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I'm looking at purchasing a complete IFS and IRS for a fenderless Ford 32 roadster.
My two options are Kugel or Heidt's.
Does anybody have any experience with these brands as they seem to look very similar in the photo's and both offer many add-on options.
Power is a Corvette 2004 LS1 via an Auto trans.
Any advice or opinions would be apprecaited.
Tony.
I've used Heidt's on a number of cars, first rate stuff all the way. However I've used Kugel's too.... IMO Kugel's is a bit cleaner looking in some area's, but Heidt's will make the thing handle like a slot car. For me it usually comes down to who is giving the best deal today....
Go Kugel!!
I have a Heidt Superide SS front suspension on my pinched frame '32. I am very satisfied, not only with the look, but with the handling. They also have very good customer service. I had some chrome flake off one of the front springs, and they asked me to send it back for inspection. Later that week I had two new springs at no charge. I can't comment on Kugel as I have never used their stuff.
I installed a Heidts like Dave said best price i found . This is my first build and im sure Kugal will install just as easy . The install went well very easy for the Model A. I used RV trailer stabilizer jacks to level frame and put 2 degree rake in . I welded brackets to go around frame like jack stands . This helps for unlevel floor and not having a jig. A turn of the screw gives alot of adjustment .
I like Kugel's stuff. He has this one I am using on my roadster that comes as a complete front clip. It's all set up all you do is cut your frame rails off and weld it on, your done. The other thing I like about it is the length of his A arms. Because the frame is stretched and pinched the A arms get longer, takes away that stubby look makes handling much better.
kugel's looks better than a heidt's
Thanks for your opinions guys.
As expected it may come down to my personal choice or as Dave mentioned the best deal offered. Unfortunatly I'm ordering from their published pictures as I am outside of the USA.
Does anybody know if both of them use the same size and wall thickness stainless A-arms.
Also the Heidt's looks like the IFS springs have more coils compared to the Kugel plus it seems the Heidt's has an adjustable shock rebound, can anybody confirm this or is it not important.
Thanks again, Tony
Kugel's are adjustable.
Only difference in the springs, as it was explained to me onece, was the rate of tension they put it the windings, higher rate, less coils and vice versa. I've built cars with both as I said. Next one I build that is for ME will be a Kugel, and I'll probably recomend them to my customers over Heidt's, mainly for some personal reasons concerning Heidt's that I won't get into on a public forum....
I'm quite sure (can't swear to it) that both use the same size and wall thickness tubing. Somebody told me once that Kugel's would build theirs with chrome moly instead of DOM if you wanted to pay a bit extra, not sure if that's true but for the right $$$ they'll do it, I'm sure...
Anyway, quality is close enough on the two to not even be a factor in the selection process. It's probably going to be what you want. I'm with Kenny and the others giving the nod to Kugel's for appearance... Heck just study them close and go shopping!!!!
Thanks Dave, great information.
Does anybody know the IFS spindle drop measurement on both brands, would need the Open Wheel Hiboy versions.
Thanks Tony.
Go C4 Corvette
R^3
Maybe on a big heavy car with fenders, doubt it would match up for performance or appearance on a highboy....Quote:
Originally Posted by rat_rod_russell
Here's a picture of a Kugel Highboy style IFS on my Deuce chassis.
Want a betQuote:
Originally Posted by Dave Severson
Thanks for the picture Tom, any other pictures you can post of the Kugek IFS would be much appreciated. What rear end do you are you using ?.
Are you able to do me a big favour and measure your ground clearance from the underneath of the IFS crossmember. Also the mearsurement from the centre of the spindle to the centre of the lower A-Arm.
Thanks alot, Tony.
I've certainly never seen a non-fendered car with Vette front suspension that looks or rides as well as a Kugel. As for the bet, no I don't want to bet. We all have our own personal opinion as to what looks good and what doesn't...... That's what makes hot rodding fun, no two cars ever come out looking just alike....Quote:
Originally Posted by rat_rod_russell
I'm very happy with my Heidts ('32 open wheel, pinched). I bought mine in plain steel and had it chromed.
That said I too believe the Kugel may look a tad more refined. However the Heidts in all polished stainless with all the bells and whistles is at least as nice. But all the polished stainless and aluminum goodies will cost you plenty.
Kitz
Tony...In response to your questions. I'm using a 9 inch rearend with a triangulated 4 bar/coil over suspension. I can't take pictues now because the chassis is disassembled and the frame is at the painters. If memory serves me correctly the clearance at the bottom of the front crossmember is about 4 inches. I have 5 inches clearance between the ground and the oil pan.
Thanks for the info Tom.
Kitz, Nice looking ride you've got coming together there and thanks for the Heidt's IFS photos, they are a real help.
Is that a Heidt's IRS your running. If so I would appreciate some closeup photo of it.
Thanks again guys for all your valued assistance.
Tony
There should be a couple photos in my gallery. Click on the camera icon under my name.
Kitz
here are a few from my 32 roadster. I'm not a high boy fan because they sit to high, easy enough. I have to post links because i can't post pics.
http://www.urthesuck.com/rides/002.jpg
http://www.urthesuck.com/rides/020.jpg
http://www.urthesuck.com/rides/034.jpg
http://www.urthesuck.com/rides/025.jpg
IT WORKS, 5 points for me, the suspension only cost 900.00 front and rear. and it's easer for me to just build one.
(and i was hoping for at least 5 bucks, ;-)
Later
R^3
That is a nice looking loboy. I sure could use of those. Looks like lots of fun.:D
I'm trying to find the Kugel and Heidt's '32 Open Wheel IFS spindle drop measurement, measured from the centre of the spindle to the centre of the lower A-Arm.
If anybody can measure this for me I would be very thankful.
Tony.
Heidts finally answered my faxes and said the measurement from the spindle centre to the bottom of the lower swing arm is 6 1/4". Looks good, now all I need to do is find a dealer in the US that will cut me a good deal !!.
Rat_Rod_Russel,
Thanks for the pictures of your Corvette suspension.
I showed them to a friend that is starting a 32 3 window full fender build and he is very interested in the components. What year Corvette are the components from ?.
Also you show two different brake rotors and calipers in your pictures. What year Corvette has the drilled rotors and 4 piston calipers you used ?. (Corvette written on caliper)
Thanks for your assistance. Tony