Anyone ever done a subframe on one of these? I have a 80s Monte Carlo subframe I was thinking about putting under it. Just wondering what kind of issues (if any) came up while doing it.
I would be interested in what frontend suspension your friend used, as well. I doing a 53 and installing a 354 hemi.
if the 54 looks like my 56 the monte frame will be to wide. not that it can't be done but you would have to fab up more than if you used a camaro or something narrower.
if the monte is too wide try a S10 as i'm told they are not as wide and use same front end parts. laying everywhere and cheap!
I was thinking about the S10 too if the Monte Carlo doesn't fit well. I have a neighbor that has a 37 Ford P/U on a S10 frame and he knows a lot about that ch***is. He put a Mustang II rack on it and many other mods.
I have an s10 clip under my 53 plymouth first we set in a 80 malibu but found it to wide then installed the s10 it is narrower. Can you get the info on the rack set up that could be the answer to quite a few uses of the s10 as the steering box sits up front and usualy gets in the way.
40s & early 50s seem to be the same width. I have a Cutl*** under my 48. The 71-3 Mustang rear axle that fits my 47 Dodge also fits my '60 Plym.
I'll see if I can talk to him and maybe get some pics on his rack and pinion on the S10 frame. I know I mentioned my subframe was a 80's Monte Carlo, more specific, it's a 87 Monte Carlo. On the 53 Plymouth was the track width to wide or the frame width?
Check out a Dakota. I just finished my 49 dodge with one. Dont know how much they changed from 49 to 54 plymouths and dodges.
the track on the malibu frame was wide to make it work without hitting the fender lips the fronts would have needed to be radiused. That wont work with the plans for my build.
i think that the actual frame itself would be to wide as it go's out to the edge of the car where the older cars it is a little inboard.
Why? Get a set of FatMan spindles to drop it, knock the drums off the hubs, throw on some disc brake rotors and fab some caliper brackets. The suspension on the 54 Plymouth works pretty damn well, and steers easily without power.
I'm with murfman on this one. I have had a couple of mopars from that era and they ride nice and are easy to maintain and still get parts for. I currently have a 55 Desoto which is almost the same and use it everyday. My only advice would be a add a bigger sway bar or one in the rear to help with the body roll in the corners. AAJ brakes make a disc brake conversion for it that is on my car and is an easy upgrade. Mine has cut coils in the front but I will probably be changing to dropped uprights and bags later. If you do end up cutting it let me know. I will take your old suspension.
used a Fatman on my 54 plymouth wagon...went in quickly and easily...a buddy of mine used an s10 on his.
Although they're getting harder to find, I seem to remember the Volare/Aspen torsion bar front being a pretty good fit. I also agree with the keep it stockers. My '55 still has the stock front end and it seems to work well. The biggest drawback is adjusting the center plane brakes. You can go pretty low with the stock stuff too, although if you want to go super low, you'll need a clip of some sort. Late model also has the advantage of walking into any parts store anywhere and they'll likley have the part you need in stock.
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