Carl
I will be watching your replies. I have owned a '58 or '59 for 30 years and
am putting a '58 big window, short step side w/fender mounted spare in the
garage this winter for a frame off make over. I've owned this one for 10
years. Alabama body, real sweet, no rust, no dents. Love that body style,
bought a 97 Dodge Ram for the retro look.
I had planned on using the volare front end but from what I read it is not a
good (looking) swap. I will bite the bullet & buy a MII IFS. I still haven't
figured out how low I will go.
I want dependability so I am pulling the 350w/holley 650 out and putting a
350 ram air crate motor back in w/350 trans. nothing beats fuel injection
and electronic ignition.
If you use a S10 rear end how do you match the wheel pattern with the MII
front rotors? How long would the light truck rear last with a v8 pushing it?
I plan to use the under floor power brake set up, what type of booster will
you use there?
I will shave and clean up the body. I have heard that the bear claw latches
work well for this type of door. Also plan to shave the rain gutter on the
roof. Shave the dash to get rid of the ashtray and old stereo butcher job.
Want to keep the instrument cluster. Anyone have a good idea or source to
swap out the amp gauge for a voltmeter?
Vintage air, power windows and tilt steering while Im at it.
Im tall and want to relocate the fuel tank to the back to make room for a
nice seat. I saw a good article on using a full size truck seat in a '56 by
lowing the seat under the back window ledge. I will need an electric fuel
pump & return line for the ram air fuel injection.
I want to get rid of the rear lights and adapt some into the fenders. Any
good ideas on this item? Hidden tailgate latches too.
I'm 45 and have put this off for 30 yrs; I plan to do it right this time.
Spent a lot off time putting other street rods together for friends.
Proficient fabricator and dreamer, its my turn now.
Kurt Ohlgren
Northville MI
1958 3100
1959 3800
>From: "Carl & Becky Ham" <the_hams@hotmail.com>
>Reply-To: "Carl & Becky Ham" <the_hams@hotmail.com>
>To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
>Subject: [oletrucks] Any more advice on IFS or Rear End swaps for TF trucks
>out there?
>Date: Thu, 02 Jan 2003 14:36:19 -0600
>
>About a month ago I posted a message asking for advice or past good/bad
>experiences with independant front suspension swaps and newer rear end
>swaps
>for a TF (55-59) Chevy truck. For the record, my truck is a fair weather
>driver (summertime) and I don't plan on trying to win awards or drag race
>the truck. It has a 283 V8 and 4 speed auto with original front and rear
>suspensions. I simply want to finish upgrading the drive train to
>newer/better riding and handling and more reliable components
>
>I only received one reply for the IFS and 2 for the rear end swaps. For
>the
>IFS, Heidts or Total Cost Involved (TCI) mustang II's with tubular upper
>and
>lower arms were suggested and I've found the TCI unit is about $800 cheaper
>than Heidts. I would appreciate any further comments or advice as I will
>be
>buying an IFS in the March timeframe.
>
>For the rear end, it has been suggested I either use an S10 or Ford 9 inch.
>I'm told the S10 may be a direct swap (width-wise), and the Ford 9 inch
>would require some custom work. Any suggestions from other list members?
>Appreciate any and all comments. Thanks,
>
>Carl Ham
>'56 Chevy TF Stepside
>Pontiac, IL
>
>
>
>
>
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