whats up guys, my name is manny. I live in Los Angeles CA, im 24, and a begginer to the whole hotrod scene. I used to work on imports, so i have some knowledge on engines. I have always wanted to have a 50's ride, since im a greaser at heart. And pretty much look like I belong in that era. I have a 54' customline, making it a traditional greaser 50's sled. Now my question is what is the usual inches lowered on the sleds, for safe practical normal driving? I was planing 2 in the front 3 in the rear. I think thats the lowest i can go with the method of chopping coils in the front ad lowering blocks in the rear? what other inexpensive methods are used to obtain lower rides without using airbags. thnx
Mite want to get a little more info into your intro Manny...we like to know who we're talking to ...Where ya from (at?) How old are ya? Got any practical experience building cars (traditional hot rods)? The more you put into your intro, the better...'sides the intro police won't come knocking at your door that way... Cheers, R-
[ QUOTE ] I live in Los Angeles CA, im 24, and a begginer to the whole hotrod scene. I used to work on imports, [/ QUOTE ] Well manny, I think you already filled all the requirements. welcome to the Hamb. I am always glad to see a young guy get involved in the traditional rods. And even happier to find you left ricer rockets for the real ones Welcome
Another way to lower the front would be to lower the spring pocket (the part on the lower A arm that the spring sits on). You drill out the rivets and put in spacers on all 3 sides (see pic) and bolt through the assembly. I'm not sure how far you can go with this, but each of these bars is about 3/8" or so, which gave the front about a 1-1.5" drop. If this is tough to picture, that bolt sticking down in the middle is the shock.
Welcome....you have just entered the best place on the PLANET for lotsa' knowledge on the hot rod/custom 'infection"..... It only gest WORSE !! Jersey skip
Welcome as far as how much to lower. for me it always seems to depend on my driveway apron. drop it until it scrapes the bumper but doesn't rip it off. if you are cutting coils take a 1/4 coil off every weekend and drive it all week to let it settle and get a feel for how much of a pain in the ass it will be to drive vs. how cool it looks. you will find the balance young grasshopper.
Welcome-Manny- thanks for doing an Intro- that "oils the wheels" here.....sounds like you got the plan on the ol ford.....stick to your guns man- it'll happen..........
thnx deyomite for the tip. May try that after i cut some coils if i need it lower. And thanx to the rest of the guys for making me feel at home. Sorry no pics at this time, but will try and get some up soon. and praisethelowered... how much are u dropped?? curious..
Welcome to the hamb. Low is good. How does your car sit now?(lowest point - to the ground) How are the roads? My Stude is at 3&1/4 I gotta be careful.
Welcome to the HAMB. Post some pics of your car. Question for you? Are you gonna run a fart can on that 54? You guys were way too easy on him. Hey Tinbender, whats up?
measured behind the front tire,9 1/4" and before rear tire 9 3/4. and the roads here arent the greatest. so u mean ur car is only 3 1/4 inches off the ground? hmm, that means i gotta alot of lowering to do. Is that the right height for this car? or maybe the because of the new shocks that were put in??
Welcome ya Freakin Dirty Greaser. Thas what Fn means is freakin' right. Well I'm a little slow on the draw. So I aint gonna tell ya how to drop your ride. But there is no usual amount to drop one. Depends on where you're from and who you run with. The crowd I ran with in the late '60s thought that a pack of Luckies under the lowest place on the front was the tits. And just abput legal at the time. Now days we know that that was unsafe because all the Really Important Hot Rod Guys have told us that. That's why non of us are here to remember. But your crowd may be different as to how low is low. anyway that's my .02. Welcome again, The PknBner
yeah pknbner.. thats the pg version. Well thanx for the great advise, i was just thinking that there was a standard in how many inches u dropped them. I think i will just drop it slowly and slowly and keep at where i like it. now for some suggestions on where to buy some de-arched rear springs, so i wont have to use a 4" lowering block?? I decided to chop the front coil. thnx again
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