'65 Hemi straightaxle conversion

[teddisnoke]

Coming into my little metal shed, next week will be this 65 Hemi Coronet. A customer car that I'm happy to say is returning to me for a straightaxle conversion. Different then my '64 Polara, this car is a running, driving, finished car!! I need to be careful with the flawless paint job!! I did some mini-tubbing, and a trunk pan replacement, but the owners love the straightaxle look, but want the car parts-era correct. Soooo- I went out, and found an old A-100 axle, and it'll soon find its way under the car.

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/

 

[B392Hemi]

That will be one I'd like to watch via photographs, on how you set that one up. I had a '56 Ford Customline/Vic with a straight axle, and it drove so bad, I put a personalized plate one it... BAD TRIP...!

Finally took it out, and put a transverse torsion bar front end from a Dodge Diplomat, and it drove swell. I would think, a lot of the forum members would like to see how you go about making a good driver out of that one....
Thanks
Bob

 

[teddisnoke]

The project is progressing well. By building custom engine mounts, and eliminating the K-frame, its made a world of difference with regards to space. Working on it will be a breeze for the owner, and I"ve even figured out a way to make his Wilwood disc brakes work on the A-100 Suspension, with some newly fabricated caliper brackets!! This may be the worlds first Coronet with these brakes on an A-100 stock front end!! Who knows!

 

[B392Hemi]

Thanks for keeping us up to date. When time and opportunity becomes available, would love to see a pix or two.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Ditto, on the pics.

 

[teddisnoke]

Yummy!!

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/dalesnewpomonashop/page19.html

Pushed the front forward two inches, now, it officially an altered 2% car!!:grin:

 

[B392Hemi]

Thanks for posting those pictures. That will be a true nostalgia rig for sure. What sterring box will you use, and will it be cross linked?

 

[teddisnoke]

I've been recently using the GM Saginaw steering box, over the Vega box. Its more burly than the Vega one, and there are quite a few more of them out there. I"ve been working quite a bit on it, and just put it back on the ground, soon to be fired back up and taken for a gentle spin. I say gentle as the current pan has clearance issues with the axle beam, but a rear sump unit will alleviate any further issues. Getting the Wilwood calipers to fit the A-100 spindle was another hurdle I"m proud to say got figured out. A new custom manufactured bracket, cut on a laser, made it so that I can use this hipo combo on further builds over a heavy Volare unit. Here are a few more pictures:

http://public.fotki.com/teddisnoke/snokes-metal-shed/

Dale

 

[teddisnoke]

Made my shakedown run today! Feels AWESOME!! I was a bit carefull, as the new rear sump pan is not installed, and there is a scant three inches of clearance between the axle and the mid-sump pan! But its tight, the steering is very respnsive, and the turning radius is quite good, even better than my old AWB Dart:

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8208.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8210.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8213b.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8218.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8219.html

Its incredibly gratifying to take the car out, for the first time with its new vintage A-100 axle, and not an aftermarket tube style set-up. Its more work in the end, but really puts the period vibe on high volume!!!

Dale

Dale.

 

[69 Runner]

sweet

 

[B392Hemi]

I have enjoyed seeing this conversion take place. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us "old farts" that can relate to straight axles on the street. Awesome car!

 

[teddisnoke]

I wished I had a video camera with me today, as the owner and I took the car for a careful spin around the block. You could not wipe off his grin!! He grew up racing at Lions, and has a class win in D/gas. I think this all bringing back some good memories for him as well!!

 

[funnycar65]

Made my shakedown run today! Feels AWESOME!! I was a bit carefull, as the new rear sump pan is not installed, and there is a scant three inches of clearance between the axle and the mid-sump pan! But its tight, the steering is very respnsive, and the turning radius is quite good, even better than my old AWB Dart:

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8208.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8210.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8213b.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8218.html

http://public.fotki.com/bowtie0069/shop-projects-1/red65hemicoronet/img8219.html

Its incredibly gratifying to take the car out, for the first time with its new vintage A-100 axle, and not an aftermarket tube style set-up. Its more work in the end, but really puts the period vibe on high volume!!!

Dale

Dale.

I've spent a few years researching the A100 and straight tube period correctness argument. There were just as many tube axles used if not more then the A100 set up.So ether way is correct.Now a saginaw box in a mopar that's another story:no:

 

[teddisnoke]

For me, its all good! The boxes were around back then. Just no definitive pictures of them bolted on, but they were used. Hows your car coming along?

 

[funnycar65]

Dale,it's like the gate for correct parts has opened up lately and I've been on a buying spree.Now if I could stop putting in 12-14 hour days on the job I could get something done on it.

 

[Primer King]

Funnycar, please feel free to send some of those correct parts my way if they start to pile up! Wether it'd be my '63 Polara or my '65 Coronet AWB red-headed stepchild bastard, they'll find a good home with other MOPAR parts!

 

[69 Runner]

Heeeeeeyyy.....watch it with that red-headed stepchild stuff there buddy:mad_6:


:rolling:

 

[teddisnoke]

If I can afford it, which seems rare these days, I try to buy vintage stuff. Even though I'm right around the corner from the Pomona swapmeet, its a rare occasion to see stuff out there for a decent price these days. Not to say its all out there, but you are competing with alot of other guys looking for the same stuff. Lately, it seems parts are coming my way via people who know I'm looking. I've got a few out there that keep an eye out for me. I recently purchased a vintage front pair of chrome reverse 15 by 4.5 rims. They are scary period perfect, and a rechrome will put 'em over the top!!

I spent the last couple days puttin it all back together, and it has turned out quite nice, with just the right touch of chrome and black paint!! I think I fouled a plug though! These elephants are mightly cold blooded!! I've been having to move it around a couple times, and even with a good start-up/warm-up Doh!!
http://public.fotki.com/teddisnoke/snokes-metal-shed/009.html


http://public.fotki.com/teddisnoke/snokes-metal-shed/013.html