A couple months ago I tore off the front end of my '54 210. It has been sitting in the Garage since then while I have been saving for the MII and tearing down the rest of it. Is there any use for it anymore as a whole structure or as separate pieces. Will I need any of it for the install of the MII or is it worthless. I do not want to take it to the scrap yard because I feel someone may be able to use in a traditional set up if not myself. Any suggestions? Also do any of you guys feel that the centerline of the front wheel on a factory '54 is perfect? Would you use the factory one as a reference or have some of you guys moved it a bit for better results. Thanks guys.
i would put the fron member up on the HAMB classifieds , some one could use it..as for the center line..i wouldnt fuck with it..keep the original 115" W.B. it will look right.
You don't need any of it for the Mustang II install, but don't take it to the scrapyard. It's a good front end that someone can use.
The 53-54 spindle mounts and steering arms are slightly lower than the 49-52, so you might be able to sell those to someone who needs to slightly lower their car. The 51-54 Bendix brakes are a huge improvement over the 49-50 Huck-style, so there's people who would want them. Alternatively, Speedway sells some axles that use 49-54 Chevy spindles, so if you have a t-bucket or gasser project in mind for the future, you might want to hang on to them.
'long time ago, I tore out the knee action suspension on a '33 Chev and put the '54 suspension in very easily. Someone just might need it. Don't scrap it.
I guess it's a pretty good idea to save those spindles for something down the line. Maybe I will break it down so I can keep what I want and sell the rest. I could use as much space in the garage as I can. What about that cross member? It's pretty stout. Can it be used for anything?
The '54 suspension is similar to the late 50s and early 60's Corvette suspension and is definately superior to the '37 - '48 Chevy front suspensions. I have seen '37 Chevy rods being advertized as having '54 Checy front suspensions. While it may not be merely a bolt-in deal, it is close, and I plan on putting one under my '37 Chevy 2-door.
Just a bid of advice, when you do buy your M11. (1) Make sure and check off your parts from the list.Trust me you'll thank your self.(2) Your gonna have to upgrade your brakes. Power booster, master C, on firewall or bottom,residual valves(ect) Also, your gonna need u-joints, shaft, column saver for your steering....Good luck
JeffreyJames, Glad to hear you're going to be getting the MII in soon under the '54. It looks like I will be able to start mine sometime in March if all goes as planned...Please post buildup pics as you go along because I could use the inspiration..ha ha! Good luck bro~Mojodaddy
Part it out. I sold my front springs to one guy, the steering box and idler arm and tie rods to another, and the complete spindle assemblies (brake drums and all) to another. The only part I threw away was the actual crossmember, and If I'd looked harder I'm sure I could have found someone who wanted that, too.
dont pay that much attenion to the orginal wheel base figure. set up and preassemble everthing with the wheels and tire comb you plan on using and set it all up at ride height than stand back 20' or so and see where it falls in the wheel well. next time you go to a cruise or show notice how many cars dont have the wheels centered. usually in the front too far back. this comes for useing the orginal wheelbase as a guide line.
The Jalopy Journal
