Technical Help With Henry J Gasser Project

I just purchased a 1951 Henry J. The car is very solid and largely original. The previous owner installed a Chevy 4.3 V6 and 700R4. Unfortunately he did not update the rear end and he broke it. I have plans to make in into a street freak g***er. I have a Ford 9" I want to narrow to fit. The car only has about 50K on the odometer. Do you guys think I will be OK with the stock leaf springs or should I plan to upgrade?

 

I would plan to upgrade.

if you plan to put a decent amount of power to it, better figure to reinforce the ch***is somehow, most likely a roll bar/cage.
Stock is a uni-body IIRC, built for the 70hp or so that the stock engine had.

 

I plan to install a 327. They are not a uni-body. They have a true frame.

 

Mine is fine with a 327. I did add some extra leaves to the rear springs.

Gary

 

What size tires and wheels are you running?

 

15X10 with 29X12.50X15 rear, 15X4 1/2 with 165X15 front.

Gary

 

I put new springs on mine. A place in Detroit MI makes them also put ******* bars on it . Mine is no race car but it will spin the tires

 

Alumslot, your car looks almost exactly like I want mine. is your rear axle on top of or under the spring? I am planing on a 327 with dual quad tunnel ram and a blower scoop. I am pretty sure my front end will tilt.

 

They are in the stock location. I do have air shocks. I thought about a flip front end but didn't do it.

 

If you do a flip front cut your front fender dog leg at the lower body line, it'll tilt freely without the need for a slider.

 

Thanks! I do like that setup. Some pics of your hinge and such would be helpful.

 

I cut mine right above the factory brace. Since the cut line is above the pivot point, it doesn't need to slide out before tilting. I used 1/2" heim joints fore hinges, very smooth moving.

Gary

 

Like them all!

 

The easiest hinge setup is the laid on the back "C", this one is for a 57 chevy that needs slid forward to open so the slot is longer.
Put a horizontal bar on your front clip, set it inside the "C" opening and slide it back to lock it in, want to remove clip slide it to the opening and lift it out.

 

Good tips!Thanks!!
When figuring for the rear axle length, how much space should I allow for sidewall flex?

 

At least an inch but there are lots of variables in tire type, rim width, use of vehicle, you may need more.
Also remember you have to get the tire on and off, so that comes into play as well.

 

Sidewall bulge will have much to do with your rear axle width. I would suggest you buy both tires and wheels for all 4 corners before setting up front or rear axles. It's going to mean they'll sit in storage until the car is finished, but it will save you lots of headaches during mockup if you have the tires and wheels it will end up with.