Anti-bag 49-52 Chevy thread

Here's a pic of my high school ride, a '49 Fleetline. Homemade dropped spindles plus 2 coils out of the front (had to notch the lower "A" arms for clearance) and 4" blocks in back.

Picture taken in 1958 (there were no air bags, dropped spindle kits, MII front ends, clips, etc.) All the guys back then just took a torch and modified what they had. It actually rode good, even with a load of kids in there but it was an art to get into some gas stations and driveways!

 

^^^Bitchen car! Got anymore pics?^^^

 

That is a great looking bunch of cars you guys have shown and the best part is not one of them is sitting with the front suspension looking broken in the photos.

One still has to deal with the scrub line laws though although lately I think all of the low rice burners and European cars have numbed the law enforcement folks to it.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.680

 

Thanks guys. I'll do some shopping around. Just need about another inch out of the back and don't want to run a giant drop block.

 

Sweetness, Rod. Your Chevy sits just right.

 

I'm not sure who you're asking but.........
Here's a couple more of my ol' 49.

We were mostly running front-end "rakes" in the late 50's

 

Saw this car in The Rodders Journal. Definitely bad ass! Love the ripple pipes!

 

Defiantly love the rippled pipes! Anybody know we're to get them, or are they custom built.

 

My buddy Joes car

 

I asked The Harpoon about them at the GNRS and he said they were thinking about producing them commercially. Who "They" are, I can't remember. You can try and contact him here, I know he's on the HAMB.

I'd love a set as well.

 

i would get rid of those wheels! it would look better with stock set.

 

"The wheels are going to be changed soon as they are the wrong offset and rub big time when going around corners." QUOTE


Looks to me like the wheels are just too fkn big


I do have a pair of 15 x 8 smooth chromies with 3.5" back space if that helps you out.
Cheers
ROD

 

Think I might adopt you
Rod

 

I installed a 49 passenger car suspension in my 54 GMC that dropped me 7 1/2 inches. The 54 uprights raise the spindle and wheel. at the same time lowers the chassis 7/8 + 7/8 = 1 3/4 inches
i know it went down a little over 1 1/2 inches for $30
I'm using Corvette springs, Sway bar. Gas shocks and radial tires. should drive better than a dropped straight axle

 

I see, we are talking about 49-52 Cars, your talking trucks ..Good info none the less.

 

On a "car" 53-54 uprights on a 49-52 will get u 1 inch max..... Period

 

Yep, I agree.

 

Cut coils de-arched rear springs and 3" blocks.

 

Ha ha! Only if you will that Chevy to me!

 

1/2 inch isn't worth an arguement. I did measure my frame stubs before and after and dropped a little over 1 1/2 inches. on a 49 passenger car front suspension.
you all have fun. I'm out of here.
I also won't mention that I dropped my 52 DeSoto front bumper 2 inches either

 

bigdaddyslip.. Your Chevy is one of my favorite cars on the HAMB. It's so clean and simple, yet perfectly custom. I have much respect for you for avoiding the "J.C. Whitney special" which seems to be tempting, and building a gorgeous, timeless custom car. Bravo.

 

1951streamliner,

Thanks a million man I appreciate it. There is a fine line that is real hard not to cross. It was a lot of small book homework and passion.

 

here is mine. waiting to find time to c notch the rear but the front is on the deck. no bags but it is clipped. I have 5 inches of clearance from ground to cross member up front.

 

So tasteful.. I dig a nice clean custom the most..

 

btt anyone else ?

 

I just put 3" blocks in my brand new stock 50 and I'm a bit bummed out with the result. As you can see they really didn't bring the tail down much at all. It look like if I drop the nose at all the car will sit level and that's not the stance I want. Guess I'm gonna need to take out a couple of leaf springs. Any suggestions?
Before

After

 

this has 3 in blocks in the rear. drop spindles in the front rides great

 

My 54 has 2 coils cut out of the front and 2" blocks in the rear with dearched leaves.

 

Perfect stance! Nice!

 

If you want the back a little lower just pull a leaf or two and that should do it. You still should have plenty of travel also.Nice car btw.