[I'm getting ready to bag my 54 chevy truck and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how much I need to notch my frame in the rear to be able to lay my running boards on the ground. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
cant tell ya off the top of my head but its pretty easy to work it out with a measuring tape and a square
Measure the distance from the runningborads to the ground then take that minus the distance from the frame to the rear axel. You will need to have the tires you are going to run on.
Here is a tech artical, I know different scene, but they show you the formula how to determine what size notch to make. Pic #7 has the formula. Read the whole artical. http://www.minitruckinweb.com/tech/chassis/0707mt_1994_mitsubishi_mighty_max_notch/viewall.html
At least you didn't cop an attitude... To figure it out, you'll need the tire diameter for the rear tires that will be on the finished project. That will give you the axle centerline height. This is a fixed dimension (1/2 tire height). Add 1 1/2" to that to get the height for the top of the rear axle housing. Normally, we would compare that height to the bottom of the frame, but you will need to know how much lower the running boards are than the frame. Let's say 2"... So, if you are running a 28" tire, axle C/L height is 14" + 1 1/2" for the housing tube gives us 15 1/2" we have to clear. Add 1/2" "just in case", so 16" from the ground to get over the axle. Your ride height for the frame (or running boards in this case) is 0 . If the boards are 2" below the central frame, then you can subtract that from the notch, so from the bottom of the frame to the bottom of the step notch would be 14" (only using my numbers, measure it all).
You may already know this, and not mind. But keep in mind that with the rocker draggin look comes consiquences. Like say your cruising and lose an air line, guess what. You no longer have those running boards... I used to like the look, and air ride, after actually having this occur in an O/T truck of mine, No More, no way. Scared my wife the kids and myself.... Not worth it... IMO. But again its your truck and your build so do it how you want it....
and why does one do this, im an old guy and guess i dont remember that being done unless was in junk yard and had no wheels???
Thanks everyone for all the input I'll def keep it up a little now so that I don't tear the truck up if a line goes out. Have any of you bagged a 47-54 chevy truckwithout a c notch? If so how far off the ground is it in the rear?
Hi Jschupp, I do not know if it can be helpful to my thread, c-notch from page 3: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=568254&highlight=53+chevy+truck If you have questions you can also send an email to: [email protected] . Happy to help you. Frank
The too low comments are gettin old. I really dont get why people take it so personally. You dontlike it? just go to the next thread. Theres nothin wrong wanting to lay rockers, and i remember pictures from late 50s of cars so damn close to be laying rockers on static drops. Remember Watsons Grapevine? W/out a notch, be it a simple C ora full on step, you wont be able to get anywhere close to the runnin boards, and even if you get to the point of the axle touchin the frame you will obviously hav no suspension travel. Bags/hydros/static, after a certain point it wont matter, you need a notch to have some travel on your suspension.
Real traditinal custom guys drive 'em that way. I probably would go through the trouble to C notch, the boards unbolt. Drive it to the show and while you are onloading the lawn chairs, cooler, and cry baby dolls unload the boards, lay them on the ground. Done deal.
hate away but my truck lays 'board, hard. I have 27" tall tires and it took a healthy notch to lay. I dont remember the size, but it looks to be around 10"
I guess hate must have a definition other than what I remember. I have pretty much read through the thread and other than truth based on historical fact I haven't seen anything that I would even remotely class as hate. I could probably deal out a little hate for ya if you like.
also if you want to lay it out go for it. All the way. Don't worry about lines blowing or bags blowing. Regular maintence will keep you in the loop of your equipments health. Runs the air lines in a safe way, away from abrasion and heat, and make sure the bag bellows don't ever contact anything. Dont cheap out on inferior parts or installation and you'll be just fine. pork, I put hate away because my truck isnt HAMB friendly...there's nothing traditional about it. I'm just trying to help out the OP. But maybe you felt you were hense the need to reply? Who knows, I care none. Again, hate away... or don't. peace.
Not necessarily. I have a '56 Chevy pickup and IMO stock height is too high for a hod rod. I flipped the rear axle and had to notch to do so. Granted, my notch is more functional (to get me suspension travel) than for looks, but it's still a notch. I also think that a notch is safer than driving axle to frame like they used to back when. I'm not into laying rockers, but I do like a lower meaner look and I like the stability it offers in handling...especially with anti-sway bars. To each his own, but I don't think this thread should be damned. Now, start showing velvet roofs and naked dragon riding Barbarella murals under the hood and I'll be RIGHT there with the burning cross. There DEFINITELY is a line here...
Friend of mines truck sitting only on an S-10 frame with lowering blocks in the back. You cant slide your foor under his running board and it rides great...
heres my truck with a c- notch . not a step notch . Its low enough and i dont have to mess with bed.. WWW.JIMENEZBROSCUSTOMS.COM
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