Does anyone have an opinion (yeah, right) on whether to weld on a front clip from a later model gm car vs. bolting on an IFS for the front suspension on my '37 Sedan? I'm getting different advice from different schools of thought. I tried to search here for information...but the amount of information to weed through here...wow. It's overwhelming! If anyone has an links to post to technical articles backing up what their argument was, that would be awesome! Thanks!
On the earlier cars, say 28-32, I would go w/a bolt-on unit. Then you can adjust as needs arise. On a '37 you may need more advice.
You dont need either..... I am assumming you have a 37 FORD. These original straight axle assemblies handle and ride perfectly. Every bit as good as an IFS setup. Throw on a lowered axle and rebuilt components along with updated shocks and you're on the road with half the work and money. My 37 handles perfectly with this setup.
His profile says he has a 1937 Chevrolet ... I do not like cutting the front of a frame off ... I would use the bolt on kit ... JUST my 2 cents and I have NEVER owned a 37 Chevy ...
Yeah, it's a 37 Chevy...sorry for not being more clear. I am leaning towards the bolt on IFS. The guys at Chassis Engineering said that the way the top hat frame works, is that it flexes under stress and applies that stress somewhat to the body. Putting a Nova or Malibu or Camaro clip on the front keeps it from flexing in the front and puts more stress on the remainder of the top hat frame. This in turn causes the frame to tear under stress, sometimes in under 10k miles! Their bolt on IFS is engineered to work with the frame the way it was originally designed, instead of merging to separate decades of engineering. Of course, not disputing what the CE guys said, but they are kinda biased for obvious reasons. And since it seems like a LOT of people go the front clip route, there must be a reason for that too. Just trying to get some unbiased opinions here....
Just trying to get some unbiased opinions here.... I guess that could happen. You will not find a lot of guys here telling you to install a clip. I say put a 413 Chrysler in it,and a tube axle under it !
Chassis Engineering is correct in what they say about the Chevy top hat frame. Along with their option of an adjustable ride height front package they build some of the best conversion parts going. I've installed several of their products and it's top notch stuff. Also, if your going to upgrade the rear suspension use CE components there also. Their parallel leaf kits are the easiest to install and ride excellent. Frank
What does it have in it now? I know my 39 is IFS. I don't know much about 37's. What are you hoping to gain by changing the front suspension?
It's a master deluxe so it has the knee action front suspension in it currently. I don't think they are the best thing for a street rod, seeing as how they are going to severely limit the size of a front tire, because the things are so huge and bulky! Finding spare parts for the sucker is going to be a bitch also and they are in serious need of rebuilding.
Just trying to get some unbiased opinions here.... I am a Chassis Engineering dealer too. I can hook you up with free shipping if you go that route.
I have a 38 chevy coupe with a camaro clip. It came with it, I had to get narrowed a-arms to run it. Without the narrowed a-arms it put the tires right into the fenders. You would have to run the front end up in the air to clear the tires without narrowed arms. If I had to do it over I would use the CE stuff. With the narrowed arms it really cuts down your turning ability in parking lots. Instead of hitting the fenders you hit the frame.
I'd go with the CE bolt-in. I used RBs Obsolete on my '53 Chevy, and I was not thrilled with the way it went on. The Chassis Engineering kit seems better designed. I don't think it's a good idea to subframe an old top hat frame at all.
what im woundering is how you plan to build this car ( stance) and what you plan to do with it driving wise,and what style of ifs were you thinking,coils coil overs air bags ect,and then bolt in vs weld in ,can you weld ?
Whatever way doesn't cut your frame's stamped at the factory Vin # off because you may want it in the original location whan that State Trooper who stops "hotrods" on general principles and writes them up for every infraction he can think of wants to impound your car because its got a Camaro frame and Vin # where a '3? Chevordallac Vin# should be. (I made up a car and assumed Vin# because some don't have one and them that do arent in the same location and this is a cross make general answer to the question.)
a friend of mine had chassis eng. crossmember in his 48' chevy coupe with 400 pontiac. nice and clean install. seemed pricey but well work it because of quality and tech service. i wouldn't use rb's overpriced junk if it was given to me. save yourself some grief and go with the CE. stuff!
Using an aftermarket X-member setup will retain all the mounting points for your from sheet metal and radiator/core support stuff. Seen both done with good outcome.
I have a CE bolt in on my 37. chevy. Been there for about 8 yrs. the ride is nice good turning radius and it has an adj. top that can give you =/- 2'' of adjustment.I installed a sway bar in it , sure helped a lot especially when entering driveways at an angle which seems to flex the frame a bit.
Inprimer, you wouldn't happen to have some pictures of your set up would you? I would like to see some real life pics of the CE bolt in.
I have 2 40 Chev's one with a camaro clip and one with a weld in mustang 2 . The camaro clip was installed about 14 years ago ,they did a clean graft but ,the look is not as clean as my other 40 .It still looks home made . (chassiscraftersinc.com)
you dont want to clip 37-54 chevy pass. to wide and not for the novice. check out various suppliers on the must 11 if you want the car low you need a slamed c/m. not a bolt on deal. also dont worry about the frame vin. chevy didnt use frame vins untill 1955. i do a lot of these and just use a stock c/m that way i can sink it into the frame and get a low stance w/out dropped spindles.
I would go with the front clip and box the chassis. You get disc brakes, better steering/handling and motor bolts right in. Later, if you choose, you can go air bags. Friend of mine with a 49' Merc and a Fat Man kit. He hated it. Used a Camaro clip and loves it.
I put a Heidts Must 2 kit in my 38 chevy coupe 8 years ago. I like the way it fits the frame and clears everything. Only had to trim the inner fenders some. I dont like the way it handles. We clipped my buddies 50 F-1 with a camaro and it rides and drives much better. I have some handling issues with mine. I'm going try another front end shop the next time and see what happens. The one I use has been in business for 40 years and specialize in alignments but I'm begining to wonder of this is beyond their knowledge. Some are lost if its not a stock application. The old man died a few years back and I'm not that sure about the sons abilities.
Go with the Chassis Engineering bolt in kit. I have direct experience with these kits and they are a no brainer. They use original holes to ease in installation. Ride height is adjustable and provides a great ride. My only issue is that the power rack is a touch too sensitive but that can be cured with pump valving. You won't be sorry that you used a CE kit.
I have done both the MII and a clip .the next frame I did I did the clip ,the MII front end just does not ride as nice as the clip..I have done 1 MII and 2clip
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