The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

FL modifications
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General DiscussionMessage format
 
JouniK
Posted 2021-06-20 1:49 PM (#612935)
Subject: FL modifications



Regular

Posts: 52
2525
Location: Finland
Hello!
I came across to a 1957 FL car with many modifications. For example the front suspension is converted to coilovers and rack and pinnion steering with tubular upper control arms. I have not seen any company making such kits, are there any? Or is that just something someone has build themself? Its not some mustang II-based setup, the lower control arms work like the original mopar control arms, with adjustable strut rods.

J
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2021-06-20 2:37 PM (#612937 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
Why would you care? You planning to drag race with it?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2021-06-20 2:37 PM (#612938 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000

nah i think there was a fatman setup? But that sounds custom....  Honestly though it is probably way worse than factory

Even 57 engiineering and testing is better than throwing crap at a front suspension

 

 



Edited by mikes2nd 2021-06-20 2:39 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
JouniK
Posted 2021-06-20 2:39 PM (#612939 - in reply to #612937)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Regular

Posts: 52
2525
Location: Finland
Powerflite - 2021-06-20 12:37 PM

Why would you care? You planning to drag race with it?

No, I consider buying it..

J
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57chizler
Posted 2021-06-20 4:55 PM (#612942 - in reply to #612939)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert

Posts: 3768
200010005001001002525
Location: NorCal
Pics of the setup would help form an opinion.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2021-06-21 10:30 AM (#612950 - in reply to #612942)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
How could we tell you if it is better or worse than stock without knowing what changes have been made and how well it was fabricated?

Clearly the suspension design you describe is superior to how the car was built stock. Parallel torsion bars, drum brakes, and steering boxes were on their way out 50 years ago.

Some possible benefits from a steering/suspension/brake swap would be that the car will ride better, steer better, handle better, stop better, and ride lower. But it all depends on how it was done.

And if you're outside of the US, there is a very real chance it would have to be high quality work to be legal to register and drive.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
JouniK
Posted 2021-06-21 4:54 PM (#612961 - in reply to #612950)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Regular

Posts: 52
2525
Location: Finland
57burb - 2021-06-21 8:30 AM

How could we tell you if it is better or worse than stock without knowing what changes have been made and how well it was fabricated?

Clearly the suspension design you describe is superior to how the car was built stock. Parallel torsion bars, drum brakes, and steering boxes were on their way out 50 years ago.

Some possible benefits from a steering/suspension/brake swap would be that the car will ride better, steer better, handle better, stop better, and ride lower. But it all depends on how it was done.

And if you're outside of the US, there is a very real chance it would have to be high quality work to be legal to register and drive.




I´m sorry if I was not clear enough with my question. I was just wondering if there is a company who makes a such kit.




(202844325_304998431317029_4658999979371284223_n.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 202844325_304998431317029_4658999979371284223_n.jpg (160KB - 109 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2021-06-21 9:49 PM (#612968 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
That looks custom. I don't know of any kit like that, made for these cars. As expected for such an "upgrade", a GM TH400 trans and what looks like a digital speedometer. I hope the same welder that made the right side collector attachment didn't do the suspension changes too. I wouldn't trust this thing at all.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2021-06-22 12:43 AM (#612973 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13042
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
That's a homemade thing, looks under demensioned. I would not own such a car
Top of the page Bottom of the page
1960fury
Posted 2021-06-22 9:20 AM (#612976 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7385
50002000100100100252525
Location: northern germany
Show me a FL car with a radical modified front end and straight rear axle and I show you a car done by an ignorant fool. While the front end, even after 65 years, is almost 2021 super car standard, the heavy straight axle is 1000+ year old technology that leaves much to be desired. Only a complete idiot would make such an illogical modification.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2021-06-22 10:23 AM (#612978 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: RE: FL modifications



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
It's a suspension design change that COULD work, but I don't think it was done as well as it could have been.

I take some issue with the placement of the steering rack; while the wheels are pointed straight (as shown), the arms of the rack should be in a straight line with the steering arms out at the wheels. If not, there will be excessive geometry change while steering. It's not terrible.

What is a real problem is the lower control arm fitment. They have removed much of the strength of the factory crossmember to fit those custom control arms. Notice how flimsy the area now is where the bolts are going through. I've circled what my eye says is inadequate material to support a 4000+ pound car travelling at highway speeds. A made arrows to show just how close those bolts are to the edge of the crossmember. IMO they will rip right out with a minor collision against a curb or pothole.

I wouldn't buy this car without a plan to fix that problem.

And I would like to see the new upper mount area for the coil over shock. That is now load bearing.



(frontend.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments frontend.JPG (69KB - 113 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58coupe
Posted 2021-06-22 11:14 AM (#612980 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert

Posts: 1739
100050010010025
Location: Alaska
One other reason I would never buy this car is the installation of a Chevy V-8 engine and transmission. I do not consider myself a purist but there are many very good Chrysler built engines
that would look and fit better than a Chevy.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
AceS
Posted 2021-06-24 12:28 AM (#613039 - in reply to #612978)
Subject: RE: FL modifications



Veteran

Posts: 281
100100252525
Location: WA/USA
It's nice to see some logical analysis and feedback such as provided by 57 Burb. I also this this is a one-off job.

In addition to the lower control arm bolt and cross member modification comments, I will add that the strut rods originally have two bolts securing each of them to the lower control arm, ...now only one bolt each. Assuming the same bolt diameter and type, that is now 1/2 the strength as the engineer's original design. This is going to further contribute to the question about durability of the lower control arm set up. Not a great installation for the bottom half. Probably fine for cruise night, but I would not be thrilled about it for real world driving.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
1960fury
Posted 2021-06-24 10:38 AM (#613052 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7385
50002000100100100252525
Location: northern germany
I don't think that strut rod bolt is a problem, if it is of good quality. I would require a huge force to make it shear. Actually this is the only improvement I see, as it is ball joint connection that does not stress the lower bushing like the rigid original OE design. The OE strut rod always always tilts the LCA (stresses the lower bushing) during suspension travel.

Edited by 1960fury 2021-06-24 10:40 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58coupe
Posted 2021-06-24 11:41 AM (#613054 - in reply to #612935)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert

Posts: 1739
100050010010025
Location: Alaska
I believe those are Heim joints on the ends of the strut rods. They were not meant to be used in the dirty environment under a car since they are not sealed and would wear quickly.
Most of the mods on this car were not built to last in the long term.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
1960fury
Posted 2021-06-24 6:37 PM (#613077 - in reply to #613054)
Subject: Re: FL modifications



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7385
50002000100100100252525
Location: northern germany
58coupe - 2021-06-24 11:41 AM

I believe those are Heim joints on the ends of the strut rods. They were not meant to be used in the dirty environment under a car since they are not sealed and would wear quickly.
Most of the mods on this car were not built to last in the long term.


Yes, this is what I was thinking about the Heim joints. In Germany it would be absolutely impossible to get a registration for that car, possible, they would seize the car upon inspection.

The law system in the US and Germany are entirely different. In the US, the land of the free, more self-responsibility is required, which is of course the better approach, but the drawback is, in case something happens, you are in trouble, serious trouble.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)