The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Tires rubbing.

Hey guys,

I could use some help. I am mechanically challenged but have always loved the lines of the 48-54 trucks. A few years ago, I bought a 1950 and it's been in the shop getting "the works". It's been an amazing (and long) journey and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some pics of the process:

http://jessesrodshop.com/1950Chevy.htm

Right now, I'm running into an issue with the tires rubbing if the truck is not on a dead flat surface. The shop is recommending new control arms. No problem. I'm wondering if I should take this as an opportunity to look at any other upgrades to the front suspension. I don't know the right questions to ask.

I believe the front end is from a Nova. I don't know the year. The rims are from Budnik (I think they are 18s).

I'm really ignorant on things of this nature but I'm willing to learn.

Are there front end upgrades that may solve my rubbing issue and buy me a better suspension upfront I should be looking at or should I just go with the new control arms and call it a day?

I would appreciate any opinions.

Many thanks!
Steve

There are several reasons for tires to rub.Find out where they are rubbing,inside,outside,etc.Could be the tires are too big.Or as was my case on the rear of my 55,I had to get wheels with the proper back spacing.

Good looking truck,Steve. Fatman Fabrications make A-arms for Nova,Camero,etc. that are 1" narrower than stock.They are the tubular design,but are pricey

Hey recoil -That front end you have looks like '71-'74 Nova or '67-'69 Camaro. I've used those because I like the rear steering box. And those subframes are 2" narrower than the '75-'79 Nova or the '70-'81 Camaro. If your tires are rubbing on the fenders , you could go with a custom backset on your wheels. Stockton Wheel or Wheel Vintiques are two places to check out. If you use a 15"x6" wheel you can get about 4" or 4.25" backset. I have a little hesitation with the idea of using tubular control arms, because of the weight on the front end of your truck which will be in the area of 1600 lbs.( I had lower control arm failure on a '51 Chevy Belaire custom because of the weight and various pot holes and poor road conditions.)The work on your truck looks good. Good Luck -wbrowne

I agree...you can shorten yours but the price to do so you woul dbe better off just going with Fatman or Heidts
Going to run you about $900.00