I know you guys are into everything here. I'm contemplating buying a 54 Bel Air. Luckily, I've got a couple of weeks to think about it. Can anyone here recommend a good message board. Also, can anyone give me some advice on the best front suspension swap. Not a new parts swap but a swap from a later model Chevy. The main goal for a front end swap is disc brakes. I'm not looking for any real handling. Just cruising low and slow. Thanks guys.
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Message board for a 54 Chevy Bel Air
- Thread starter estanley
- Start date
TimK
Member
Try chevytalk.org. They have a 49 - 54 section.
The HAMB, also known as jalopy Journal, is the go to forum for old school hot rods and customs.
It isn't 54 chevy specific but using "search" will get you tons of info.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/the-hokey-***-message-board.5/
It isn't 54 chevy specific but using "search" will get you tons of info.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forums/the-hokey-***-message-board.5/
1949 caddyman
Well-known member
Fatman makes suspension parts for these.http://www.fatmanfabrications.co/
my58
Well-known member
The main goal for a front end swap is disc brakes. I'm not looking for any real handling. Just cruising low and slow. Thanks guys.
estanley,
Sounds like you are about to have a lot of fun with a new project. Since you are not looking for much more than disk brakes, I just wanted to be sure you know you can easily convert to disk brakes without replacing the entire front.
You can make your own brackets if you want to save a few bucks or purchase a kit fairly inexpensively. Either way its not a tough job.
Enjoy
41ratrod
Well-known member
some people will use the camero nova or mote carol front sub. in there projects
you will have to cut the 54 frame and weld it in place. or just do the up grade,
some of the car magazines will have articles on doing the suspension swap.
I may be easier to do the dish brake up grade.
you will have to cut the 54 frame and weld it in place. or just do the up grade,
some of the car magazines will have articles on doing the suspension swap.
I may be easier to do the dish brake up grade.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Personally I'd just do the brake upgrade and rebuild the original suspension if necessary, it will be a lot easier and cheaper. Chevy used that same basic suspension on passenger cars from 1949-1954, and then on Corvettes through 1962, so replacement parts should be easy enough to find.
I found out today that the car has all brand new power drum brake parts and the factory suspension has been rebuilt. It has already been converted for a late model SBC and has a late model rear diff, so the torque tube has been removed as well. Looking like I can drop in my 350/350 combo and be riding. I may cut the front springs and run some blocks in the rear to lower it a bit.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
In that case, you should be good to go.
loveall13
Well-known member
Facebook has a 49 to 54 chevy group that has thousands of members. My 53 is rolling on a bagged 84 Monte Carlo chassis with the 84 engine and transmission. Power steering and power brakes are nice!
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Did you buy the '54?