Thread: IFS without fenders pic

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Does anybody go with independent front suspensions on fenderless rods? I'm reading where the porportions get too wide when using IFS and removing the fenders.

Wondering...can anybody can point me to some pics of IFS rods (29-36 coupes, cabs, roadster type) without fenders?

IFS can be done on a fenderless car. Some don't like it, some do.

Here's a pretty high-tech version.

This what the front of my '31 looked like before I installed the body and fenders:





It's a TCI Stage 3 chassis - which w/o fenders to some would look nice, I don't care for it that way as my preference is straight axle, no fenders, IFS. fenders.

The AVATAR is the completed car

Specifically, what is the trade? What is(are) the consideration(s) to weigh between the two?

I understand the mechanical/performance elements. Are the trades focused purely on aesthetics? Tat's fine, too. Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.

BIG thanks to the awesome feedback from this forum!

Originally Posted by IC2

I don't care for it that way as my preference is straight axle, no fenders, IFS. fenders.

You're saying
straight axle = no fenders
IFS = fenders

CORRECT??

This is based on aesthetics and preference, right? Anything else? Just want to read you right, since you're way ahead of me on this stuff.

Originally Posted by runway1

Specifically, what is the trade? What is(are) the consideration(s) to weigh between the two?

I understand the mechanical/performance elements. Are the trades focused purely on aesthetics? Tat's fine, too. Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.

BIG thanks to the awesome feedback from this forum!

The trade is ride of the IFS, handling is generally better as you have infinite (within design limits) caster and camber adjustments plus the option of adjustable coil overs vs bending of the straight axle and adding and removing spring leaves. Weight wise, the IFS is lighter by quite a bit. Aesthetics are in the eyes of the builder/owner. There are some IFS one offs (i.e. the late Boyd Coddington's) that are functional as well as beautifully done with inboard springs and shocks operated by bell cranks and levers - but very expensive to design and build


"You're saying
straight axle = no fenders
IFS = fenders

CORRECT??"

This is my opinion (along with other folks) not anything cast in stone

I do!!! Love the IFS on fendered and non fendered cars. Not much into the "traditional" (whatever that is) stuff as much as I'm in to handling and control...I like to go fast, play on the Valley Road, and an occasional trip to the road course on track day--non class, test and tune type of event...

I guess if you are the type who has to do with what's in vogue, then fenderless cars would have a straight axle... I like straight axles, they look great on nostalgia drag cars but for the street, hard to beat the IFS handling and control, and as Other Dave mentioned, the ease of adjustability and tuneability of an IFS... Actually, been planning and estimating on a strut front non fendered roadster for a customer, kind of a modern Altered Roadster look on the street! Think it would be a great setup, though I'm sure the majority would look down their nose at anything so non-traditional!!!

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

I do!!! Love the IFS on fendered and non fendered cars. Not much into the "traditional" (whatever that is) stuff as much as I'm in to handling and control...I like to go fast, play on the Valley Road, and an occasional trip to the road course on track day--non class, test and tune type of event...

I guess if you are the type who has to do with what's in vogue, then fenderless cars would have a straight axle... I like straight axles, they look great on nostalgia drag cars but for the street, hard to beat the IFS handling and control, and as Other Dave mentioned, the ease of adjustability and tuneability of an IFS... Actually, been planning and estimating on a strut front non fendered roadster for a customer, kind of a modern Altered Roadster look on the street! Think it would be a great setup, though I'm sure the majority would look down their nose at anything so non-traditional!!!

Dave - I would NEVER look down my nose at an IFS non fendered car. If it was done right, they can be as nice as a traditional solid axle. How many of those low end MII clunky looking IFS have you seen that you have said - "There is a better way" or words to that effect (like these - a perfectly good product, but you need fenders http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page51.html)

Originally Posted by IC2

How many of those low end MII clunky looking IFS have you seen that you have said - "There is a better way" or words to that effect (like these - a perfectly good product, but you need fenders http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page51.html)

I wouldn't run the clunky junk on a full fendered car that only sat 1/2" off the ground!!!! Guess I should have specified the tubular arms, coilover setups---or the inboard coilover setup on pinched rails looks great on non fendered cars....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

:

---or the inboard coilover setup on pinched rails looks great on non fendered cars....

Now THAT'S what I was referring too above. I've sketched some of my own design, but haven't put much thought into it in the past few years

That Factory Five roadster used ifs and it looks pretty good, but the whole car is built like a race car, so I guess it Ain't "Traditional" lol. But I was familiar with their cars, before the roadster, and they handle like a race car. I like the I-Beam on a fenderless Hot Rod. But then thats me. Now some with the S-10 factory a frames, and no fenders......... Well they cover that stuff for a reason.

Originally Posted by IC2

This what the front of my '31 looked like before I installed the body and fenders:





It's a TCI Stage 3 chassis - which w/o fenders to some would look nice, I don't care for it that way as my preference is straight axle, no fenders, IFS. fenders.

The AVATAR is the completed car

Now that suspension almost look too trick to cover with fenders.

runway1, welcome to CHR, you've found a great place for information!! I'm using the same TCI Stage 3 IFS setup as Dave (IC2) for my fenderless '32 coupe project, I was more interested in the ride quality than the 'traditional' look. Here are some pics of other '32 Fords with IFS, most of these have the front frame horns removed, a look that I don't particularly care for but we're all entitled to our opinions and they are going to be different.

Mike

Here is mine, No fenders
Ken

Here are a few more pics for you.