[Transporter]

Anyone on here running this combo, I realize that most times the swing axle is replaced it is because of going to a V8.

But on the coupe I am having done I am at the stage were the front floorboards are going to be welded in.

I would like to keep the car a 4 cyl, but I will be upgrading brakes all around, and just trying to decide on putting a tunnel and 4 speed in it, (it's already a stick car).

Thoughts welcome, convince me one way or another!
thanks

Stan

[blueghoast]

I had thought about doing that with my wagon
and using a try angulated 4-link but I'm having
to much fun driving it so I don't have the time. LOL
Maybe in the future I might but for now I'm gona
drive it the way it is.

GT.

[tom s]

Seems a lot of work for a rear end that will hold up fine with the 4cyc?Tom

[63Banshee]

It's a little work making a starter mount. Use a spacer plate to fit a later model trans and consider the difference in the crank register.

[mechanickeith]

I am gathering parts to do a 4 cyl with a 200R with lockup & a 3.54 posi diff. Oh,, the 4 cyl is going to be a draw through turbo. About 5 lbs boost to start.

[GaryK]

Hey Stan,
You saw my friends unfinshed wagon in Norwalk, he is running the 4 cyl tri-power with a 4 speed and a studebaker rear. If you need any info on this, give me a call and I will give you his number. He is not a computer guy.
Gary

[Transporter]

Originally Posted by tom s

Seems a lot of work for a rear end that will hold up fine with the 4cyc?Tom

Yeah Tom, I am with you that the rear will hold up fine to the power level of the four. I guess I was just thinking that I would really like disc's at all four corners, and an extra gear in the tranny.

The front disc's are of course easy, but Gary K and I had looked at the possibility of putting disc's on the rear axle, I'm sure it could be done, but probably more work/cost than it would be worth.

Also, if this is to be a "drivers" car, IOW, long distances, I think I might feel better with a conventional rear in back.

Again, appreciate all the comments, I'm just undecided on my direction, and if I am going to go conventional, I don't want to cut the floor out of a finished car, so I would have to do it soon.

Thanks Stan

[Doug]

Originally Posted by GaryK

Hey Stan,
You saw my friends unfinshed wagon in Norwalk, he is running the 4 cyl tri-power with a 4 speed and a studebaker rear. If you need any info on this, give me a call and I will give you his number. He is not a computer guy.
Gary

As I recall, that wagon's rear end sat on leaf springs and the springs were "wrapped" with a metallic sheath. This is the first (and only) time I have seen springs wrapped that way.

I never got around to talking to the owner about this and I was wondering what the details are about the leaf springs.

Any info??

[54nomore]

My '54 Chieftain had springs like that. I had never seen that either.

[TempestFugit]

Originally Posted by Transporter

Also, if this is to be a "drivers" car, IOW, long distances, I think I might feel better with a conventional rear in back.

I think the only real issue on a long distance driver would be the rear wheel bearings. I just carry a spare axle on long trips. Front discs and a dual cylinder should be all the brake upgrades you'd need.

4spd/running gear sets are available.

[63Banshee]

You guys are hitting on why I'm building my sister's wagon with a conv rear. I want maintenance to be easy for any shop she goes to.

[Transporter]

As much as I wanted to have an original drive train car, I think I am leaning toward the conventional rear.

I also want to put Rallye 1's on the car, which of course necessitates a 4.75 BC, which I can easily attain with a conventional rear, and updated disc's on the front.

Other reasons would be,

Parts availability
Disc conversion all around
Adjustable suspension, (coil overs)
Makes a future V8 swap a day job.

[63Banshee]

I'm of the opinion that there are few optioned 61-63s that should remain stock with only the rarest of 4cyl cars making that list. If my sister's wagon was an original 4bbl car I would have found her another one to modify.

[Poncho-V]

Originally Posted by Transporter

As much as I wanted to have an original drive train car, I think I am leaning toward the conventional rear.

I also want to put Rallye 1's on the car, which of course necessitates a 4.75 BC, which I can easily attain with a conventional rear, and updated disc's on the front.

Other reasons would be,

Parts availability
Disc conversion all around
Adjustable suspension, (coil overs)
Makes a future V8 swap a day job.

Yeah, Stan , I'm going with Rally I's on my white car, so I am looking into what needs to be done to convert to 4.75 BC also. Front discs and a dual master cylinder are a given...not sure yet on the rear. Thinking of just having the drums re-drilled.

[blueghoast]

Originally Posted by 63Banshee

I'm of the opinion that there are few optioned 61-63s that should remain stock with only the rarest of 4cyl cars making that list. If my sister's wagon was an original 4bbl car I would have found her another one to modify.

Whys that Dave, Are the 4-barrel models kinda rare?
Mines a 4-barrel and power stirring sta-wagon.
Do I have me a gold mine. LOL Or just a daily.

GT.

[63Banshee]

I think some cars deserve preservation. Especially those models that often don't survive restoration to original condition. It's possible your wagon would make that list for me. How about selling it to me and we'll find out --

[blueghoast]

AW This ones a keeper I'm having to much fun with it.
Try and do a little work on it as often as I can.
Cars pretty dependable I put around 6000 miles
on it last summer. I hope to outdo that this summer.

GT.

[John in Minnesota]

I seem to remember a guy put a Slant 4 in a 64. Had a turbo, maga horse power.

[GaryK]

Originally Posted by Doug

As I recall, that wagon's rear end sat on leaf springs and the springs were "wrapped" with a metallic sheath. This is the first (and only) time I have seen springs wrapped that way.

I never got around to talking to the owner about this and I was wondering what the details are about the leaf springs.

Any info??

I spoke with him today and he used "old time" Pontiac springs from the 40's. He said they used to wrap them in metal to keep them from coming apart. The rear is a 55 Studebaker V8 called a Dana 44, same bolt pattern as a Tempest. It even has the left hand threads on the driver side. He did this for the fit and to keep using the stock rims.
Gary

[63Banshee]

Originally Posted by GaryK

I spoke with him today and he used "old time" Pontiac springs from the 40's. He said they used to wrap them in metal to keep them from coming apart. The rear is a 55 Studebaker V8 called a Dana 44, same bolt pattern as a Tempest. It even has the left hand threads on the driver side. He did this for the fit and to keep using the stock rims.
Gary

Sucks I missed this car. That was a bad couple weeks for me. Will he be back this year?