Custom Rodder Magazine has put together a comprehensive guide to help when you are ready for the next step on your project.
CHEVY TUBULAR ARMS AND FOUR-BAR
Air Ride Technologies is constantly expanding its popular AirBar bolt-on four-link systems and StrongArm tubular control arm kits, which now even cover the '55-57 Chevrolet. The rear AirBar is a direct bolt-in replacement of the original leaf springs and requires no custom fabrication to install. The StrongArm tubular front control arm kits are also direct bolt-ons and, like the AirBar, require no custom fabrication to install. The StrongArm and AirBar kits will dramatically improve the handling and ride quality of your '55-57 Chevy, plus they are available for many other popular applications.
For more info go to: www.ridetech.com
DISC BRAKES FOR CUSTOM RODS
Wilwood brake kits combine a legacy of race-proven performance with high-tech style for popular cars from the '30s through the '80s. Three kit levels offer options to match braking requirements for pure competition or a custom look. Dynalite Pro Series and Dynalite Big Brake front kits feature forged billet, four-piston Dynalite calipers with disc diameters from 10.75- to 12.19-inch for use with most 15- and 16-inch wheels. For ultimate braking and style with 17-inch-and-larger wheels, check out Superlite 6 Big Brake kits with six-piston calipers and 13-inch rotors. A choice of black, red, or polished calipers, with options for smooth, slotted, or drilled and slotted rotors can be selected within each kit group. Also included are high friction, low dust, low noise BP-10 "Smart Pads," forged aluminum hubs with two-piece rotor mounts, CNC-machined caliper brackets, bearings, seals, and premium grade fasteners. Matching rear kits, with or without parking brakes, are also available for popular axles.
For more info go to: www.wilwood.com
CUSTOM SPINDLES FOR STOCK SUSPENSIONS
Many custom rods feature a factory independent front suspension that can be vastly improved with bolt-on parts. Fatman Fabrications pioneered brand-new dropped uprights back in the '80s, and has expanded its line to fit nearly any 1939-65 car today. A variety of dropped uprights, disc brake, and improved steering kits make it simple to bring your antique IFS up to date--without major cutting or welding! This approach to your custom rod chassis works particularly well when you wish to retain the original drivetrain and suspension. Enhanced handling, stopping, and stance can be yours on an essentially restored chassis.
For more info go to: www.fatmanfab.com
FRAME STUBS FOR CUSTOM RODS
Some of our favorite custom rods have frames that won't easily accept a modern independent front suspension. Fatman Fabrications can come to the rescue with a line of more than 160 different frame stubs designed specifically for each car. These have the critical radiator, sheetmetal, and bumper mounts installed so you don't have to figure out how to morph parts from the junkyard onto your frame. Hub-to-hub versions of these kits have polished stainless steel control arms standard, with options such as standard coil springs, coilovers, Air Ride, or ShockWaves. Power steering, sway bars, and different bolt pattern brake kits let you select the combination you prefer. They go in so easily that many installations are accomplished without removing the engine or front fenders!
For more info go to: www.fatmanfab.com
CHEVY V-8 ENGINE MOUNTS
Walton Fabrication offers small-block Chevy engine and transmission mount kits for '41-54 Chevy passenger cars. Remove your stock engine and transmission, locate your new Walton Fabrication weld-in mounts using the stock front suspension holes (the provided instruction sheet shows how), clamp in place, and weld to your frame. The transmission crossmember also bolts to your frame utilizing stock holes with minimum welding. The removable transmission mount plate allows you to use any GM auto trans that you choose without changing crossmembers. Engine and transmission are not needed to install this kit. Absolutely the easiest way to convert your Chevy!
For more info go to: www.waltonfabrication.com