55 Gasser frame project

[chevynut]

Today I located the front springs and put the center bolts on the axle centerline in my jig. I used some clamps and ratchet straps to get the springs compressed to approximate ride height. I then tacked the front brackets to the new frame rails.

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Then I decided to assemble the front axle. I installed the spindles and found out there's too much play between the spindles and axle, and I ran out of shims in the kingpun kit.

I unpacked the disc brake hubs/rotors and tried to assemble them to the spindles. I noticed the kit had new races and bearings with it, but the hub already had races in it. So I assumed the races were extra parts. However, I packed the bearings and tried to install them on the axle. The nut bottomed out on the spindle.

I called Speedway and found out that I had to replace the races, as the new ones were thicker. There are no instructions for brake assembly in this kit, nor on their website link to the axle kit. You have to go to the specific brake kit to get a .pdf. I told them they should link it from the axle kit. They're also going to send me some more shims so I can shim up the spindles.

Anyhow, I got the axle assembled after futzing around with it for a couple of hours. Getting the races out was not easy to do. There was almost zero edge on the inside to drive them out with.


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[chevynut]

Due to the location of the front spring mounts, I had to remove and modify the radiator support I had installed earlier. Rather than attaching the radiator support to the bottom of the frame rails like I do on the C4 conversions, I attached it to the inside of the frame rails.

I built some axle stands to set the Dana 60 low in the frame, since I have removed the Dana 44 from my jig for this project. Now I can locate everything correctly when the Jim Meyers ladder bar kit arrives. I'm trying to do as much in the jig as possible, but I know there will be some work I won't be able to do until I take the frame out of the jig.

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We still have the stuff from Jim Meyer Racing sitting here but it's all going back to them except the tubular engine mount that my customer wants to use. Hopefully that JMRP debacle is finally over with. Virtually nothing was like it was shown on their website, and they're arrogant and rude people to try to work with.

We're currently working with Earle Williams on making a custom set of ladder bars, panhard bar, front ladder bar crossmember, shock mounts and all the brackets for this project.

We got a little more work done on the gasser front end this week. I built the custom radiator support and we got it tacked into place, and we welded the round caps on the frame rails. I also fitted the spreader bar and the engine mount so they fit between the frame rails. There's not a lot more we can do on it until the frame comes out of the jig, and we can't do that until the Hemi55 frame is finished.


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[chevynut]

We received the Williams Classis Chassis ladder bar kit yesterday. This one was somewhat of a 'custom' build for Earle because of the stance the customer wants. The centerline of the rear axle is even with the bottom of the frame. They're 48" ladder bars with a custom front brackets, and custom upper shock mounts.

Here's some of the parts to the kit. I have to split the 360 degree axle brackets to put them on, then weld them back together. We're using a panhard bar to locate the rear axle. I guess I have to fit the upper shock mounts to the frame where they won't interfere with the floor, then trim them to size. The workmanship on this stuff is outstanding, and the TIG welds are beautiful.

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[chevynut]

Oh yeah, a while ago we got the engine mount located and installed the transmission crossmember. We had to cut the bracket off the T400 crossmember to center it because it was off-center about 1/4". The brace across the front rails is temporary, and will be removed when everything is welded.

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[markm]

I never noticed a Camaro crossmember being off center, are they or is it a Chinese copy thing.

[Rick_L]

Some of the Gen 1 Camaro BB OEM stuff, as well as early Nova stuff, has the engine/transmission offset 1/2" to 1" to the passenger side. It's something that would solve some problems on our cars, but few think of it.

Earle's tig welding is always outstanding and pleasing to the eye. I've heard that he welds all the custom stuff himself, and much of the production stuff.

[chevynut]

I never noticed a Camaro crossmember being off center, are they or is it a Chinese copy thing.

I think this crossmember came from CPP or Ecklers, and was supposed to be for a '55 Chevy. That bracket was obviously off-center. I don't know if it was by design, or a quality issue. I also think it's too short, but it works with custom wider brackets we made. Here's a couple pics....the two on the right are with the bracket centered in the frame.

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[chevynut]

Some of the Gen 1 Camaro BB OEM stuff, as well as early Nova stuff, has the engine/transmission offset 1/2" to 1" to the passenger side. It's something that would solve some problems on our cars, but few think of it.

This was offset about 1/4" to the DRIVER'S SIDE.

Earle's tig welding is always outstanding and pleasing to the eye. I've heard that he welds all the custom stuff himself, and much of the production stuff.

I asked him about it because the welds are so incredibly smooth and consistent. He says him and two other guys do the welding. I don't know who did these parts. We discussed welding for a while and I asked for some tips on materials, setup, etc. I can make decent-looking welds but they never have the "shine" that Earle's have. I use the same rod, gas, flowrate, and tungsten as he does. He uses mild steel like I do. One thing that's different is that I use an air-cooled torch. I plan to upgrade to water-cooled.

[Rick_L]

Not surprising that he uses a water cooled torch.

I'm curious though why it would make a difference on 1/8" or thinner steel, alloy or not. I kind of doubt it really.

I can do welds like his about 10% of the time. Not so much for the rest. But I think it's just technique and experience.