Projects 1955 Bel-Air Gasser Project

Hello, I recently picked up this 1955 Bel-Air project and the body appears to be sitting on a GM truck frame or Malibu that has been narrowed in the rear from drag racing. I would like to use the correct front straight axel gasser setup. Could anyone advise me either replacing or modifying this frame?

Screen Shot 2016-01-12 At 18.48.04 by NMKII posted Jan 12, 2016 at 6:49 PM

Screen Shot 2016-01-12 At 18.47.56 by NMKII posted Jan 12, 2016 at 6:49 PM

 

That looks like the stock frame someone has put a 70's Camaro or nova sub frame on.

 

Rear section is stock frame, but look to have been moved together to narrow it. Front section is "Metric", G-body, 78-88 Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Malibu. I don't know anything about straight axle setups, but I think you better start fresh with a original 55 or 56 Chevy frame.

 

Yes, perhaps its the best idea to set the body onto a Gasser chassis. I haven't seen many projects with this combination and assume that altering the frame again to add a front subframe will just weaken everything. Thanks Monte.

 

No reason to get another frame,

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/another-55-straight-axle-chevy-gasser-build.225566/

 

Henry, I saw this, look really nice. I'm afraid I am not as skilled so I may need some help. Could I use a sub-frame and weld it on?

 

Can you get some good pics from under the car, and where the front frame has been cut?
Where are you located?

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/pa...chris-hotrodz-straight-axle-kit-going-gasser/

 

I am located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is pretty unfortunate for these circumstances as if I were back home in PA this could be sorted much faster. I will make pictures of the frame details tomorrow. Stay tuned and thank you.

 

Not exactly the same as yours but the principles are the same

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/r-seghis-55-chevy-gasser-build.609245/

 

Yes I think I can try this also. level everything and cut it. Sounds like a scary plan. Thanks for this glrbird.

 

You may have to use a different steering box, Good Luck

 

Not every car that ran in the Gas Classes back in the day,had straight axles. There were probably more 55 Chev's with stock suspension than straight axles. Why not finish the car as it was being built?

 

To keep it simple and save some costs, I will use the G Body Metric frame that has already been narrowed in the rear. Since the rear end is also set up I can just focus on getting everything that is here solid or updated rather than cutting and making a 'franken-frame'. I will just lower the entire thing completely. Can anyone recommend a good lowering/suspension kit for a G Body frame; Perhaps 2" drop spindles and a 2" suspension package front and rear? would that be enough to get me close to the ground?
Here are some updated photos of where I am at the moment with the body.

 

Here are some updated photos of the current suspension front and rear.

 

looking good

 

Nice 55 Chevy and probably the first 55 gasser in Holland.

Groeten Hennie

 

Interesting project and I always love another 55 Gasser best of luck and keep posting photo's.

Jimbo

 

Would it be possible to lower the G-Body Frame to sit like this and if so could anyone recommend some applications? Or would this only be possible with a pro street chassis?

 

You already have a pro street chassis. Alot of pro street cars were built with stock front suspension. To lower it, look for dropped spindles and other lowering components for the frame section that has been grafted on. These parts will all be bolt on with maybe minor fab work.
To lower the rear suspension, you will have to put lowering blocks between the springs and the rear axle or get lowering springs for a 55. The rear frame is a 55 frame.

 

Thanks for the response, How low do you think these modifications will get me to the ground? I thought the rear end was also a modified G Body that was cut and narrowed. I will post more photos of the under carriage.

Thanks
N

 

Obviously, the car pictured is completely out of line for the HAMB, but it is a g body. I would imagine you could get the 55 that low with drop spindles, drop springs and drop control arms. All of it would be bolt on. The rear frame section is definitely 55 chevy. Looks as though someone just narrowed the frame. The rear suspension in a gm g body is coil springs not leaf springs. Good luck to you, I will be watching your progress!

 

I spoke to Summit Techs and they recommend a 2" drop spindle:
http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/wst-11312/overview/
with a 1" drop spring: http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/bel-5104/overview/

Do you believe this would be enough? I can then add the adjustable coil overs in the rear such as Strange or QA1. Otherwise they recommend a RideTech system which has greater variants but seems like trouble. I guess I have been hesitant to purchase these items, import them, and the result be average because of my lack of knowledge and experience. I keep going.

 

The spindles and springs aren't too expensive and if they don't give you the affect you are looking for, look for dropped a arms. I think you will be happy with the look though.

 

Thanks for all the advice, I will give it a try and order them and see what happen.