Corvette suspension
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,581
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From: Kemptville, ON,
Corvette suspension
Anyone else used the C-4 Corvette front suspension kit from Flat Out Engineering on their '53-'56 trucks. I am looking for pictures on how you cut your inner fenders please. Mine don't fit and I don't want to cut more then required.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
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From: Brentwood, TN
Make yourself some inner fender templates from card stock or cardboard. Fit the template, cut and trim as necessary. When you have the fit you want then transfer the shape to your inner fenders and trim.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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When i did my test fitting for my C4 install I cut just enough to get the nose on. I cut it out just in a square which does not look good as there are no other straight edges under the hood. So my plan is to once I can put the nose back on I'll be go through and do more of an arch over the wish bones. Keeping the opening as small as possible. Would love to see what other have done as well. Think the Mustang II folks would be very similar as well.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 479
From: Kemptville, ON,
Hope this works. I bought this project from another guy. He used a kit from Flat Out Engineering. He had to sell the truck and I was in the right place at the right time, so I thought. The flat out web site has great pictures on it. I like the idea of having a great handling old truck. Hoping the pictures load.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,581
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From: Kemptville, ON,
So I am not computer versed. If you pm with an email address, I can send you some better pictures. Thought the second picture would show the rear end but the is a bunch of stuff in the way. Sorry.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2017
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I'm new to the forum and researching this also. I found a '84 Vette complete minus engine and trans for $800. Seems like a deal for me if I just need the suspension. Thanks for the pics.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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I paid about $500 for my front (96) rear (87) donors from a corvette salvage yard in PA. So $800 for an entire car sounds pretty good.
What I have found though is after all the money I've spent between the front donor, the Cross member kit, new bushings, bearings, coil overs, steering rack pressure lines, calipers and rotors I could have bought one of the Mustang II complete kits and had a better front setup.
So just compare what you are looking to do and it's overall price.
If you want rear independent then I still feel the C$ kit is the best looking and less expensive way to go.
What I have found though is after all the money I've spent between the front donor, the Cross member kit, new bushings, bearings, coil overs, steering rack pressure lines, calipers and rotors I could have bought one of the Mustang II complete kits and had a better front setup.
So just compare what you are looking to do and it's overall price.
If you want rear independent then I still feel the C$ kit is the best looking and less expensive way to go.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2017
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Outlaw, thanks very much. I think you made the better decision with the C4 suspension. I don't want to offend anyone but I had a TCI Mustang 2 on the front of another project truck and I just didn't care for it. The steering was way too quick on it and had terrible bump steer. Everyone I've read about with these C4 suspensions say they're almost like an OEM Corvette ride and handling.
My question is after I take off the front and rear suspension, how am I going to get rid of the rest of the car? You think someone might give me $300 for it?
My question is after I take off the front and rear suspension, how am I going to get rid of the rest of the car? You think someone might give me $300 for it?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2012
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Thanks Jemo! That's good to hear.
I bet you can sell some of the pieces to a scrap yard. Seats, Dash, and some of the other parts I bet have to be worth something.
What rear end is in the car?
Also keep in mind that the early C4's had smaller front brakes. The 88 and up's went with the larger 13" rotors. That being said. I have a set of calipers for the smaller front rotors that were just blasted professionally painted and rebuilt if you go with the 84 C4. Let me know if you're interested.
I bet you can sell some of the pieces to a scrap yard. Seats, Dash, and some of the other parts I bet have to be worth something.
What rear end is in the car?
Also keep in mind that the early C4's had smaller front brakes. The 88 and up's went with the larger 13" rotors. That being said. I have a set of calipers for the smaller front rotors that were just blasted professionally painted and rebuilt if you go with the 84 C4. Let me know if you're interested.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
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Outlaw, thanks very much. I think you made the better decision with the C4 suspension. I don't want to offend anyone but I had a TCI Mustang 2 on the front of another project truck and I just didn't care for it. The steering was way too quick on it and had terrible bump steer. Everyone I've read about with these C4 suspensions say they're almost like an OEM Corvette ride and handling.
My question is after I take off the front and rear suspension, how am I going to get rid of the rest of the car? You think someone might give me $300 for it?
My question is after I take off the front and rear suspension, how am I going to get rid of the rest of the car? You think someone might give me $300 for it?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
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From: Brentwood, TN
If the Corvette had a manual trans then the value of the suspension (IRS) goes way up. The Dana 60 is a lot beefier than the 36 that came in the automatic trans cars. The batwing is also stiffer.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3,646
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From: Swan River Valley M.B Can
The major downfall with the c4 in mine is rear very wide and limits wheel choice front is narrow requireing a 0 offset or negative which further complicates rim options . The 88 and up are also 1" wider , on the upside I have no doubt that it will ride and handle great . P.S if you want to slam it the complicated rear end makes it very difficult .
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