1950 Chrysler Windsor build

[duke7427]

Here are some pictures of my build. I wish i was better at taking pictures during the process. Im having new glass cut today for the front, driver, and passenger windows. I should be able to take her for a test drive in the next week or so. I was looking for some info on lowering the rear of the car. I have 3" drop blocks on it now, but it seems way to tall still. I measured the clearance, and i still have 8.5" of travel left. I dont want to bag it yet... (im still running the 6 volt battery. If i take out some leaf springs, what leafs should i remove? Thanks for looking!

[duke7427]

Here are a couple more.

[Merle Coggins]

Looks like it's sitting pretty level now. Are you trying to make a tail drager? Are the seats and etc all back in? That extra weight may bring it down some.

[duke7427]

No, i havent put the seats back in yet, that should drop it another 1/2 inch or so. i just want it low enough to look cool. maybe ill set the seats in this weekend and get another measurement.

[Merle Coggins]

Just a thought here, but I'd probably be sure that all of the spring shackles are well lubed and drive it a bit before making any more adjustments. You may find that the springs will settle down a bit when the begin to work again. Expecally if you've had it jacked up and let the springs unload.

Merle

[duke7427]

She really hasnt up in the air much, but Im sure that the could use a good lube job.

[Rusty O'Toole]

Wait till you finish the build and drive the car for a few weeks. If the springs are new or the weight has been off them it takes a while for them to flatten out and take a set.

[duke7427]

More progress. New windshield, tires and wheels. New side glass comming soon. Almost ready for a ride around the block.

[duke7427]

Here are a few more. I brought her home last night. First drive in 3 years.

[james curl]

Your garage looks like you might be a glutton for punishment with two old vehicles that I can see.

[Booker T]

I've found that it is hard to get a good idea of a car's stance until all the parts are put back on. It may just be me but things like the bumper, hood and even tailights seem to make a difference when looking at the car. I guess it is how all the lines flow together...

My car had all but 2 leafs removed...drove me crazy. I recently put leafs back in. I liked the way it looked before but it drives 100 times better now. I have never checked into it but if you are looking for a way to go lower you might check out having the springs de-arched instead of removing springs. They may keep more of the ability to do their original job that way...not sure.

Either way, looking good!

[ol'skool]

Looks good. That has a nice stance the way it looks. If you remove a few of the leaf springs it probably won't ride right. One thing to consider is pinion angle of the rear axle and also angle of drive shaft. You lower it too much your driveshaft may not like it while driving. Bagging it would be a great way to go. Someone out there might even make a 6V compressor. You could also set up a separate 12V battery and run the compressor off that when it's needed. I bagged a 1964 Ranch Wagon for a customer in the rear because the leaf springs were broken. Ordered a single leaf for each side and that held everything in place and the air bags did the job of the leafs. Worked out great and when he parked it and let air out of the bags the rear bumper was 8 inches off the ground.

[duke7427]

Yeah, the stance is kind of growing on me. I drove it yesterday, and i like the way it feels. Plus i was thinking about putting Lake Pipes on it. Im sure i will have some clearance issues after that. I guess I could always go old school and sand bag it.

[duke7427]

Here is a little more progress. Blurry picture, but I think she's lookin cool. I am in need of the passenger rocker chrome. I have the drivers side. Anybody have one sitting around?

[mrwrstory]

Great looking car. Cool stance too. The rocker trim will accent those features too,...big time. Full length lakes pipes would add further to the cool factor. And yes, it will affect clearance but if your careful, it's worth it in my opinion. There is a price for coolness ya know

More pics as you go please.

[Young Ed]

Very cool. And when taking pictures at twilight you need to use a tripod or set the camera on something stable. Use the self timer so you dont wiggle when pushing the button. I took this one using the overturned trash can from the motel room.

[duke7427]

Yeah, camera phones suck. As soon as she is complete, a freind of mine has a Airplane hanger that we are going to take some twilight pics in. Should be cool. As for Lake Pipes.... Yes please. I think they will finish off the car nicely!

[Jims50chrysler]

Good work, I lowered mine the same way 3" blocks and cut 1 coil it will be awhile before I will know how it will ride....how do you like it so far?

[duke7427]

The rear rides nice still, but the front is a little rough. I cut 1.5 coils out of it. I dont mind the ride, but it is different. I think if i do the F1 shock mount replacement, it will be a little better. I also think i might cut the coil spring tower, and raise it up an inch or two. Then i will be able to use stock springs to maintain the stiffness of the springs.