (bolts) and weld them on the bottom side coming through making them studs. That way I'll be able to use all 16 bolts to the frame. Will put the plate up into the frame raise the crossmemeber up and get it lined up perfect tack weld. Then drop it down and weld the plate the rest of the way onto the crossmember. And then weld in any gusset needed. (I will get pictures of this for you.)
Ordered a dual master cylinder pedal setup, yesterday. One of the cylinder has a 7/8" bore and the other has a 1" bore. That should make so I don't have to use a proportioning valve. We'll see. The problem is going to be finding a way to hookup the Jag metic flex brake hose to the standard brake line. There must be someplace that makes an adaptor for this. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I'm going to have to run new steel brake lines in the front. This not a favorite job of mine. Bending tubeing is one of those things that I just have a real problem doing. When I go to the parts store to buy the lines I'll buy two of everything because I will mess them up at least once.
The reason I had to go to a hanging brake pedal is because I didn't plan ahead well enough. There is a bracket for my hydraulic clutch that takes up space. Also, part of my rear transmission mount is there.
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NWMO 52 Chevy
Contributor
Posts: 580
Loc: Northwest Missouri
Reg: 11-10-10
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02-11-12 09:49 PM - Post#2189653
In response to 53Chevy
Just sharing pics for the lazy people 
Chris
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VANDENPLAS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1458
Age: 33
Loc: ontario canada
Reg: 07-29-09
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02-12-12 05:25 AM - Post#2189705
In response to NWMO 52 Chevy
hey chris good progress.
take some good pics and measurements of those plates,who knows you can maybe market them and make some cash
anyways as far as mating the metric jag flex lines to the brake lines,for the front just buy bulk 3/16 brake line and then buy the correct metric fitting for the jag end and the correct standard fitting for the master cyl end,and then double flare them into place.
be sure with the jag end as the Europeans like using bubble flare instead of double flares.they look less neat and opened up more like the first step in making a double flare. hope i explaned this clear as mud for you
Every mother on Earth gave birth to a child.Except my mother,she gave birth to a legend .
ALWAYS TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE BIG BUTTS,THEY CANNOT LIE. |
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53Chevy
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 163
Loc: Davenport, IA
Reg: 02-18-04
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02-12-12 04:51 PM - Post#2189953
In response to VANDENPLAS
Had to order the flex brake lines. They will be in on Tuesday. My buddy at the O'Reilly Parts Store, my home away from home, went digging through his parts books and found some adaptor for European bubble flare to standard fittings. Going to wait till the brake lines arrive before I order the adaptors to make sure I only have to do it once.
My buddy is simi-retired and only works 3 days a week. For things like this I'll wait until he is there because he was in the business for over 40 years. Unlike the kids they have working there now he will take the time to see if he can find what you need. The kids will just say "we don't have it". Or maybe it's just me because I've gotten old and cranky.
Now I'll have sometime to rest my poor ache body.
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rampeyboy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 25
Reg: 08-03-11
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02-14-12 04:19 AM - Post#2190470
In response to 53Chevy
Ok, my local pullapart is finally showing an 84 XJ on the yard. Before I drive the 30 miles to the yard, is there any special tools rrquired to remove the front suspension/crossmember/st eering shaft, etc?
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rrausch
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 9713
Loc: L.A, Cal. & St. Louis...
Reg: 04-07-03
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02-14-12 09:02 AM - Post#2190541
In response to rampeyboy
I rebuilt one in the early '90's, as I recall it's pretty straight forward, but I didn't try to remove it. You might take some pullers with you.
1953 210 Convertible, 261 with dual Carter YF 966S carbs, P.S., Remote Bendix P.B. Booster... shade-tree restoration about done.
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rampeyboy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 25
Reg: 08-03-11
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02-14-12 11:11 AM - Post#2190586
In response to rrausch
well, it turned out to be a no go! The Jag was there, but missing both rotors, all the bearings, the rack and tie rod ends. To top it off my second choice the Camaro subframe, which they had three of on the last visit with motors already removed, were gone. They did have two firebirds there, but they still had the pontiac motors in them. Wasn't in the mood to remove them. I will wait and maybe another Jag will come in.
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VANDENPLAS
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1458
Age: 33
Loc: ontario canada
Reg: 07-29-09
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02-14-12 11:19 AM - Post#2190588
In response to rampeyboy
No special tools needed to remove the jag clip only thing to look out for is the engine is sitting on it so you will need a bar and some chain to hang the engine from. Just rest the bar from fender to fender. Jag has dome eye hooks off the head to hang the engine from. It's very easy to remove about a half dozen bolts cut the pwr steering lines and it's out. Get the colon at the same time as it's telescopic and very thin. I am going to try and use it in my car. I just found a used repop of a 53-53 corvette steering wheel that insm going to use
Every mother on Earth gave birth to a child.Except my mother,she gave birth to a legend .
ALWAYS TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE BIG BUTTS,THEY CANNOT LIE. |
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rampeyboy
Forum Newbie
Posts: 25
Reg: 08-03-11
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02-14-12 11:56 AM - Post#2190601
In response to rampeyboy
The only thing this one had going for it was the engine wss out already. I called Advance auto and found it would be cost prohibitive to replace all the missing stuff.
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