Chasis Modifcations for the 51

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After taking the engine and all the parts for the 51 to L.A. we decided to upgrade the suspension to Air Ride and took the body off the frame to make it easier to make the modifications.


We had two options:
1. To just put Air Ride with 4-link in the back and bags to replace the coil springs in the front, and remount the shocks.
2. To take the car down another 4" so the frame would be at 1" off the ground at shows.


We went with the "the Slammed Look" that requires "C" notch in the frame at the rear axle. New rear cross members to allow the rear air bags to go up through the floor and one to connect the front of the new long 4 link bar that had to be custom fabricated.


The floor pan was cut out from the tail shaft of the transmission to the trunk and a new one will be fabricated with a deep drive line tunnel and taller wheel tubs. The 9" Currie rear end has the 4 link and "shock wave" air bag brackets welded on, a custom aluminium center cover, a Detroit Locker and Wilwood disc brakes added.


The front of the car will receive a frame clip with Mustang 2 EFI upper and lower stainless steel A arms, Shock Wave air bags and Wilwood disc brakes. The rack and pinion steering and motor mounts must also be redone to accommodate the new front clip.

Once all of that is done the frame will be powder coated, the bottom of the car painted then stainless steel brake fuel, and vacuum (to power brake unit) lines will installed.

The end result will be a computer controlled suspensions system from Air Ride Technology with their shock wave air bag/shock units that will have 3 height settings. Set the frame of the ground, at ride height (about 3" of clearance) and setting 3 will raise the car to clear speed bumps and steep drive ways.

Skid plates will be added to the bottom of the frame so that if there is ever an air bag failure the suspending components will not hit the ground and the wheels will still roll making the car safer.


I did make a trip to Northern California to pick up the original Edsel frame, bumpers, missing grill parts, hood and some missing stainless trim pieces. I had a good visit with my friend Fred and he gave me an original Edsel service manual that will help in putting this car back together.


When I got the frame home I stripped it, ground all the welds and slag to get it ready to either sand blast or dip it.


We took the Starliner to a car show in Prescott on June 14Th. The new radiator work very good, the engine ran at a max of 190 degrees and we were able to run the A/C system. It was a good show with lots of nice cars and good weather.









Finally, I was reading the June 2008 issue of Drive magazine and found my picture in an advertisement for the Sunchaser Tools School for body work that I attended last November. So if you get a chance go to www.sunchasertools.com and look for me, the center person in the class of November 2007 with my 1950 Ford front fender.

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