i've done lots of research while getting parts and ideas on building my 55 gasser. the whole model a traverse spring idea is not a good idea i've heard ,as these larger cars have alot more weight up high and will give you crazy body roll in corners with a model a setup. i heard one guy had to add coil over shocks just to make it halfway decent. so in saying that. i know it looks way cool. but i'm goin with parallel leafs. just my 2 cents....
Hi, Ryan! Thanks for your thoughts. I've had a buddy trying to talk me out of this idea for years as well. Believe it or not, I have put a lot of thought and talked to lots of people about that same concerns as you're expressing. There was a guy back in the mid-60s who did this conversion to save 200 - 300 lbs in front end weight. At the time, it was such an outrageous swap (a Model A axle on a '55 Chevy) that Hot Rod did an article on how the swap was done. I drove to Buffalo and talked to the guy who owned the car and he said that if the swap is done correctly it won't break. As a matter of fact, he said he pulled the front wheels enough to have complete faith in it. I'm net even sure I'll drag race it. I know I'll make some passes but probably not all-out race it. More of a street gasser. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Stay tuned for further build updates.
I think its cool! Who cares if its not gasserized.....okay I do! But I still like it. Not every tri 5 needs a straight axle....okay yes they do! LOL! Keep up the great work I think its a nice change having the ass end up.
Donnie, LOL! I agree on ALL your points! Funny thing is, when I got it back from the body shop and put the wheels and tires on and saw it with the nose down attitude, I looked at the project from a different point of view! This gasser project has been a dream (and in the planning) for years! I have the mfi, mag, front axle, etc. but now I'm thinking 3X2 on the 327 and leave the rake! I'm so confused! Stay tuned.....
very nice build so far. beauty body and paintwork. i like that hood scoop, did you make it? nice to see a 50s build here for a change. i have 3 rochester 2gs on my 327- it can be a bit finicky but goes like hell when you put your foot down! good luck and build it the way YOU want it.
Chevy57dude.... Well, I don't know but welcome aboard! I'm hoping there should be a "!" instead of a "?" after the paint comment! LOL! The paint is kind of a tribute to the first car I remember my parents having. I thought the wheel/tire combo went perfectly with the paint scheme.
Wheeldog57..... Thanks for your comments! The hood scoop is a Pontiac Super Duty scoop. This was a very popular addition back in the day. The car from Buffalo that inspired this project had one and I thought it REALLY looked good! Glad I did it!
LOL! Oh, gee, thanks! Both are beauties! I especially like the Filthy Five. The flamed one is nice, too!
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