1937 Packard 115 coupe

[zzrodder]

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.

 

[Abasham]

Nice work!

 

[Old Iron]

I bet your cars ride like a dream
[P[P[P

 

[05snopro440]

Holy crap! That looks awesome!

 

[zzrodder]

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.

 

[kenny c]

A work of art.

 

[zzrodder]

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.

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.

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

 

[zzrodder]

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.

 

[Torchie]

[P [P [P [P
Torchie

 

[Old Iron]

[cl[P

 

[ratadixshun44]

[cl[P just another thumbs up.....

 

[zzrodder]

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.

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.

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

 

[smallfoot]

Are you doing your own housing or sending it out? Mucho detail if you do please!!![cl[P

 

[zzrodder]

Yeah, I'm a sucker for punishment - pics coming. [P

 

[zzrodder]

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.

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.

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

The moment of thruth...

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

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

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

 

[Old Iron]

[cl Quick and easy

 

[Torchie]

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

 

[smallfoot]

Thanks, you made that look easy.[cl

 

[bkvail]

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!

 

[05snopro440]

I'd be able to do that quickly too. The difference is mine would end up in the scrap pile.

Nice work, this is going to be beautiful when it's finished.