Kiel,
Well to be most honest--the modifications your wanting to do cannot be
done cheap and safe at the same time... Anytime it comes to chassis type
work-especially when it comes to welding this needs to be done by a
professional or someone who has done this type of work before. Don't know
if you would like to stay with a 6 cylinder or would ya want to move onto a
V-8. The ole 350 engine with a 350 auto tranny is a combo that just cannot
be beat. There are after market engine and tranny mounts that will make
this task much easier.
Regarding the rear end---I own a 56 and unsure of the width of the 51's but
you'll probably be looking at a early-late 70's camaro, firebird, nova
something in that range. Of course you have to measure the current rear end
and be sure to take a tape measure when ya go to a salvage yard. Regarding
the front end---here's where the welding pro will need to get
involved---most aftermarket drop in kits are around 2 grand---you mentioned
cheap so i'm sure your not going this route so looks like clipping the
frame is the way you're leaning.
Joe has some great info on his web site http://www.50chevy.freeservers.com/
about the AD trucks, got donor vehicle info and track width so might be
worth cruising around his site a bit. Also for more related links to folks
with the AD trucks, please visit http://www.chevytrucks.org and go to the
recommended links section. Don't forget the tech articles on my site also.
May help ya there..
Hate to say but cheap and safe generally don't go together.. --wayne
At 07:03 PM 6/12/2006, InsanityIsBorn@comcast.net wrote:
>While IM at it I would also like to replace the transmission and the front
>and or rear end if possible. I would prefer the front and rear, but might
>only be able to afford the rear. What would you guys recomend in the way
>of this, I would like to get it all done soon, because I am going to be
>taking it on a long drive at the end of the summer so I want it as safe as
>I can possibly get it.
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