a 1952- 1954 that is bagged and able to lay frame? This year and model car with bags seems to be like hunting a unicorn. How about a 1952 Bagged to lay frame, with the original flathead... Anyone? I'd like to chat with someone that has done one, or is doing one so we can compare ideas/notes.
If you wait about 6 months you'll see one done (provided the economy doesn't get any worse and my funds don't dry up!). The only difference is that it won't have a flathead because flatheads are the small block chevy of the traditional hotrod and custom world. I want to see something different for a change! Mine will have some kind of "different" engine like a 312 or possibly a built inline 6. I really want the whole thing on the ground (because I'm not a fan of 50's cars done like taildraggers) so I am ***uming I'm going to need to go with Jamco's tubular A arms, drop spindles and firestone air springs in the front and do a frame kickup and a 4 link in the rear.
well like nailhead65 said you will have to go with drop spindles. The company Drop and stop'em(?) out of socal makes a 3in. drop spindle. the only thing is I do belive that you will have to cut into the trunk floor to allow for a c notch that will allow you to lay frame. another is your overall tire size if you go with a little lower profile tire definantly helps!
I know I am digressing a bit but this post got me thinking. I was looking at Jamco and got to thinking about dropping my car. The question is how low is two low. I don't want a trailer queen that I can only tow to a cruise but something I can drive reliably everyday. I have a 54 Customline (current stance is stock with the front end being slightly higher then the back). I am sure some of you have dropped one. How far did you go and how does it drive?
1hot1954: Honestly, I don't "get" laying frame. I understand how handy it would be to have a car with adjustable ride height, especially on driveways and speed bumps, but I don't understand why it's cool to be able to drop it on the ground when it's parked. But, whether I get it or not, I don't have a problem with guys who do it, especially when it's done as nicely as SlmLrd's. That is really nice work. I have never had a bagged car, but I have had (and still have) many that are deeply lowered in more conventional ways. I prefer a semi-road race style suspension, with a low stance, heavy-duty gas shocks and large diameter anti-sway bars front and rear so that the car will handle well in the corners. Not that it's better, it's just my thing. My current '52 Victoria project has the "full monte" 5" dropped Jamco tubular A-arm front suspension with anti-sway bar, gas shocks and disc brakes; and Jamco 3" lowering springs in the rear, again with gas shocks and one of their anti-sway bars on a Maverick 8" axle with big drum brakes. I am going for a very low, but very streetable stance, with the front slightly lower than the rear. This is one of the popular late '50s - early '60s looks and the one I prefer on '52-'54 Fords. This, to me, is the perfect stance for these cars. My car should also corner and handle very well at higher speeds, and be nimble around town while still being able to clear most driveways and speed bumps. That's the goal. You've probably already seen the photoshopped version of my project on my build thread, but here it is again at the ride height I plan to achieve. It will be driven often and for long distances so it has to be practical as well as good looking. I can't wait to get it done. Hope this helps in your decision making.
That stance is exactly what I had in mind. You said you lowered the rear 3" and the front lower then that? So did you go 4" in the front? Have you had any clearance issues with it?
No...and no. The photo has been photoshopped to show what my car will look like when it's done. I am using 3" lowering springs from Jamco in the rear to achieve this look. Jamco recommend putting some miles on the setup before making any changes as it takes some time for the springs to settle. I may have to go with some mild blocks...or I may not. Won't know until the car is on the road. The front end will be dropped 5" - two inches in the Jamco dropped control arms/Granada spindles, plus three inches in the Jamco lowering coil springs. This is the maximum drop I can get using Jamco products. Jamco has been selling these components for many years, and all their customers are happy to the best of my knowledge. Geno here on this social group has this setup on his car (but not so low in front) and he's very happy with it. Just ask him! Sorry for the confusion. Eric
I lowered my car originally using the Jamco kit. lowered coils in the front and de-arched springs in the rear with lowering blocks. It was pretty low, but the ride was less than desirable. The bump stops in the front were an inch from hitting. The ride was pretty good, but even with the new shocks supplied, I was a bit bouncy in the rear as well. I decided to go with a complete air setup, MII and triangulated 4-link for 3 main reasons: 1. Comfort of ride. 2. Disc brakes in front. 3. Adjustable ride height. I decided to go with a MII in front because- It's arguably the best and cleanest front end when installed right. I figured that since I was already chopping the car up to add bags all around, I may as well go all the way with it. I like the look of a car that is on its frame parked, and I will be able to drive 65 on the freeway 2 inches off the ground smoothly. Slotted and vented discs up front should be a dream as well. Here is my car (slanted driveway) with the Jamco Kit installed.
That is nice looking car. I looked at going with air but the thing that turned me off was cost. I will probably go with the Jamco and down the road go with air once I have everything else I want done if I am unhappy with the ride.
Heres a few more for today's update. She lays super nice and the stance is as adjustable as it gets- from 4x4 to frame laying custom. Everything fits real nice, so heres a little more. I guess when the MII is touching the ground, you can't go any lower? ...And skirted
Nothing looks nicer than that.Your car is damn hot!.I need to pull my finger out and save some money for bags... Yes please some side shots,you dont mine if i use it as a screen saver?.
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