searching for information on installing a volare ifs into a 59 chev p/u.

Old technology. Was popular decades ago but with the emergence of the MII, Volare conversion died off. Hard to install and look good - Volare clip is just too bulky. Biggest advantage is torsion bar springs allwing easy ride height adjustment. If you still want to do this, there were magazine articles in the late 60s early 70s coverng the details. Can't remember where. I will review my Rod & Custom collection tonite and see if I can find one.

Another conversion that never gained popularity but really looked clean is a 60s Chevy 1/2 ton pickup coil spring IFS. It unbolts from the donor frame, bolts up the the early truck with a couple of spacer plates and carries power steering gear. If I was doing a quad5 Chevy pickup, I would seriously consider that instead of the Volare.

I found the article on installing the late model PU suspension on an early truck. They used a '77 1/2 ton Chevy annd installed it on a '53 Chevy 1/2 ton chassis. VERY simple on that chassis. Welds a 1/2" plate on the sides of the '53 frame rails, drill 4 holes and bolt the '77 x-member on thru stock bolt holes. Last step is to bolt power steering gear on to 3/8" plate welded on front frame horn just in front of the x-member. The '55 and later Chevy truck frame is a little wider than the '53 but this installation is so simple that the problem could be solved over 1 beer!

I have a '55 (2nd) pickup and a donor mid '70's pickup. From the outside edge of the frame rails the '55 is about 2'10" and the 70's is narrower at about 2'6". If I have to cut the frame to put this crossmember and suspension in, I may as well be installing a stub.. correct?? I have also heard of a swap to a Pacer front end. Has anyone done an IFS swap without using a bunch of aftermarket parts on one of these pickups (besides the Volare)?

I still think you would be better off notching your '55 frame 2" on each side, boxing it in the area and bolting in the donor x-member. If done with a little forethought (2 beers?) it would be very strong and look factory stock. I would not go with a MII which should be the next best x-member bolt-in 'cause it is designed for a much lighter car. Corvairs, Volares, Pacers, etc. have been used in the past but that is because they were unbolt/bolt-in x-members from the factory, not because they were particularly practical. The MII has made all of those obsolete. If you still don't like the '77 PU x-member bolt-in, I would go with a Monte Carlo front clip. I did one of these on a '57 and it was sweet! Not really hard and end up with motor mounts and power steering built in. I have a Word document that I can send you with pictures and text showing how to do the job.

I did the volare in a '53 f-100. not the same frame but the same principle to the install..

go to my site <a href="http://jniolon.clubfte.com" target="_blank">http://jniolon.clubfte.com</a> and look in the left frame for article on volare clip install

hope this helps

john

Why sub frame at all. The truck in the little picture sits on a 76 Elco frame and works great. Was a very easy swap.I have the article you asked about in a Truckin'magazine. I also have one of using a Pacer front suspension! for my money do the frame trick. My 57 flatbed has Elco frame, my 57 Panel has 72 Ods frame,and the shop truck,a 54, has an 84 truck frame.

[ August 27, 2002: Message edited by: Madd Syntst ]</p>