So I picked myself up my first classic build to date. I've done man late model builds and customs. This will be my first dive into something old. Plans for the 51 are to getting running the way it sits and enjoy it for the summer. Then start hoarding parts and body work as I have time. I do collision work for a living so time is money. Bagging the car is the winter project plan. I've poured over threads and read as much as I could about putting another frame under the car. I feel like for how low I plan on going and most likely channeling the body over the rails the stock frame is not going to be an option especially up front. Mustang 2 subframes are way more than I want to spend. Possible S10 frame? Not sure yet. I have access to 2 s10s one of which is a 4x4. Any input recommendations are greatly appreciated. Looking forward to tearing into this. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using H.A.M.B. mobile app
Nice project you have there.. and endless possibilities.. Personally on the four doors like that, the first thing I would do is slam it down...then go from there.. Keep us in pics... I like it..
Not a bad car. They have a very good frame to start with, there are pre-fabbed notches for the rear that are just the ticket for a lowering. The original front suspension A-arms can be stepped if you insist on getting it super low, (or even a Z in the frame) and 53-54 spindles will bolt in and are lower than the stock 51 spindles. There's really no good reason I can think of to swap the whole frame just to lower the car.
I am not the person to ask but were it mine, even if it is a more door, I would do everything the old way. Static drop original chassis. Not too extreme with the custom mods maybe a nose and deck. Unless I was going to convert to a two door then I would get nutz. End if the day it is a grocery getter at best keep it simple and enjoy toodling around in it.
Don't listen to P&Ber. He's old and senile......... Bag it as you outlined. You just cant go low enough with a more door.
"Not too extreme with the custom mods maybe a nose and deck. Unless I was going to convert to a two door then I would get nutz." I can easily remember, back in the '50's, when a 4 door was taboo, not driven by anyone except the Father or Grandfather. 2 doors are becoming extinct, 4 door popularity is growing ....
P&B I appreciate the old school with static drops and all that jazz. But I'm an air ride guy thru and thru. So it's getting the full treatment in that regard. The lower the better. I used to have a silverado that was bagged and body dropped. You can never be low enough especially with these big cars. I've seen a few threads with the s10 frame "swaps". With chopt49 taking his 49 to another level. Aside from the 2 door conversion I might go that route Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using H.A.M.B. mobile app
Maybe I am old and jaded, I just don't hold to the newstalgia being traditional. I am not baggin on @Jimmy_Bonez ' ride, its his and no one needs to be out down while they are trying to climb up. I am just stating facts, and there is certainly nothing wrong with doing it all the old way.
Exactly what said. In the northeast classics aren't overly abundant. The weather up here eats metal quickly. So anyone having 2 door want top dollar for there jalopies. Thus leading me towards 4 doors. I've always liked 4drs and wagons for that matter. I just came across these first for a really good realistic price Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using H.A.M.B. mobile app
I'll be watching. I picked up a 52 4door a few months ago for little of nothing, and was going to use it as a donor car for the Sedan Delivery in my avatar, but it was just too nice to cut up (I think, I change my mind daily). I have already replaced the king pins, rebuilt the steering 3rd member, gone through the brakes and have been playing around with some of the sheet metal....new rocker on the passenger side, and little things like that. Bought a 1960 235 for a couple of Ben's to rebuild into a little Vintage Hot Rod motor, and am currently gathering parts for it, and having the machine work done. I am going to start gathering stuff to convert to open driveline next. Basically just getting all the mechanicals updated/rebuilt/improved without blowing the budget. Looks like you have a nice start! Carry on! Am interested in the bagging route you will take!
My friend P&******* may not be "Right", but he sure ain't Wrong by my, or any other Old Biker standards.....and to prove it here is my status !!
Hey, I actually took some old Harley bars and extended my snow blower handlebars by about 18" as I am 6'-5".....worked real well for my bad back..
The Jalopy Journal
