frame question on new project

[3BelAirs]

I'm starting my new 57 2door sedan project. I want to go with a shortened rear end and was debating whether to back half the original frame or go with a new frame (such as the Art Morrison). Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Matt

[chevman57]

Matt i guess that may be a financial decision on this one. The new frame would be the "cats meow" so to speak. But it wouldn`t be cheap. But then again it also is a question as to whether or not you are equiped to do the frame cutting and narrowing yourself or having to pay a shop to do it.
Terry

[old school 55]

there are several variations on this subject. you can get the peice that goes across the frame rails just about at the front of the spring perches complete with drive shaft loop pretty cheap. then use the original back half frame rails moved inward on the frame, this would keep the frame shape close to original for the trunk floor or you can go with the premanufactured back half wich means either fitting the fuel cell in the trunk or modifying the body mounts to adapt to new frame rails. I see lots of work in your future in the comeing year:D

[Rick_L]

I think it all boils down to what do you want and what can you afford.

You can run up to about a 305 or 315 tire without moving the frame over (you'll definitely have to move everything else).

So tell us what you have in mind for tire size to start with, and suspension expectations too.

[NickP]

I'm starting my new 57 2door sedan project. I want to go with a shortened rear end and was debating whether to back half the original frame or go with a new frame (such as the Art Morrison). Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Matt

Matt I, as many here have walked in your sneakers. it sounds like a "Pro Street" type car for certain. As mentioned, AME builds a fine piece, really fine piece.

S&W Racecars (see pic) has a real nice kit for "Back Halving" a car. The only real issue with doing a back half is most suppliers seem to recommend that at minimum an 8 point cage/roll bar is used to strengthen the new rear section. I guess it would all depend on the service/duty you intend for the car.

http://www.swracecars.com/store/images/cart/10503.JPG

As to suppliers for the clip, wow, there is a ton of them. A decision as to the rear suspension and many other things will be required. Alston, AME, S&W Race Cars, ART (Air Ride Technology), Chassis Engineering and a host of others can supply you with what you want.

You can alter the rear of the stock frame and do a mini tub and get a fairly sizeable tire in there. How big of a tire/wheel do you want?

[3BelAirs]

The wheels are 15X15 pro star 2.0s and the tires I bought are 31x18.5x15. Now I just have to build the car around them. Rear end is a Comp Engineering 9100 fab 9 inch housing (not shortened yet) with braces.

[g55keeney]

I have a Chassis Engineering narrowed frame section attached to my frame and also have a 12 point cage to tie it all together:D. If you are going with any narrowed frame you need to have the roll cage to keep it from twisting. Well worth the time and expense.:tu

[robwkamm]

ive been eyeing that s&w set up for a while. i cannot find a good frame.(rear rails are ba. everything else is perfect.) its a good deal. 1050$ OR SO. and you get new suspension with it. i thing im going that route on my wagon.

[3BelAirs]

I'm definately using a cage.

[Jim '57]

Just curious how much are we talking about to do the mods that have been discussed so far? Now what is this going to give you?
Jim

[NickP]

Just curious how much are we talking about to do the mods that have been discussed so far? Now what is this going to give you?
Jim

Lol, what he wants..................................... Seriously. the kits alone will run $2700 or more depending on the options you choose. If you are not a fabricator, or do not have a jig to put the frame in or the space to do it in, then your looking at 2 to 4 thousand just to modify and install the kit depending on what you want done. Remember this, for every item modified, three more will need to be done in the overall scheme of things. When you back half a car, it's a major operation.

[g55keeney]

To do the back half of my 55 2 dr cost a total of 17,000.00 for all the parts and the space in my friends shop. He did the welding on the frame and cage and all the other was a joint effort. If you want it to last you gotta do it right.

[robwkamm]

17k for just a back half? or the whole car? thats crazy. i did my 69 camaro, new everything for like 7-8K with 40 spline 9 ich rear, big brakes, all chrome moly tube. nhra cert.

[3BelAirs]

Rob. Thats closer to the quote I got for back halfing the car. Just under 10k.