[Gr8 '48 bow tie]

Originally Posted by 1Fast65Elky

I agree, thats a big step to tackle yourself. I'd go with rebuilding the stock front end, heck you can even convert to disc brakes while your at it If thats what your looking for. I was able to rebuild my front end in a couple hours work and under 150 bux..

Elky or anyone else, I have been wanting to install a M ll in my '48 Fleetline. I've got her stripped to the bone, the body is loose and just waiting to be blasted. Got a little carried away. Back to the question at hand. You mentioned above that you can convert to disc brakes. That sounds OK, and would be less expensive to do if I can get all the components to do both the brakes and a power steering system. That old '48 frame is strong and already boxed so it seems it will work fine with a kit. Today I took a good close look and Daydreamed a bit then I thought, "The suspension on the front of my car is the same as the early Vette's used with the exception of the shock absorbers. I believe '49 had tube shocks where mine has the top A arm attached to the valve body that sits atop the coil spring. I essentially have early model coil-overs in reverse (over-coils).
Is this a doable project. It seems to me that it would be inexpensive compared to replacing the complete IFS.


Al

[1Fast65Elky]

On the 64-70 somethin a-bodys, the spindles and brakes all interchange along with other stuff. The disc brake kits are anywhere from $700 to infinity and beyond. I didnt switch over to discs,the $150, I just replaced the tie rods/ends, a-arm bushings, balljoints, brake pads and some dirt cheap shocks.

Just thinking here, mabey if you find a set of spindles that match yours on the 48 from a donor vehicle with discs it could work just a swap. But finding out which ones are pretty much the same will be tricky. The corvette, you say it looks like its similar it could possibly interchange....anything can be made to work just how much work is the question
If they make a kit for it, I would go that way if money isnt tight.
Also alot less hassle to go through I assume using a kit.
I was looking on google for the suspension of the 48 fleetline, i didnt come up with any but i did come across a lowrider magazine article where this dude had air ride tech kit on it. That could be another option also. Not sayin pimp it out or nothin but air does make it nice to have adjustable height.