1937 Packard 115 coupe

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Made the last 6 body mounts and built the new floor substructure from 1x2 tube. The forward sections of the floor and toe board will be removable like
the stock floor was, I haven't decided whether to make them steel or plywood like the originals. The hump over the tranny will be steel for sure but I wont make it until the shifter is in its final position farther forward.

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Time to start work on the rear suspension. If I was building it for myself, it would be 4 link on air - but the owner wants to use stock leaf springs, so that's what it gets. Starting with a decent pair of 37 leafs and original mounts cut from the same year frame, I cut the rear bushings out of their mounts and welded them into the new frame, 2 1/2" higher than stock. Front mounts cut loose and mounted 3" higher than stock, bolts go thru the frame with an access hole on the inside with a 2" tube and doubling plate welded in, a gusset put on top of the mount for extra strength. Looks way high, but it will come down a lot with weight on it, if needed, I'll make lowering mounts on the diff.
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Working on the rear diff, the ubiquitous Ford 9", this one from a 78 F150. Cut off all mounts, scrubbed off some of the rust and set it on the springs with mounts made from 2x3" tube - not tacked on yet. I need to put on the fenders and tires first to see if the tires are properly centered before drilling the spring locating holes in the mounts.Also need to get some U-bolts made.

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Once it's mounted I will need to narrow it so the tires sit right in the wheelwells and change out the axles for 5 on 5 bolt pattern ones instead of the 5 on 5 1/2" truck bolt pattern.

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A set of McGaughys traction bars will bolt up, they already have the shock mounts built in to the plates.

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Had U-bolts made, loosely bolted on the traction bars then put on the fenders and tried on some truck wheels to size up the tire centering - need to move ahead a tad. Diff is a little wide, need to take it apart again and locate the wheels I'll be using in the fenders to get a hub to hub measurement to determine how much to narrow the housing.

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Mounted the wheels to a set of 5 on 5" large 70's Ford axles I had left from the 36 Packard project and positioned them where I want them.

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Put a section of pipe between the axle ends to hold them level, now I'm able to get a proper hub to hub measurement.

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The housing needs to be shortened 3 7/8" then I will cut these Summit long spline axles to fit.

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Took out the axles, surprised to find out they are 31 spline and equal length - this presents the opportunity to move the pumpkin over to center it more, better clearance for the driveshaft through the center of the frame.

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The Summit axles are 28 spline which is not a problem as I have a new 28 spline Speedway 4;11 posi third member to put in after fab is done.

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Made an index line with a zip cut blade to keep the orientation of the cut off piece correct.

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The moment of thruth...

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No turning back now ! I cut 3 1/8" off left side and 1 1/8" from the right - this puts the center section almost in the middle

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My sophisticated clamping system to hold the stub square for tacking in place

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All back together, just have to cut the axles on the chop saw.

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Nice job.
Your cut off saw must cut a lot squarer then mine. Mine seems like the blade kicks out on the heavier metals.
[P [P [P
Torchie

Ours does too Torchie. I never use it if I want a square cut unless it's smaller stuff.

Can't wait for this build to come together. Looking great so far!
 

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