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Hot Rods 1955 chevy custom frame question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 1949windsor, Feb 2, 2009.

  1. 1949windsor
    Joined: Jul 30, 2008
    Posts: 60

    1949windsor
    Member

    I have a '55 2 door that has been in the garage for the last 10 years that I am finally starting to get somewhere with. Here is my dilema:
    I am going to put in a c-4 front and rear suspension along with a LS1 or LS2 engine/trans set up. I want something that rides like today's sport cars, but looks, well like a 55 belair.

    My current frame is Ok except that in the past someone clipped a camaro front end to the thing and did a REALLY SHITTY job. So that has got to come off. I already have 1984 corvette C4 parts including the front cradle. I have seen some very nice conversions of the front end that don't look impossble to do, and I have a blueprint of all the specs for the frame measurements.

    So here is the choice, either cut and weld up a new front end along with some slight modifications to the rear of the frame so I can bolt the rear suspension up and add a triangulated cross member for support, or just go buy a new custom frame and bolt it my parts on it. Cost like anything is a factor and so is the ability to look at what you have done and point and say I DID THAT! But so is my sanity and the frame of the car is something that makes me a little nervous about.

    So here it goes what do you guys here think. Any sugestions on frame fabricators-good and bad service, reasonable and rediculous prices, good and poor product. I have looked at 4 or 5 of them and the prices and configurations are as different as the colors I could paint the car!

    If anyone has actually done the conversion themselves on their own frame and can give pointers or suggestions would love to here that as well.

    Let me have it!
    Brandon
     
  2. I think 55,56,and 57 frames are useable.
     
  3. brigrat
    Joined: Nov 9, 2007
    Posts: 5,615

    brigrat
    Member
    from Wa.St.

    They are useable and plentifull..................
     
  4. brigrat
    Joined: Nov 9, 2007
    Posts: 5,615

    brigrat
    Member
    from Wa.St.


  5. 32v
    Joined: May 20, 2007
    Posts: 952

    32v
    Member
    from v.i.

    i've done lots, the rear is easy the front requires new rails made from where your stearing box is forward 10 gauge works good
     
  6. Best frame for a `55 Bel Air is a `55-6-7 Bel Air frame. Anything else is reinventing the wheel, man.
     
  7. chopolds
    Joined: Oct 22, 2001
    Posts: 6,208

    chopolds
    Member
    from howell, nj
    1. Kustom Painters

    Art Morrison. Period.
     
  8. Jmountainjr
    Joined: Dec 29, 2006
    Posts: 1,672

    Jmountainjr
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I'd take a serious at Art Morrison's stuff.
     
  9. hammered
    Joined: Apr 4, 2004
    Posts: 41

    hammered
    Member
    from Texas

    Def Art Morrison, we're doing a 68 charger with an Art Morrison frame and the quality is out of this world. Worth spending the extra $
     
  10. i helped a guy put an Art Morrsion chassis under a `56 a few years ago , it worked out nice

    if you are going to build your own chassis , i suggest getting a different frame to start with
     
  11. 1949windsor
    Joined: Jul 30, 2008
    Posts: 60

    1949windsor
    Member

    I had looked at their website but I could not find anything for c4 parts. They use c5 front ends and custom rear ends. I want to stick with c4 parts all around. Did I miss a page on their site cause I liked what I saw?
    B
     
  12. Special Ed
    Joined: Nov 1, 2007
    Posts: 7,967

    Special Ed
    Member

    Morrison is the way to go. I currently have two of their chassis under two of my rides. Awesome stuff. Call them and ask for Kevin K. Super knowledgable people.
     
  13. Diognes56
    Joined: Feb 17, 2009
    Posts: 14

    Diognes56
    Member
    from Peoria, IL

    Just a few pics & info that I have found so far. I am currently trying to plan a similar build. 1956 Bel Air, '87 C4 suspension w/ D36 (on the look out for a D44), 2005 LQ4/4L80E. Anyway, thought I would post them up.

    http://www.picturetrail.com/chevynut

    http://www.picturetrail.com/55chevdelray

    http://www.picturetrail.com/56-210sedan

    http://www.picturetrail.com/tuned55

    http://www.trifive.com/garage/56%20C...anual/2-17.gif

    http://www.wadesgarage.com/gallery/m...g2_itemId=2059

    http://www.linger.com/nomad/Chassis.htm

    http://groups.msn.com/OtherChevCarsL...ut.msnw?Page=3

    http://ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=479

    As far as I know http://www.progressiveautomotive.com is the only company that sells a C4 suspension conversion kit for the tri-fives. Even that is to rich for my blood at the moment, so I am looking for C4 frame/suspension blueprints.

    David
     

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