Thread: Need references for chassis/suspension fabrication work in Houston area please

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Looking at a 31 Model A coupe that has C3 'vette rear in it. The seller is down to a very very low price. It has a C3 'vette rear suspension in it. Ride height is way too high, and the tires way too far outboard. I see no way to fix this, it's all due to the unsuitability of the C3 setup to a Model A.

I'm thinking that if I tale this plunge, the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to fix it would be to tear out the whole Corvette setup, and put a 4 link/coilover setup under the car with a Ford 9" rear.

I know what a 9" costs, and the associated parts, but can anyone give me a guesstimate of the labor? This is beyond my skill set. Also, does anyone have a shop in the Houston area they can recommend to do this work?

Thanks.

If you Google "Houston Area Hot Rod Shops" there's a pretty good list that pops up - https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...%20rod%20shops

You might try "Houston Area Custom Shops", "Chassis Shops" etc and generate a list then get in your DD and drop by to visit unannounced. The places that are trying to emulate Gas Monkey Garage should be obvious.

Another option is to hit local cruises, cars & coffee's, and other events and ask around. NSRA publishes their "Fellows" list annually which has contact info for members geographically who have pledged to help others who may be away from home needing maintenance help on their ride. Calling some of those folks could get you a reference or two, too.

For me, I like dropping by and seeing an operation before I leave them a car and a blank check.

the 8 in ford rear will fit much better. smaller pumpkin and the width is just about right. look for a 51 in out of a mustang or maverick .

I just replaced my gear in my '37, Shine is right they (the 8") fit right in, I have always been under the understanding a 56" rear measured from where your wheel bolts to to the other side will fit most Fords earlier than '55 as thats what they ran due to being common with wagon spacing. Now the 8" gears are much higher and not as many ratios are available but they are plenty stout for the street, and the axles are the same as the small spline 9" rears, if you can't find one with the right gear expect to pay a extra hundred over the 9" for the gear, the real benifit to the 8" is they won't need narrowed (for most early rods) but if they do just buy a 9", also generally wether the sales ad mentions it or not most 9" brake kits fit the 8" as they use the large bearing style flange the same as the 9"
I agree with Roger, hit your cruise nights and ask, I would rather do that than simply pick the person with the biggest advertising budget which many times translates to the highest labor rate per hour, not a real difficult job for a experienced shop

most all of the 8 in were 3:55 gears . works good for od or 3 peed .

Doug
Try David Strom Hot Rods in Dickinson Tx also in Dickinson Randy Potter at his shop on FM517 East at the railroad tracks just east of hwy 3. Sorry dont have phone numbers but both guys have very good reputations and decent labor rates. Also both are good ol boys
Luck Jim M