Thread: need advise with my 35 plymouth build

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Greetings, Im working on a 35 Plymouth PJ 5 window coupe. I'm trying to decide rather to keep the straight axle / leaf springs and modernize, go with a camaro stub, or a M2 front end. The rear end has new Posi leaf springs and is narrowed w/ a 9". I'm building a 1955 De Soto Hemi for the power plant. Wondering if anyone here has done front end modifications on something like this.
Thoughts? Thankx

Just finishing up a '36 C Dan with MII front, triangulated 4 bar rear....take a look in my gallery. I've got a good source for the suspension goodies, can probably hook you up with him!

In large part it will depend on what you want the final product to be. If you're going for a 50/60s Gasser type car, I would definitely stay with the straight axel (and probably upgrade to disc brakes…..possibly with Buick drum style covers).

If you’re going more for a street rod thing, I would probably go with the Mustang II style setup. I think you’re going to find the Camaro (and probably almost any other late model front clip) is going to be way too wide.

The one thing that may take some engineering with the Hemi and Mustang II setup will be routing the steering shaft(s) around the exhaust. If you take a look at my 37 Dodge build thread you can get an idea about what I mean.

Build thread 37 Dodge PU


By the way, Welcome…….and pictures are always great to see.


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Wow, great pic's. Just the kind of info I was looking for. The plan is to lower the front end aprox the same as rear. (The Posi springs lowered the rear 3"). Was looking into Fat Boy or Heidts M2. Fat Boy actually has one for the 35 Plymouth frame.
Mike P, quite a job on that steering. Does it work well?
Thank you both for the info. John

John the steering turn smoothly lock to lock. My 9 year old Grandson was able to steer it even with no power assist (as long as it was moving) when we towed to the back shed a couple of monts ago.

That being said, with the weight of the Hemi and the smaller than stock steering wheel power steering is amost required (and is in the plans).

Straight axles are great. But converting to a ford axle would be inexpensive and provide a ton of parts options. I run a straight axle with a 460 in it. That engine is heavy and my most difficult issue has been the proper spring pack on the front end.

I have a 36 plymouth 5 window coupe with camero rear end,nova front clip.original frame to front clip.4 corner air ride.small block chevy.I bought at leak auction about 3 years ago.In oklahoma (tulsa) the pot hole is our state logo.when I raised the front end up high enough to deal with our roads the upper a frames would hit the top of frame on every bump.Had some ball joint exstensions made that fixed that problem.car still has bad steering radius,mostly from the air ride.shocks were relocated to front of a frames and tires hit the shocks when turned to far.put in stops to keep that from happening but cant figure any good way to get really good steering radius.point is nova front end would work well without the air ride option.Good luck.

Id have to agree with Mike P; there's really no "right" way to do this. You need to decide what kind of driveabilty and street manners you're aiming for. Some guys love the vintage feel of the straight axle but some want more of a modern car feel and drive for long cruising. What you're going to use the car for plays a big part in the decision.

I like IFS, and seeing as how it's a Plymouth it's got to have a Hemi!!!!!!

I didn't like the Camaro front subframe on cars when that trend first started in the early 80's.... I've seen more of them installed wrong then installed right. Straight axles are kewl, if that's the look you want. The IFS with the tubular control arms, coilovers (air bags optional), good brakes, and the proper reinforcement and boxing on the original frame IMO is the best way to go! I've built many chassis with an IFS similar to this one pictured, have yet to have any breakage issues or ill handling car complaints.....

Thanks again for all the help. I've decided to go with a M2. Just need to decide on who's. Prob Fat Boy at this point. They are the only one I've seen that lists a 35 Plymouth. Stay tuned.

I used a Fatman MS2 on my 50 Ply wagon. It worked out well and although I did have a problem, fatman worked with me to get it solved. You won't go wrong with using their stuff.