Help! C1 FRAME MEASUREMENTS - Help Needed.....

[C1ROD]

Help Required......
I own a 1954 corvette and require some measurements as what I have is in the process of being turned into a steet-rod or Retro-rod.

What I need is - from any given noticeable point on the frame. ie centre of the main crossmember, front point of the frame, rear point of each main crossmember. any other point would be a big help too...

To the centre most point of the radiator core support bracket that is located on the front crossmember.

Why I require these the car I purchased had no front or rear suspension mounted to it or supplied when purchased.

I am in the process of mounting C5 front suspension to the frame , while the bracketry is no real problem the position is....

Any other information or help would be very much appreciated. As Corvette's of the early era's are hard to find here in Australia to get this kind of information.

**Number of 1953-55 corvettes in Australia number only 3or4
(mine being one of them).

So If someone has the body off their C1 and they dont mind giving an Aussie a hand with some information it would be a big help "Thanks Mates at CAC"

I have now got it all sorted Thank-you.......by a contact at Corvette Forum.

 

[Bwmurph]

I believe that Noland Adams book (Complete Retoration guide - Vol. 1) will give you all the measurements you need. It may not be in print anymore, but there should be copies available somewhere.

Bernie O.

 

[porch dog]

i have a 57 restomod here that i am building. it is not on an original chassis. it is a corvette corrections frame . from the center of the inboard body bolt to the lower aframe cradle it 28 1/2 . measuring from body bolt to crossmember right beside lower aframe bolt . this should get you close. i was laying on the floor measuring from below. car is on the ground and i'm bigger around than it is high .

 

[Tom Bryant]

The Complete Corvette Restoration and Technical Guide-Vol 1 by Noland Adams is available from the NCRS bookstore as well as other sources.

When installing a custom suspension in a hot rod of any kind the most important aspect is how it looks. The front and rear axle centerlines must be centered in the wheel opening or they just won't look right. On custom purchased chassis this is done for you. On your chassis you will need to determine the proper front to aft location of the suspension system to center the wheels in the openings. Stock frame measurements really don't mean a thing. A prime example is the popular 1953-1956 Ford F100 pickup. As built by Ford, the front axle is visibly too far to the rear and not centered in the wheel opening. Most people will install the custom independant front suspension further forward to center the wheel in the opening. By going on measurements alone you could end up mounting the body and finding you need to cut off the mounts and do it over to get the look right.

My suggestion would be to mount the body on the frame temporarily and then moch up the suspension under the car. Now adjust it's position for or aft untill you get it looking perfect. Then mark and take measurements on your frame that you can use to attach the mounting brackets. Make sure you support the frame and suspension so that it doesn't fall and injure anyone during the process.

Tom

 

[porch dog]

no truer words i get asked all the time on it. i just clamp stuff up and put it where it suits me. i've built streetrods for the last 25 years . when they built them in the 30' 40's close enough was good enough. just spend a lot of time squaring up .