The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop IFS cross member for '47 to '55 3100's - GM Metric Based

Interested as well. Keep us updated. Geoff

Working on a steering solution right now. Side-tracked with the pickup of another AD truck cab and selling of my two 1940 chevrolet Sedans.

Progress has been slower than I would like. once the steering rack / tie rod ends are sorted out (Gen 4 Camaro a little wide with stock rod ends) the jig will be finished.

Scott

How is this progressing? I am very interested. I will either choose this route or an s-10 conversion.

Progress in 30 seconds or less. business travel of late has slowed me down. Using Stock Camaro rack, with stock rod ends shortened by about 3/4". I had to widen the GM Metric track width from 58 to 58.75 to make provisions for a bolt-in option. S-10 steering box will be reviewed again only after I finish the R&P version. I have started drawings which I have cut out of cardboard for mock-up prior to committing to the first run of water-jet cut parts. Margaret set a May 1 deadline to get the prototype evaluated and start "doing something with the truck torn apart in the shop"

I am still looking for someone that has "clipped" their frame so I can get my hands on the first 3' of stock frame for my jig as once my frame is done, I wont be able to use it as part of the current jig.

Scott

count me in!

Scott, would a clip from a 49 3600 help? If so, let me know. I am scrapping the complete frame. It's just the rails, all the suspension has been removed. I am in South Milwaukee, WI
sonicweb@wi.rr.com

Would be great. Email sent.

Scott

I'm interested.
What steering box/rack&pinion does it require???
Jeff

Jeff, right now it uses a 4th generation camaro rack and pinion.

All - will be working on the prototype in the next week. I apologize for the slow progress.

Scott

I have updated the design slightly, here are some images.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2524734790101989507XlSFIN

FEA shows a few changes that will be implemented. The boxing plates need to be trimmed and the mounts for the steering rack need to be located.

Scott

Thanks for the update. Looks like a nice design. Does it retain the entire front crossmember? It apears that it does. I am keeping my 235 with it's front mount.

yes, it does retain the entire front cross member. It also has locations to weld-on a tapped plate for mounting a V8 if one is so inclined.

would like more info as well. millere@whitesboroisd.org

Just got the FEA results back. need to add a small gusset and doubler plate for the 2G vertical and back criteria (slamming the breaks as you hit a really deep pot-hole while loaded). Bending rims is fine, bending suspension is not. Will have the drawings updated shortly and the first proto cut.

Scott

Thanks for the updates. It looks like it will be a well built crossmember.

Add me to the list!! Thanks Scott
Wildlifegeoff@aol.com

Scott,

Do you know what the ride height will be in relation to a stock truck? How much of a drop is there? I am researching rear suspension options as well. I am looking at the TCI rear leaf spring setup as a target. It says it has about a 4 inch drop.

Todd

Todd,

Good question. Currently set up for about a 1/2" - 3/4" drop from stock ride height (appears to be the majority of inquiries wanted near stock height). A 2 " drop can be had with drop spindles from Summit Racing. an additional inch or so can be had by spring changes (also available at Summit). If you want something more drastic, let me know, it will require notching the frame for clearance of steering components.

Scott

That would be great! All the IFS I have seen drop the front. I was looking at the TCI rear leaf kit, but it drops the rear 4". I may just use stock components. My right rear shakel mount rivets are broken. I may be able to just bolt it in. I don't know if anybody makes a leaf kit that will improve ride, but not lower the truck. A modern monoleaf might ride better but still fit the stock ride height. Anyhow, I am even more interested now that you have told me it is near stock height.

Keep us updated.

Some Progress - Jig being made today (my fabricator has been backed up with work). The first unit will be cut the end of this week. Formed the next. Here is a link to a power point presentation that I put together. Units can be shipped via UPS in two boxes. The upper spring perches will be shipped in a separate box than the main cross member and boxing plates. The total metal mass is currently just under 75#, breaking this up allows easy shipping, as well as it allows me to create custom spring perches for coil over's or Shockwave's in the future.

I plan on having the prototype welded up by the first week in July for pictures and then to have the truck rolling a few days later, and the engine placed soon after that. The first proto will not be getting the steering rack tabs as I need to make sure everything works properly prior to welding. I might leave steering up the the purchaser (GM rack, Mustang 2, Appleton, Sweet, etc) Currently the attempts at fitting the S-10 steering box have been put on the back burner.

I will be writing a step by step procedure for locating and welding the cross member during my first installation.

I should have an updated price by end of week.

Scott

That is super progress Scott. Are you going to include a list of required parts?

Todd, Yes, there will be a list of required parts. you will need a set of GM Metric / S-10 upper A-arms with cross shafts, a set of lowers, some alignment shims, spindles, and springs. I will have sources for new, and there is always the salvage yard route.

Joe. Rear steer wouldnt work with this setup because the steering knuckles are too short to clear the lower a-arms. I already looked into this as it would have solved many many problems on my '48 as well as my frankentruck. I am hoping the Camaro rack will work once the cross member is welded in, as currently it looks tight with the servo section against the frame. There is always the Mustang 2 rack or better yet an Appleton.

Scott

Quick update as I am waiting for the fabrication of my cross member. Here is a image of the stock frame with the camaro steering rack mocked into place

Please keep me informed, I am interested in a unit for my 1951 Chevrolet. dennis1959@bellsouth.net

Dennis, you have been added to the list.

Ok folks. I got my parts for the jig and pricing back from the fabricator as he is in process of water-jetting the prototype this weekend. When I originally started this project, the price of steel was much lower...

My sell price will need to be as follows
Qty 1 - $775 plus shipping and taxes
Qty 5 or higher - $525 plus shipping and taxes
(note, I am checking on taxes - are they required, which state (home or Wisconsin), etc. so taxes may be required - if anyone has more knowledge than I please PM me)

This includes the following:
a welded crossmember that is clean, however sprayed with WD40 to prevent rust. Priming is extra (awaiting the quote on priming)
a set of instructions with photos (that I will be writing when I install the prototype)
a list of components needed
a list of links to performance updates such as tubular a-arms, big brakes, etc.


I will give each stove-bolter a $25 deduction if we can get 10 or more of those interested to buy for the initial offering. If after the protoype, it is determined that the price can be lowered, it will.

If interested, PM me or email me. I will require half down (to pay for materials, etc), and half at time of shipment (plus shipping) Lead time is estimated at 2-3 weeks from order to ship. These will be fabricated on an per-order basis.

Shipping will be via UPS ground or USPS. two boxes, one 40 x 20 x 20 at 65#, the other box will be 16 x 16 x 12 at 15#

People originally interested via this link (plus others by email):

OlBlue
john romero
ranchojuan
Keahi
Tabdoo16
Mobilortho (I think pics only)
a.d.-hawk
Bohemian Thunder
CHUCK ROBBINS
john1950
farmer 51
51Hotrod
HelmutVonSchet
onelane
Tim Sorby (although I believe he has a TF)
thoroco
515window
Mario23
Joe5757
Rochlow
royzell
gbrown
53GMCPhil
tattooboz
sonicweb
jeff liot
Todd M
PAPA ED'S 54
midwest trucks
Dendo


I will keep updating through out the weekend.

Scott

Update as I am waiting for parts,

S-10 / GM Metric front end parts are running about $100-$300 used (depending on salvage yard) I would recommend getting sway bars, etc. from the GM Metric cars as the S-10 front sway bar will be a little narrow.

Camaro steering racks are going between $35 and $85 used (depending on salvage yard)

Mustang 2 racks are going for $190 new on Ebay. (although I dont yet have mounting for them yet)

Springs are $50 at the local FLAPS for TRW springs
Bushings, ball joints, etc. are between $7 and $30 at the local FLAPS

2" drop spindles are $105 for a pair from Summit Racing.

Big brake kits are available from Summit Racing

Factory Dual Piston Brake front spindle/hub assemblies are available on Ebay thru S10 wharhouse for about $300

Scott

Update - July 3rd, Jig welded. Pic
Now I can deliver to the fabricator for proto build.

Scott

Great looking jig! Are you getting any response for orders?

Will the crossmember have the mounts for the Camaro rack welded on?

You mentioned some other brand racks. I was curious as to what you plan to use? I think that I want to use a power rack so that I can use wider than stock tires. However, I am also currently putting the front of the motor together. I am building a 235 and am getting a 2 groove pulley for it. That should take care of the water pump and alternator on one groove. The second groove, I am thinking willbe used for an A/C compressor. If I get an AC compressor with 2 grooves, I can run a power steering pump off of the second groove. I have seen another member who set it up this way minus the power steering pump.

Thanks for the update and the picture.

Todd

Todd, Two orders (including yours). I need to verify the camaro rack when I get the prototype which is being made this weekend. I plan on using the Camaro rack if all goes well. If that is the case, then yes, camaro mounts would be included.

I thought of a Mustang2 steering rack, that would require different mounts.

Toyota MR2's had electric power steering pumps (common performance car upgrade) which then you can mount anywhere.

Scott

Any updates? Geoff

yes, even sent you a PM along with everyone else. the proto is being welded this weekend. So far, 3 orders.

Scott

hum, never got a PM or email this round. No big deal. I just came from looking at my truck. It needs some serious work, but I am really interested in getting it to at least be mobile. I have a long bed S10 for parts along with a big brakes, tubular arms and such that I was going to put on my Monte Carlo. I will keep watching to see the prototype and final pricing. My intentions are to get in on the original purchase.

gbrown, I have pricing, scroll up to the July 1st posting - if we get 5 or more at a crack, the price is $525 If we get 10 in this first batch, I will offer a $25 discount. Currently there are 3 orders.

All, Received prototype parts. link to pic Two pieces need the bend angle tweaked, another two need to have a bevel note added to the print and the tube needs to be shortened by about .020 for production. will tack together in the next day or so and get into place. Note the spring perches are not installed yet, those are installed upon fitting to the frame.

Each component has locating tabs which allow plug welding as well as perimeter welding

Scott

Thanks for the update Scott.

All. Update - pics of fitting of the prototype shows that a little trimming is needed for production. Camaro rack fits well. Will be fabricating mounting tabs on Monday.

Scott

Niceeeeeeeeeee

Scott, I'm just thinking out loud here but did you ever think about putting together this kit so you could use a late 90's Impala style stock upper control arm, spindle w/the BIGG brakes and 12" rotors(or what is known as a tall spindle swap)?? So there was no need to have to buy a special upper control arm....Joe

Joe, one thing at a time....

Still need two more orders to get the better price. come on folks.

Scott

Scott,

I think I have a plan to configure my 235 to include alternator, a/c compressor, and power steering pump. You mentioned that the Toyota MR2 used an electric pump. Does the new Malibu use and electric rack and would something like that work?

Todd