Ok, so the easiest way to lower a beam axle car and retain full
suspension travel is to Z the frame. An old trick, normally carried out
on the back of Model A's and suchlike, I figured there's no reason why
I shouldn't give it a go on the pop.
Time to get real serious. Engine set aside, Front axle removed,
chassis set on
axle stands.
Bracing bar clamped to frame to stop it springing when it is cut.
Just visible is cut line for the Z'ing operation. It roughly follows the
line of the bottom of the existing kickup portion.
Serious stuff now. Front of chassis trimmed off with an angle grinder.
Remnants of k member legs removed from inside the channel. Front part of
frame now laid on top of the rear part to effectively lower the front of
the car by the thickness of the frame. New top and bottom flanges will
be welded in. whole area will be boxed. boxing plate will include mount
for the Fiat steering box.
Decided the amount of "Z" was not enough, so added in a piece of
square tube as a spacer. This created clearance problems with the radius
rods though....
There's not enough room to fit a lower flange to the kickup. Reworked
the frame to this more pleasing shape...
Used a piece cut from 2X1" rectangular tube to add height plus
a top flange to the top side of the kickup. Cut back the lower part and
trimmed away the front edge of the tubing spacer. Capped the lower side
with a new flange ut from 3mm plate. lots of welding and mucho grinding.
The original shape can be seen on the other side.
Still very tight between the radius rod and the reworked lower
flange. Height of rear wishbone has to be set, if still no clearance, flange
and/or radius rod will be tweaked to clear.
Big G clamp pulls front down to simulate weight of engine and front
sheetmetal. car is a full 4" lower at the front than stock. Rear will be
lowered, but by a smaller amount. Smaller diameter wheels and tyres will
add to the mix.
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