Would there be any interest in tubular control arms? Price wise they seem to range $750-1000 based on other cars. I know this group is more original type stuff but I thought I'd ask. I've been looking at producing a couple different cross members, tubular control arms and a R&P steering setup.
Start with the cross members first they should be the best sellers as there is no compe***ion yet then the R&P.
I agree with Jeff. Start with the front cross member. they rot out and/or get very weak and need replacing.
This company was producing a rack and pinion conversion for 50's fords there were some great pictures posted from his site,sadly he p***ed away before the company really got off the ground http://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=5191.0 The downside to rack and pinion in 50's Fords are most are based off the Chevy Cavaliers and they really increase the turning radius. I know that first hand as we had a 1999 Cavalier I am only one house down from an intersection I could make a U turn with my '54 and have about 3-4 feet left over with the Cavalier I would have to back up to make the U turn missing it by about 2 feet. Since 1990 and later Ford Ranger 2 WD have the same front track width as 1946-56 Ford cars might that be an option ?
Yeah they do, if I did one I would probably use the Flaming River rack which has 6" of travel. That is the same amount the outer tie rod moves so it should have similar turning radius. I'll have to check out that Ranger rack as well.
fordsbyjay.. there is no reason you couldn’t go to tubular upper and lowers; adjustable also. If your bottoms were good uppers would be fine with a simple weld on mount. All Circle track suppliers have them. Most use Chrysler upper ball joints and a reamer will make them fit a Ford spindle or you could change. A new full crossmember could be made if rotten and the brackets for lower tubular are available too to weld on a good set of frame rails…… Circle track guys have been doing this for years. We use a newer Crown Vic right lower arm on a 77 Camaro clip because it’s longer and we need to use a “stock” part. You won’t find in in a junk yard because they fit Camaros.
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