Philisophical question

[jopat86]

Newbie here.
My '60 is mostly stock, except for eng & tranny. Automatic so never dragged or beat too bad. Now has a ZZ3 w / TH 350.
I really don't like the way it handles. I've redone the steering box, a frame bushings, king pins all to factory spec. Then gas shocks and radials. It improved it but still, no confidence when needing to stop quick or cornering.
(Which is why I'm doing body work now but that's another story.)
I'm thinking of doing at least disks up front but as I see what's available out there I want to do the whole front end, kill a few birds w/ 1 stone - rack & pinion, disks, struts. (The company I got the orig steering box from told me I shouldn't even run radials because of the old geometry of the front end. Would wear out the box.) So I need to do something.
My questions are:
1) Is there a whole front end kit that is truly a bolt in swap?
2) Does the swap make the car perform better enough to make it worth it? I want to enjoy driving it hard. I don't want to rub it with a diaper.
3) Probably more of opinion but how would it effect the value of the car, especially if I have to use a torch to install?

Thanks and would appreciate it if anyone could shed some light.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Welcome to the forum!

It may sound crazy but you might want to thing about selling the C1 and getting into a C2.

If thats a not an option

Me and another fellow on this web site are installing an tubeular chassis that uses the suspention from a C4 under our C1. both cars are being modified abit,But theoredikly you could just do a bolt in frame swape with the biggest problems being having to install the steering column after market IDIDIT ,and having to have a custom drive shaft made and of course the complete rolling chassis that costs about 12,000.00

this project is not for the faint of heart,

That was why I had suggest maybee getting a C2 instead.Good luck and welcome.

 

[newbe60]

Jim Meyer Racing

Have you looked into the "jim meyer racing" front end Bolt in kit,,,

It uses 81 camaro spindles,ball joints,11" veneted disc rotors,. it it a IFS and uses the same bolt holes of youe 1960 front end.. slight welding is required on the towers,.. Since you are their anyway.. you can just un-bolt the current king pin set up..and watch it just drop out( your front end i understand is not welded to anything on the frame ..4 bolts and out it goes).. and bolt in this one which has rack and pinion steering.. they use this set-up on chevy belairs that drag racing and lift the car in the air then drop the front end from four feet..so it appears to be very rugged.. people whom have bought it in the corvette forum have mentioned how well put together the pieces are. you don't even have to do a frame off or take out your current engine or transmission.. just lift up the car..drop the old and bolt-in/ and slight weld the new all with the transmission and engine in place.. anyway I've been looking to do this with my 1960 myself..but have not pulled the trigger yet.their web site is www.jimmeyerracing.com.. look under 1953-1962 front suspension..e-mail me back and let me know what you think

 

[newbe60]

for got add..this will work better if your frame is in good shape.. if frame is not in good shape you may want to consider what was mentioned above.about the c-4 rolling frame

 

[IH2LOSE]

WOW That kit from Jim meyers really looks trick.

 

[newbe60]

forgot the other 2 companies

Progressive automotive makes a sweet ryde..c-4 style front end and a just bought company from canada Macgyvers..also makes a bolt in..www.macgyvers.com

 

[Tom Bryant]

You can find the link to the Jim Meyer Racing site and a lot of other great info in the Portal. Just click the tab at the top of the page.

Tom

 

[newbe60]

anyone ever put a meyer or other front end in?

Was wondering if anyone has ever put in one of these new front ends? there are no reviews on the portal? Curious to how it went in and drives?

 

[jopat86]

Not exaclty a bolt in

Called Jimy meyers today. $2700 for the IFS. You have to cut the inner fender wells and weld a support to the existing frame. Also recommended a column support that goes in the firewall. So it's not exactly a bolt in.
If you want to use the orig steering column you'll have to hack it up pretty good. That's the hardest part of the swap, hooking up the steering.

He did say that he gets calls from people who've done the swap saying it's like a new car. I'd like to talk to someone who's done it to see exactly what I'm in for and more importantly the results.