I was looking someday to convert to IFS but am undecided. I hate to chop off
the front of the frame for all the reasons stated previously. But, while I
like the thought of keeping the frame intact and welding/bolting on an IFS,
I don't think I'd like having a rack & pinion with tubular A arms on my big
ol' truck (not a strength issue). I want the GM A arms with the GM gear box
and all the other GM stuff to go with it. I like the looks better and I just
think that's what belongs on the TRUCK. But, I don't want to cut my frame. I
am told that the Pacer thing does not work as easy on a '58-'59 (frame
width). I guess I will be using the old straight axle for a while.
While I'm on the subject of straight axle, Someone mentioned earlier they
used 1/2" of toe-in. I have all the slack/play out of my steering (power
steering conversion) and it drives pretty good. I've been meaning to try
more toe-in for that straight ahead feel on the highway. This may be a good
tip, haven't tried it yet.
> > Oh, man... I'm probably going to get jumped on again but here goes.
> >
> > If you want to put a clip on your truck, I'm not going to tell you not
to,
> however there are a couple things you need to think about in the process.
> >
> > There is only one way to install a clip correctly and safely and there
are
> a thousand ways to screw it up. If you feel you must destroy a perfectly
> good frame just make sure your very meticulous about installing a new
clip.
> An experienced (certified) welder is a must in these cases and double and
> triple check your alignment before everything's permanently welded in
> position.
> >
> > In the street rod community it's generally considered that installing a
> clip lowers the resale value of your vehicle. It seems people just aren't
> willing to pay top dollar and trust someone else's skills when something
as
> important as a frame is concerned.
> >
> > I hesitate to see what the advantages of installing a clip are anyway.
> Exactly what are you getting with a clip that you can't get from the
> aftermarket? Disk brakes? They're available almost anywhere. IFS? Nope,
> again available almost anywhere. Ah, motor mounts. Nope, a weld or bolt
in
> crossmember with Chevy mounts is readily available for about $60 from a
> number of sources. I know... ease of installation. Nope, I don't think
so.
> So what is it then that makes people want to destroy a perfectly good
frame?
> I know, it must be the fun of hanging all that old sheet metal back on the
> front once the clip is in place. That's got to be it, a chance for people
to
> show off their fabrication skills.
> >
> > Now don't jump on me guys... I was just trying to make a point here.
> There's a lot to be considered before making a huge decision like lopping
> off the front of your perfectly good frame. People tend to think they're
> going to save themselves a lot of work by doing this but in reality they
> cause themselves as much work as they think they're saving. There have
been
> thousands of clips welded on street rods and trucks and most of them are
> very safe, all I'm saying is make sure that's what you want to do before
> getting the sawsall out. Once you cut it, there's really no turning back.
> >
> > OK, my fox hole is dug.... Incoming!!!!!
> >
> > Bill Whittaker
> > '53 3100 Hemi
> > Built Like A Rock
> > With Mopar Stock
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Terry Beynon [mailto:tbeynon@dsl.telocity.com]
> > Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2000 12:21 AM
> > To: Old Trucks List
> > Subject: [oletrucks] ifs or clip
> >
> >
> > While the embers are still warm, I'll fan them to a flame. Did I miss
> > something or did we blow right passed the welded front clip say from a
78
> > Firebird or Camaro. In all the discussion of weld vs. bolt, it seems
that
> if
> > a weld were to crack (with the clip) there's a chance you could see the
> > whole front of your truck fall off??? The reason I bring it up is we
used
> > Heidt's MII on the 55. I was leaning to an old Camaro donor car to get
the
> > front clip, rear end (3.08 gear) and the tilt wheel. Do I cut the frame
or
> > not?
> >
> > Terry Beynon
> > 55-1 3100
> > 51 3106 (Suburban)
> > Chicago IL
> > www.beynon.net/terry.html
> >
> > oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
> > oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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