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Does anybody go with independent front suspensions on fenderless rods? I'm reading where the porportions get too wide when using IFS and removing the fenders.
Wondering...can:confused: anybody can point me to some pics of IFS rods (29-36 coupes, cabs, roadster type) without fenders?
IFS can be done on a fenderless car. Some don't like it, some do.
Here's a pretty high-tech version.
This what the front of my '31 looked like before I installed the body and fenders:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i8.../2Frtsusp2.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i8.../frtsusp12.jpg
It's a TCI Stage 3 chassis - which w/o fenders to some would look nice, I don't care for it that way as my preference is straight axle, no fenders, IFS. fenders.
The AVATAR is the completed car
Specifically, what is the trade? What is(are) the consideration(s) to weigh between the two?
I understand the mechanical/performance elements. Are the trades focused purely on aesthetics? Tat's fine, too. Just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.
BIG thanks to the awesome feedback from this forum!
You're sayingQuote:
Originally Posted by IC2
straight axle = no fenders
IFS = fenders
CORRECT??
This is based on aesthetics and preference, right? Anything else? Just want to read you right, since you're way ahead of me on this stuff.
Quote:
Originally Posted by runway1
The trade is ride of the IFS, handling is generally better as you have infinite (within design limits) caster and camber adjustments plus the option of adjustable coil overs vs bending of the straight axle and adding and removing spring leaves. Weight wise, the IFS is lighter by quite a bit. Aesthetics are in the eyes of the builder/owner. There are some IFS one offs (i.e. the late Boyd Coddington's) that are functional as well as beautifully done with inboard springs and shocks operated by bell cranks and levers - but very expensive to design and build:eek:
"You're saying
straight axle = no fenders
IFS = fenders
CORRECT??"
This is my opinion (along with other folks) not anything cast in stone
I do!!! Love the IFS on fendered and non fendered cars. Not much into the "traditional" (whatever that is:rolleyes:) stuff as much as I'm in to handling and control...I like to go fast, play on the Valley Road, and an occasional trip to the road course on track day--non class, test and tune type of event...
I guess if you are the type who has to do with what's in vogue, then fenderless cars would have a straight axle... I like straight axles, they look great on nostalgia drag cars but for the street, hard to beat the IFS handling and control, and as Other Dave mentioned, the ease of adjustability and tuneability of an IFS... Actually, been planning and estimating on a strut front non fendered roadster for a customer, kind of a modern Altered Roadster look on the street! Think it would be a great setup, though I'm sure the majority would look down their nose at anything so non-traditional!!!:eek::eek::eek:
Dave - I would NEVER look down my nose at an IFS non fendered car. If it was done right, they can be as nice as a traditional solid axle. How many of those low end MII clunky looking IFS have you seen that you have said - "There is a better way" or words to that effect (like these - a perfectly good product, but you need fenders http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/page51.html)Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Severson
:LOL::LOL::LOL:I wouldn't run the clunky junk on a full fendered car that only sat 1/2" off the ground!!!! Guess I should have specified the tubular arms, coilover setups---or the inboard coilover setup on pinched rails looks great on non fendered cars....Quote:
Originally Posted by IC2
:toocool:Now THAT'S what I was referring too above;). I've sketched some of my own design, but haven't put much thought into it in the past few yearsQuote:
Originally Posted by Dave Severson
That Factory Five roadster used ifs and it looks pretty good, but the whole car is built like a race car, so I guess it Ain't "Traditional" lol. But I was familiar with their cars, before the roadster, and they handle like a race car. I like the I-Beam on a fenderless Hot Rod. But then thats me. Now some with the S-10 factory a frames, and no fenders......... Well they cover that stuff for a reason. :D
Now that suspension almost look too trick to cover with fenders.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by IC2
runway1, welcome to CHR, you've found a great place for information!! I'm using the same TCI Stage 3 IFS setup as Dave (IC2) for my fenderless '32 coupe project, I was more interested in the ride quality than the 'traditional' look. Here are some pics of other '32 Fords with IFS, most of these have the front frame horns removed, a look that I don't particularly care for but we're all entitled to our opinions and they are going to be different. :3dSMILE:
Mike
Here is mine, No fenders
Ken
Here are a few more pics for you.
Ken, That's what Dave S and I were alluding to build. I thought you had a push rod/inboard spring set up but was too lazy to check your posts last night - too beat from yard work:LOL::LOL:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike52
Awesome pics. Exactly the reference I was looking for. Love the front horns removed, too. Some real beauts to consider. Thanks a bunch
Ken, that's very interesting. Is there a kit with this geometry or did you fab that whole front end yourself? What type of mods and to what frame did you do this to?Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Thurm
At first glance, I'm seeing a completely shop fab'd design:CRY:. I'm hoping not. I'm a garage builder with no welding capabilities... so that's one of my constraints. I need mostly pre-fab'd stuff I can bolt together. I can get away with carrying parts to local shops for some simple welds, sheet metal fab, etc. But bassically, that's what I got - a "60s muscle car" garage - not a custom fab shop.
Under construction, 27 roadster stretched to 117" wheelbase, 2 x 6 x 0.120" framerails, 1 1/8 x 0.188" control arms....
I also am a garage builder. Get the book "Tune to Win" by Carroll Smith. He lays it all out about how to design and make the independent front, independent rear suspension. Once you get your head wrapped around his teachings, it's a slam-dunk. Side note: If I ever do this again, I'll use 1 1/4" diameter tubing for the lower control arm and 3/4" for the upper. Better aesthetics.
Post #58 on this thread shows another approach that's neither fish nor fowl. I'm not sure I'd do another one this way, but coil-overs on a tube axle seemed unique at the time.
If you go to my thread, One way to build a hyboy, you can see the frame and suspension.Quote:
Originally Posted by runway1
Ken
Worth a look - just ordered via AMAZON - maybe I can rekindle my imagination and do some "designing"Quote:
Originally Posted by techinspector1
Check out this site...JR has developed all his own stuff over the years,very meticulous man,with a good name...
www.rodsbyreid.co.nz
I don't remember if Ken did his own, but you're not too far from Jerry Kugel in La Habra; http://www.kugelkomponents.com/produ...uspension.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by runway1
If you don't have the equipment to do the fab getting a frame and components from Kugel would be a good way to go, he's got a long and distinguished reputation for quality.
Thanks, Bob!!
Ahhh, heck. Now I remember that thread. Way ahead of you:D. I thought that was so good, I took a 1/2 hour and copied out each page into a Word doc and printed it!Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Thurm
It's on my night stand in line to be read. Thanks!
This is my IFS--a Heidt Superide. Please ignore me.
Lynn is that bump on the hood new?
No, Mike. It has always been there. I originally planned it for a cowl induction set-up, but since I have no louvers on the hood sides, it lets the hot air out so it runs cooler. I am still thinking about changing it over to cowl induction, but the "ah-hah!" light bulb has not gone off yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by runway1
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t.../bumpstick.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t...R/IMG_9258.jpg
Personally, I like traditional. I'm not a canyon bender and I love the feel of a straight axle. There are as many different tastes as there are rodders. One of the most fun cars I have driven in years is a friends Model A speedster, warmed up A engine, 3 speed overdrive and all A underpinnings except for tube shocks. It handles nice and stops right, even with the mechanical brakes.
Like they say, "Different strokes for different folks." That's what makes this hobby interesting.
Here's an example of what not to do!!:eek:
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h.../misc/006z.jpg