Hi all,

I just picked up a 1950 F1 project with what I've been told is an ealy 80's Camaro front end, but the front end is only a few inches off of the ground. Way closer than I'd like. The previous owner said he planned to use taller springs, but I was wondering if there was such a thing as a spindle that would allow me to get some additional height, or a combination of springs and spindles? Has anyone else had this same issue and found an economical solution?

Thanks!

 

Can you post a picture of how the Camaro subframe is attached to the F-1 frame?

 

 

It may also have drop spindles on it, pictures would be a great help..

 

I'll try to grab a couple of pictures tomorrow. I'm under the impression that they are good, used springs, but it does now have a 390 and C6 in it which I'm sure is quite a bit heavier than whatever that suspension was holding previously. That being said, it shouldn't be that low.

OK, pics tomorrow, and thanks for everyone's responses.

 

Check to see if the lower a-arm is level at ride height, if so then there is probably dropped spindles installed. If not, then a stiffer spring would raise it up. I have a friend with the same setup in his 55 and he is always tinkering with springs.

 

Here are some pictures of the setup. The front grill is just under 6" off of the ground, and with the wheels turned, there is roughly 1/4" before interference between fender and tire. I'd like to see at least 2" and spring rates for a big block as this will be driven and used as a truck and there is a 390 with a C6 in it. I really don't want to wipe out the fenders on the first bump I hit. Thanks!

 

They don't appear to be drop spindles , can you tell if the springs have been cut..?

 

Can't tell at this time. It's on my trailer and I can't get a good angle to see. I've never done a front frame swap (I didn't do this one either) but I was wondering if they way it has been done would be contributing to the low ride height. I read that stacking the front on the frame will drop the front end which logically makes sense, but it doesn't look like it was to me.

 

The Camaro subframe seems to be below the F-1 frame rails, which it needs to be to get anywhere close to normal ride height.

 

Awesome. They also added a 9" rear which mounts below the leaf springs (they've removed a few leafs). The truck has a pretty strong rake to it, so I have also thought about modifying the rear suspension to bring it down a little bit to lift the front and level out the ride.

 

I have an 81 firebird clip in my 53. Graft was not done by me either. It's worked out really well for me that I took the rear down to level it out and that inherently gave me back a touch of clearance in front. I went triangulated 4 bar coil overs and the whole gamut in back, but I'd imagine if you got that axle above the leafs and got a decent ride out of it, that you might be okay with the stance.

FYI - this generation GM front had standard and HD packaged springs. The HD's were in the big block cars. If you can source a set, that may be a good cheap start.

 

Thanks, that is good to hear. How close is the front of your grill to the ground? When you turn the wheel, how close are the fenders to the tires?