Starting New Build-39 Chevy Master Deluxe

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Originally Posted by jerry clayton

you guys do know that the 8.8 under the mustangs already have triangulated 4 bar brackets on them???????????01 Mustang Bullitt 3 27 Rear Axle New 11 65 " Brake Kit Solid Axle End 2001 | eBay

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DRATS!!! INFORMATION I COULD HAVE USED FIVE MONTH AGO!! LOL

Actually, I did know that. While researching I happened upon one. However, after a few minuets with a tape measure I found the Mustang rear was not wide enough for my application. While I would have preferd the center pinion of the Mustang rear, I could not locate one with the gear ratio I wanted (3.27) and limited slip.

I found this rear at a local salvage for $75.00, pulled, cleaned and loaded into my p/u. I opened the rear up and while the internals appeared to be in very good condition I installed new gears & bergs.

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Originally Posted by rspears

Looking good on the brackets! Got'em where you want them, and they look plenty stout. Looking forward to more of the project as you move forward. I'm envious of your shop. I built my barn 30'x50', and wish it was twice as big!! May be time for an addition....

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I know what you mean by BIGGER. From what I can see in your avatar, you appear to be better organized than I am:LOL:

After I mocked up the rear Air Ride in the position suggested by Ride Tech I set the body back on the chassis for a trial fit. I realized the car would ride too high for my liking. SO I fabbed up a new upper mounting bar that mounts the ShockWaves 5 inches up from the original position. Now, at ride height, the shock sits just about in the center of it's travel.

Next I need to start mocking up the front suspension components. When I got the car it had a very old build on it. Mustang II front suspension was state of the art in 1979, but was "showing some wear";)

The only items I'm re-using from the front suspension are the spindles. I'm using Air Ride on front and rear so I choose to go with tubular upper and lower control arms from Heidts. The guys at Heidts were very helpful when I called them and they hooked me up with the control arms and series 1000 ShockWave air springs. I also ordered a power steering rack which came from a 79 T-Bird. I had to elongate one hole on the cross member to accept the new rack but it went in without a hitch.

Looks very nice! I've been contemplating a triangulated 4 link for my 40, but not sure I'll do it now or not.

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Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

Looks very nice! I've been contemplating a triangulated 4 link for my 40, but not sure I'll do it now or not.

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Doing the 4 link really isn't that difficult, particularly since you have a rear in the car now. You would only have to set the car at ride height, which you already know since ur driving the car now, temporarily tack weld the rear in place with some angle steel, like you see in my pics, and set the bars in place and weld the brackets in. You could use either air ride or coil overs and ur done.

That 40 sedan has always been one of my faves. Some of the nicest lines of any car ever produced.

After mocking up the control arms and power rack, I installed the 1000 series ShockWaves to check for fit.

I later discovered, after installing air fittings on the ShockWaves, that I had to gut away part of the cup under the spring hat to clear the air fitting. Sure glad I mocked up everything!

Always helps to have your shop helper there too!!

Very nice! The kittly doesn't look amused. :LOL:

The cat looks spooky

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Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

The kittly doesn't look amused. :LOL:

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She is a hell of a good shop cat. I found her 12 years ago laying in the corner of one of our pastures. The mother cat must have been moving the litter and lost her. She was only a few days old. Our vet kept her till she was on food then I brought her home to the shop. She has lived there ever since.

Rats, Bats, mice, anything that moves, she kills. I have no idea how she catches Bats. AND I have no idea why the Coyotes haven't got her. Farm behind me has lost 3 cats, a dog and many caves to Coyotes.

I can be using an impact hammer right beside her and she just sleeps through it! Her favorite sleeping spot is on top of our 24 ft. tall shop door.

When I sent the chassis out for powder coating it was time to get busy on the body. Overall, the car, having come from Nevada, was in pretty good shape. 2 small patch panels on the rear roll pan and a new "tool box" floor is the ONLY rust in this 75 year old car, unbelievable!

Let's update this build a bit.

Tear down went pretty easy. There was an old (40 year) build and interior in the car. Red velvet was all the rage in 1970's. Front seat was missing but rear seat and seat back were there and in very good condition. Rear side bolsters were also in good shape.

Old door cards will do well for templates for new. Power windows and door locks so no interior hardware will be reused.

Got the body stripped down and off the chassis. Chassis had an old Mustang II front suspension, 9" brake rotors and all.

This thing is sweet! I like your cat, too. My favorite old kitty just got diagnosed with diabetes so now I have to shoot her up with insulin twice a day. Pain in the butt but I've had her 13 years and I'm not ready to let her go yet.

nice thread, enjoyed the progress so far. Everybody needs a cat or dog to help in the shop! ;)