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Customs Gambino taildragger on a '53 Chevy

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by brooksinc1976, Apr 25, 2017.

  1. brooksinc1976
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 282

    brooksinc1976
    Member
    from P-Town

    64Kaddy likes this.
  2. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    Ive been following this thread and its really helping me install my Gambino taildragger kit. On mine I noticed that the c notch width is about 1/2 “ wider than the frame once one side is welded flush thus causing a 1/2” overlap towards the inside of the frame. I chose to let the overlap towards the inside instead of the outside of the frame in order to not disturb the brake caliper clearance on the outside of the frame. Browsing through the web I have not seen any setup that has such a large overlap.
    I cant imagine there being a structural difference just cosmetic. Does anyone have any advice or have seen a setup with an overlap this large?
     

    Attached Files:

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  3. lostone
    Joined: Oct 13, 2013
    Posts: 2,820

    lostone
    Member
    from kansas

    I'd just cut or grind it back to a 1/4" and run a nice fill weld to it. Should give you a good strong weld area.

    I'd say they are made wide to fit different frame width and you cut to fit width.
     
  4. brooksinc1976
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 282

    brooksinc1976
    Member
    from P-Town

    What frame is that for. I know Alex is a great resource and is great about calling back. On the 49-54 Chevy the bottom plate is wider to address the top hat design of the frame. He has other notches for diff frames. That all said my "c's" sucked in a little but nothing like that. I used 3/4" square tubing I had laying around for a spacer.


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  5. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    On the side that it “sucked in” a little, did you mount that side towards your wheel side of the frame?
     
  6. 64Kaddy
    Joined: Jun 3, 2011
    Posts: 137

    64Kaddy
    Member
    from SoCal

    Its for a 1940 desoto coupe frame
     
  7. brooksinc1976
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 282

    brooksinc1976
    Member
    from P-Town

    The top plate of the 49-54 kit was only 1/4" wider than the top of the tophat frame. I talked to Alex to confirm but just left a 1/8" on each side.


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  8. brooksinc1976
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 282

    brooksinc1976
    Member
    from P-Town

    Well I thought I sent a reply. My topplate was about 1/4" wider than the top of the frame and the "C" plates. I split the difference and had a 1/8" lip on each side


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  9. johnnyknuckles79
    Joined: Dec 21, 2013
    Posts: 13

    johnnyknuckles79
    Member

    Sorry If i missed it, but what did you run for a rear end? I'm currently stockpiling parts to get mine on the ground before spring and came up on the usual S10 4x4 rear end
     
  10. dan31
    Joined: Jul 3, 2011
    Posts: 1,097

    dan31
    Member

    77' Camero [ 1" wider than stock 54' rear]
     
  11. brooksinc1976
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 282

    brooksinc1976
    Member
    from P-Town

    Same '77 camaro


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  12. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    Thanks for your help and pictures. I ended up boxing the frame before placing, alligning and cutting 1/4 inch from the inside overlap. This game be a 1/8 inch overlap and I was able to weld a good bead in between..
    Boxing the frame made the frame width the same which then allowed me to better alling the notches

    Attached are some pics before and after I boxed the section of the frame
     

    Attached Files:

    buzzbrother likes this.
  13. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    Any updates on the ride? How did it all turn out. I have a 1940 Mopar and my frame is an X frame. I havent seen many examples of one with a triangulated 4 link installed.
    How far from the frame are your lower bars? Im wondering what is the recommended distance. Since my my frame starts curving inwards at about where the lower bar mounts I wasnt able to install a 2x2 tube to mounth the lower bracket like most Ive seen.
     

    Attached Files:

  14. brooksinc1976
    Joined: Dec 4, 2009
    Posts: 282

    brooksinc1976
    Member
    from P-Town

    Looks good man. I'll measure how far, I can't remember. Life slowed me down a bit( kid sports, holidays, and had to rebuild a tuff shed for room.) I'm almost done with the front.


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  15. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    Thanks! Yes life happens like that sometimes.
    Im wondering if it even matters. Most Ive seen are mounted about 4-5 inches inwards from the inner frame. Mine appears to be about 6-8 inches inwards. Wondering how much, if any, it matters.
     
  16. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    It will affect handling. The should be as far apart as possible.

    That said, I'm not sure you'd notice, unless you were setting up a road-race car.
     
    brooksinc1976 likes this.
  17. ballom
    Joined: May 25, 2011
    Posts: 16

    ballom
    Member
    from langley

    Great video , I am just starting to do mine. Do you still have those measurements , it's hard to see in the video and would be greatly appreciated as this is my first notch and anything will help

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  18. mista
    Joined: Nov 24, 2015
    Posts: 137

    mista
    Member
    from Finland

    Great thread. Thank you man.
     
    buzzbrother likes this.
  19. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    Hey Brooksinc. Hope all is well with younand staying safe. Im back on my project since we have been ordered to stay home.

    Did you ever finish and get the 53 on the road? Im wondering how the ride is? I installed by rear shocks today and was wondering if you mounted yours at an angle or straight vertically.
    I intalled mine straight vertical and got them really close to the axle tube. Reason for it because when I deflated the bags The shocks would bottom out and there for had to angle the under axle shock mounts at an angle that set the shock about 1/4 away from the axle tube. IMG_2067.JPG



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  20. VintageConcepts
    Joined: Dec 29, 2012
    Posts: 210

    VintageConcepts
    Member

    Just stumbled upon this thread. Very cool build. Any updates?
     
  21. good info here thanks for sharing
     
  22. KJSR
    Joined: Mar 7, 2008
    Posts: 2,494

    KJSR
    Member
    from Utah
    1. Utah HAMBers

  23. 40desoto
    Joined: Jun 19, 2013
    Posts: 80

    40desoto
    Member

    I ended up relocating my lower bars to get them closer to the wheels and made a bracket to help strengthen the mounting point. They are now at the same location as the original leaf springs. My project was delayed due to childbirth in between so I'm back at it now.
     

    Attached Files:

  24. onelow41
    Joined: Sep 21, 2010
    Posts: 9

    onelow41
    Member

    Keep up the progress really enjoying the build.
     

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