Volare Clip Problem (not square) Help!
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Volare Clip Problem (not square) Help!
Hello all,
I'm new here and I need some advice. I recently purchase a project someone got tired of (55 Ford pickup) so I thought I would take over because the price was right. I decided I would take some measurement of the frame because it had a volare clip that I did not install and noticed the wheelbase is off 1/4 on one side. I dont think that would be a problem but I decide to do a cross measure to see if it was setting in the center of the frame and that was off 5/8 now I thought this could be a problem. Any experts out there? What do you think I should do?
I'm new here and I need some advice. I recently purchase a project someone got tired of (55 Ford pickup) so I thought I would take over because the price was right. I decided I would take some measurement of the frame because it had a volare clip that I did not install and noticed the wheelbase is off 1/4 on one side. I dont think that would be a problem but I decide to do a cross measure to see if it was setting in the center of the frame and that was off 5/8 now I thought this could be a problem. Any experts out there? What do you think I should do?
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Oh you could never tell by a picture. It is a very neat installation. The ears are off and its looks factory. But since I did not do the install I decided to measure it and was disappointed. I measured the wheelbase first and one side was 1\4 shorter the other. Now a 1/4 is not much 4/16ths of an inch I could live with that. But then I decide to measure diagonally to see how much it was off and it was 5/8 off. Now thats over half an inch so I got concern. Do you think I can make this up in the alignment? (half an inch I don't know) or should I do another clip (camaro) or look for another frame. The truck was still worth the purchase price no doubt. I'm just looking for suggestions.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If this were my truck, I would get the truck in running condition and drive it. If it can't be aligned or goes down the street like a crab, then you would have no choice but to cut it out and start over. 
Vern
Vern
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Minnesota
OK so it is set off to one side. I agree I would leave it unless it becomes a problem. If it is a problem I would seriously think about moving the rearend over to match it would be much easier.
Last edited by Christopher2; Oct 30, 2004 at 10:37 AM.
Posting Guru
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From: Michigan
Is this a bare frame or is the truck assembled? If it is offset to one side I sure would not move the rear end over. First of all how did you measure the front end?
If it was my truck I think I would take another measurement from the outside of the frame to the wheel mounting surface on the rotor making sure that the wheels are pointing straight. Just for something to do make the same measurement at the rear drums.
You may want to talk to the people at a alignment shop (one that understands people like us) and see if they think it will be a problem before you do anything.
Chuck
If it was my truck I think I would take another measurement from the outside of the frame to the wheel mounting surface on the rotor making sure that the wheels are pointing straight. Just for something to do make the same measurement at the rear drums.
You may want to talk to the people at a alignment shop (one that understands people like us) and see if they think it will be a problem before you do anything.
Chuck
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
I would be most concerned that the V-clip is square with the frame. Which isn't so easy to determine at home.
There are problems with making the determination from a wheelbase tape measure job. Other factors would come into the measurement from sources that have nothing to do with clip installation.
1. Rear spring pin and bushing wear (very likely)
2. Frame tweaked a little somewhere between the clip and the wheels.
3. Worn Volare bushings
4. Volare alignment inconsistent from one side to the other. (You can loosen the cross shaft and move the upper control arms a fair amount).
The above could account for much or all of your problem. I'd take it to an alignment shop and you should get a pretty quick answer on whether it is alignable.
There are problems with making the determination from a wheelbase tape measure job. Other factors would come into the measurement from sources that have nothing to do with clip installation.
1. Rear spring pin and bushing wear (very likely)
2. Frame tweaked a little somewhere between the clip and the wheels.
3. Worn Volare bushings
4. Volare alignment inconsistent from one side to the other. (You can loosen the cross shaft and move the upper control arms a fair amount).
The above could account for much or all of your problem. I'd take it to an alignment shop and you should get a pretty quick answer on whether it is alignable.
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Hello guys,
Thank you for your replies, I done some measuring on the frame this time and found that the frame is the problem. Its tweaked about 1 and 5/16 of and inch to the right. I found a new frame for a hundred bucks measured that and it is perfect. I think I'm gona go with a after market kit. Any suggustions? I wanted to air bag it anyway so I guess it all worked out. I was gonna keep the volare because it was there and I have done them and the pass and they worked out nice. But since the truck is down to the frame anyway I a think the easiest route is to start with a square fame.
Thank you for your replies, I done some measuring on the frame this time and found that the frame is the problem. Its tweaked about 1 and 5/16 of and inch to the right. I found a new frame for a hundred bucks measured that and it is perfect. I think I'm gona go with a after market kit. Any suggustions? I wanted to air bag it anyway so I guess it all worked out. I was gonna keep the volare because it was there and I have done them and the pass and they worked out nice. But since the truck is down to the frame anyway I a think the easiest route is to start with a square fame.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
If the Volare is correctly installed, the far easier and less expensive route is to have the frame straightened professionally. If you have lots of money and really don't want a Volare anyhow, then you know what to do.
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I know you can have a frame straightened. I just chose not to. I would have done that if I did not find this frame. The frame is stock and in really good shape. Its not about having lots of money. Its about options and getting what you want. I'm not in a rush with the truck. The only reason I was going run the volare is because it was there if it was'nt I was going by a after kit anyway. I've done the GM Clip in the past and found them great but too much work (only mentioned that because I could have cut the volare out and bagged). But I found another frame to work with for only 100 bucks that gave me other options. I have buddies that may want this frame so they can if they want it. Like I said I done volares in the past and like them but I got the option to drop this sucker on the ground now and I'm gonna do it. Its all in what I want it to look like its not about money.
Thanks for your replies
Thanks for your replies