Pics of my shoebox project

Just got to start working on this car again after a 6 month move to las vegas, back in il and trying to get this old girl on the road. lets see some feedback.

 

trying to figure out the trailing arms;how are they anchored at the front?

 

i made those boxes that i welded to the inside of the frame, and they are rubber bushing rod ends with a clevis style mount just as on the rear end

 

I like the trianglated 4 link. what kind of rear end is that? What are you using for engine and trans? Does the 4 link intrude on the pas compartment? looks like the box for the front mounts might be right where a body mount might be.... I am in the process of completing a 49 project. Used leaf springs on it but would prob use 4 link on the next one.

 

i plan on running a 390 caddy motor and havent decided on trans, the floor barely touches and can be clearenced with a hammer hahaha. I am building new floors anyway though so its not an issue. the rearend is an 8 inch ford

 

So are you living in Vegas or Waterman now? If you are in IL I would like to stop by somtime and check out your ride. Looks like a nice shop

 

i live in sycamore and my shop is in waterman.

 

I like the build and want to follow it. I just got a 50 custom 4 door for cheaps supposedly parked since 1965. It looks all original with the flathead in place. I will try and get it running and slowly do work as time allows. The work on your shoebox is cool keep posting some of your work.

 

in the shocks pic it looks like the floor is cut. Is the frame a stock profile or did you build a notch. Also do you have any more pics of the rear suspension and frame. Looking forward to seeing more of this build.

Thanks
Eric

 

I have a question about the shocks. To me, they look to be mounted at such an angle, how can they have any effect?

 

the floor is cut out around the notch, it is around a 7 inch notch and i built the sides out of 1/4 steel plate and capped it with some 16 gauge inside and out. i will be building new floors and drive shaft tunnel. the shocks are a donor from an 02 grand cherokee i noticed at work and they are mounted at a fairly good angle in that application as well. not to mention the only work they will need to do is while its at ride height when they arent at such an angle. I mainly copied what the mini truck guys are doin' they got that notch and 4 link stuff figured out.Suicidedoors.com has alot of good info and parts inventory. great source for 4-link parts.if anyone knows of any 390 caddy engines let me know.

 

Hey matt,

Is that the car I think it is?

I don't think that rear end is what what most people call an 8". while it may have a drop out third member and an 8" ring gear it's not what would have come out of a maverick/mustang/granada. This is judging by the shape of the back of the center section and the mechanics style u-joints.

Brick

 

what do you think it is then sir, dont be shy lets id this rearend!

 

im gonna do my best with the stock one, when it pops ill throw a maverick rearend in it

 

how do you like the tripple convoluted bags? ive heard some people complain of lack of lift and harsh ride when mounting dual convoluted bags directly onto the axle, without the aid of a cantilever type mount, but never seen anyone use the tripples. it seems like a good idea.

 

I like your rear set-up with the 4 link. I am in the middle of doing almost the same thing to my 50. I have the triangelated 4 link installed (looks very similar to yours) but I have a 9". Did you install the lower link below, inside or outside of the frame.

In the pic of the whole car, are the bags all the way down? how close to frame is the axle to the frame all the way down?

 

Looks good!

 

the bottom four link bar is mounted about in the center of the frame rail underneath as the frame swoops up over the rearend so it wont drag the ground.also keep in mind when mounting your own, at ride height the bottom bar should be level to the ground. i didnt have a whole lot of room for a cantilever setup so i used the triple stacks. they work great and have nearly 10" of travel. i still have to align the rearend but when its in the frame totally straight the frame rests on the rearend with some rubber pads and aired out the frame is around 2 inches off the ground. Side note, anyone have any good ideas for an automatic transmission with overdrive that could be adapted to a caddy motor?(390)

 

Well its been awhile since i have posted anymore progress on my shoebox project. There have been lots of successes but only a few do***ented. I have got my split bumpers done for the most part and have a little welding left. The bumpers are the uprights from the front bumper turned sideways and frenched into the roll/tail pan area. I added the miniature quarter spear to replicate the stock one. I think it will really give some good lines for some scalloped corners and such in the paint. I plan to add something to the rear being at has a bit of an empty look in the middle of the trunk/pan area. I got my engine all painted up and re-gasketed. My adapter plate is installed and im waiting for a trans. Thats all for now,
Matt

 

That thing is pretty damm cool.

 

Id drive it...and Im a chevy guy.....seriously though, its coming along very nice....I like the stance...

 

looks great, the bumpers at the back are cool.
maybe just put the stock handle/licence light back on the trunk? might fill the area nicely.

 

I like it alot. especially the bumper guard idea. keep us posted. It's always nice to see people step outside the "box" with ideas.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback! I agree and the lisc plate trim will be on eventually just not for right now.

 

Just about to weld on the 4-link on my '51. Gives me something to strive for. Looks good. Keep up the good work. One question, with all that work why not make it lay? You already cut the floor and modified the frame rails.

 

he must be scared to drag it...

 

it does lay fools!

 

Good looking car. Your doing a great job!

 

very good locking so what bumberguard are u use and have u any bigger pics on the back u can email me them if u have any

 

looks good. The 4 link looks great. I would have put the bags on the bars. It gives a softer ride and more lift. What suspension are you using up front?