Technical Fat fendered ride height measurements needed…

Hi!
I’m planning out a suspension change on this 41 Buick,
and was researching info for ride height or frame clearance.
Preferably no bags just straight springs,
or at least drivable height.

Basically I’m looking for the frame to ground distance say in front of the rear tire, and behind the front tire,
the lowest part of the frame/body.
I’ve poured over hundreds of pictures and just couldn’t find any actual measurements.

Obviously most kinda go with what looks right,
but I’d like to get some solid figures, maybe with a pic of the car as well?

thanks!

TP

 

No parts of the frame or suspension any lower than the shortest tire sidewall.

If you get a flat, you don't want something that is not rubber, and cannot rotate to dig into the road.

 

@gimpyshotrods gives a good guide. Put a tireless rim in place and see. I would leave at least 4" clearance then so you can get a jack under the frame.
What kind of suspension changes?
My shop manual does not specify that dimension.

 

That's the hardest kind of information to get off the internet. Actual dimensions of much anything are extremely rare. It's that much harder if you're not quite sure where you want to measure from and where you want to measure to.

How far does the frame protrude below the bottom of the body? Is there a part which is going to make up that difference, a sill trim or something? That should give a reference plane to measure from.

Consider the principle @gimpyshotrods mentions as absolutely binding, a minimum to design around.

 

Hey guys thanks for the replies!!
I remember the term being scrub height,
basically flat tires and you’re still rolling.

I’m looking for actual measurements from driving cars - customs,
At the lowest frame/ground measurement near the front and rear wheels.

I’ve studied the relation of tire/rim line to the frame height,
the rim to the fender lip etc,
just was hoping for some actual measurements from real cars.
As Ned said there isn’t much info out there like that.

Ultimately it boils down to what looks best,
and what the pile of parts allows!

Fortunately the 41 Buick frame uses rear coils and has a naturally high kick-up,
the only push back is the fender/body clearance if I use these giant 8.20 tires!
The stock front end is bottomed out at the height I’d like,
and the front frame height measurement is roughly 7”.

I made some 7.5” boatyard blocks to help visualize for now,
and shims can adjust height when I get the fenders mocked up again.
TP

 

Measure your sidewall. Add 1/2".

That is your minimum clearance for any hard part.

Everything else is subjective. It has to look good to you!

Our opinion of your car does means doodly-squat.

 

The Buick rear frame design is both a blessing and a curse. If going back with the original rear axle, lowering it is just a spring change and maybe a shorter panhard bar. Going to an open rear is when the fun begins. You could go with dropped spindles (Fatman makes them) in the front if the shocks are bottomed out.

 

I’m going 60’s old school with a 12-bolt posi and a coughmaro subframe…. The weight difference from the rear end will save 100’s of pounds of unsprung weight alone! The front end will ditch the hydraulic shock and kingpin monkey motion for just basic spindles and springs. It’s amazing how close the width measurements seem to be right on. Most likely I’ll project it a little high and if needed dropped spindles for a xmas present.
My neighbor decided to pro-tour a decently built 69 SS clone, so it kinda seemed it’s meant to be for me to one mans trash it and run the 383/350 as well… again the weight difference from the Chevy to the straight 8 is crazy. I’d expect it all together to be 600+ lbs lighter where it counts.
If all goes right my kids will have no inheritance money but a quiver of cool junk to fight over!
TP

 

OK, I understand. Because of the chassis design, leaf springs do not work very well. I am using GM truck arms on one of mine, parallel 4 link on the other. In the front, dropped spindles and 90 fin drums on one, converting to ball joint on the other by using 58 Pontiac lowers, 58 Olds uppers with a custom bracket, and dropped Chevy big car spindles. All bolt in.