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Gasser stance for my '57 Chevy

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by petersen43, Oct 16, 2009.

  1. petersen43
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 105

    petersen43
    Member
    from New Jersey

    Hi all,
    I just ended up winning this '57 Chevy on ebay, which is on it's way right now. I'd like to lift the front end gasser style without installing an axle, and was hoping to get some advice. I've seen several '55 Chevys with a great stance which still retain the stock control arms and was wondering what combination of springs and/or other parts I'd need to do this myself. I spoke with one oldster who seemed to remember using '62 Chevy 409 wagon springs with ball joint spacers. Does this sound right or is there a better combination? The higher the better! thanks in advance for any input :D
     

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  2. Cut55
    Joined: Dec 1, 2007
    Posts: 1,979

    Cut55
    Member
    from WA

    Just the taller springs will lift it up in front. Eckler's makes 2" lift springs. Ball joint spacers won't add to the height. JC Whitney still sells spring knuckles, I think. Knuckles were the low-buck nose-up method.
     
  3. Check my avatar...409 springs and spacers to get upper a arm clearance.
     
  4. Here you go...........

    [​IMG]
     

  5. In case anyone was wondering what is at the bottom front off of the frame horns its tow bar brackets...
     
  6. 1946chevytruck
    Joined: Feb 9, 2008
    Posts: 717

    1946chevytruck
    BANNED
    from london ,ky

  7. sledbuilder
    Joined: Aug 31, 2005
    Posts: 533

    sledbuilder
    Member

    remove the front bumper as well.. i used ball joint spacers and the springs were from ecklers.. they were bigh block spring for a 55-57.. basically heavy springs that would give you a stock ride if you installed a big block in your tri5.. but they were a real bitch to get in.. be careful.
     

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  8. Cut55
    Joined: Dec 1, 2007
    Posts: 1,979

    Cut55
    Member
    from WA

    Here are some Gassers from the pre-1965 period.

    1) Lowered in back, stock--or close to it--in front with a-arms and shorter tires (height-wise). Under hard acceleration too so factor that in as well. Trophy run!

    [​IMG]

    2) Stock-appearing front and rear, rocker panel level.

    [​IMG]

    3) Lowered in back, a-arms in front and just launched.

    [​IMG]

    4) '55 looks stock F-R (level rocker panel) while the '56 appears lowered in back, stock in front. Both launching.

    [​IMG]

    5) Granted, it's a straight-axle but it's about 2-3" up in front and in back. Rocker appears almost level, maybe slightly higher in front.

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Cut55
    Joined: Dec 1, 2007
    Posts: 1,979

    Cut55
    Member
    from WA

    That looks great! TTs in front and black steelies in back.
     
  10. DRUGASM
    Joined: Dec 16, 2008
    Posts: 2,817

    DRUGASM
    Member

    CUT55 Thank you for those pics and descriptions. I think alot of people dont know what the original classes were and therefore everything is "a GASSER."
     
  11. Jay Tyrrell
    Joined: Dec 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,631

    Jay Tyrrell
    Member

    Keep us informed with what you decide on!
     
  12. Cut55
    Joined: Dec 1, 2007
    Posts: 1,979

    Cut55
    Member
    from WA

    I educate myself and then pass it along if I can. I also welcome corrections to further educate myself.

    BTW:

    Early Street Freak, c1966:

    [​IMG]

    Street machine with gasser influence, c1966:

    [​IMG]

    Another early Street Freak:

    [​IMG]

    Street machine '57 with gasser influence, 1967:

    [​IMG]

    Gasser '55 in 1963. Stock front, lowered rear and under acceleration:

    [​IMG]

    '55 looks slightly lower in back, stock in front, under acceleration:

    [​IMG]

    Street machine/cruiser '57 running B/S and under acceleration:

    [​IMG]

    Love this '56. SoCal Street machine with Gasser influence, 1963:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Street Freak, c1970:

    [​IMG]

    Another:

    [​IMG]
     
  13. CalGasser
    Joined: Apr 11, 2005
    Posts: 793

    CalGasser
    Member

    I've never done this but I remember people used to put a spacer block in between the body and frame to get the body up without disturbing the suspension. Sky's the limit on this one - wider the spacer, higher the car... Something to look into.
     
  14. american opel
    Joined: Dec 14, 2006
    Posts: 1,222

    american opel
    Member
    from ohio

    this works!!!
     

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  15. Jay Tyrrell
    Joined: Dec 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,631

    Jay Tyrrell
    Member

    Aren't the last two cars altered wheel base cars instead of street freaks Cut55?
     
  16. cgaswillys
    Joined: Oct 5, 2008
    Posts: 1,076

    cgaswillys
    Member
    from New Jersey

    Just put an axle in it!!!!!! Sorry!!!:cool:
     
  17. Cut55
    Joined: Dec 1, 2007
    Posts: 1,979

    Cut55
    Member
    from WA


    Only the second-to-last has an AWB and it is a Street Freak, in my opinion. Built for the Street to Freak people out!
     
  18. As said, '62 409 Impala coil springs work great. We used them on this '55 (with Eelco ball joint spacers). Straight axles are badass, but nothing wrong with not having one. I think the majority of the earlier gassers (late 50's/early 60's) didn't have them. This car is set up ca. 1962.
    -Dean
     

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  19. Dukeofbluz
    Joined: Nov 10, 2004
    Posts: 285

    Dukeofbluz
    Member

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    2" ball joint spacers + TRW CS 6004 springs = 5 inches of lift

    Duke
     
  20. adamabomb76
    Joined: Aug 5, 2007
    Posts: 280

    adamabomb76
    Member
    from York, Pa

    I'm a big fan of the re-radiused back wheel openings. Nothing screams business like a sweet car that someone was willing to cut up to make it work. Good luck. I'd go w/the ball joint spacers and springs.
     
  21. scrape
    Joined: Sep 22, 2003
    Posts: 1,130

    scrape
    Member

    take the bumper, grill and gunsights off and run it like that for a while.... and change the wheels to something cooler ,,,slots or???
    if its still not high enough bigblock chevelle springs will raise it up,,,, or spring spacers(the ones that go under the spring)....
     
  22. Hot Rods Ta Hell
    Joined: Apr 20, 2008
    Posts: 4,670

    Hot Rods Ta Hell
    Member

    Freak people out is right on the Strictnine 55---Altered wheelbase (and maybe a bit of engine set back too?). Looks like the family is just returning from an errand.

    Take a look; Mom holding the toddler (no car seat!!!).
    c.1970, Dad finally (had to) cut his long hair to get a 'real' job.
    For sale sign in window-family to raise, tired of getting hassled by cops/tickets, keeping the big motor tuned,etc...

    Bitchin car. Wonder if it's still around? Any other info on it?
     
  23. sledbuilder
    Joined: Aug 31, 2005
    Posts: 533

    sledbuilder
    Member

    here is a couple more shots of my ole 57'
     

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  24. Mr. Jean
    Joined: Dec 13, 2007
    Posts: 603

    Mr. Jean
    Member

    Sure like it better, being lower now. I still have a shot of it higher up front. :cool:
     
  25. Dukeofbluz
    Joined: Nov 10, 2004
    Posts: 285

    Dukeofbluz
    Member


    :confused::confused: huh?????
     
  26. Mr. Jean
    Joined: Dec 13, 2007
    Posts: 603

    Mr. Jean
    Member

    Were you the owner in this shot or a new owner? Looks like the same place and car to me.:cool:

    [​IMG]
     
  27. Nik
    Joined: Nov 12, 2005
    Posts: 584

    Nik
    Member

    You got a heck of a deal for that car on ebay.......
     
  28. Dukeofbluz
    Joined: Nov 10, 2004
    Posts: 285

    Dukeofbluz
    Member

    ive owned it for 25 years but that aint my pic, someone must of photo shopped my pic, where did you get that pic???????????

    Now im really confused:confused:

    Duke
     
  29. Mr. Jean
    Joined: Dec 13, 2007
    Posts: 603

    Mr. Jean
    Member

  30. Mr. Jean
    Joined: Dec 13, 2007
    Posts: 603

    Mr. Jean
    Member

    Do you mean the black 57 we're talking about?
     

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