Lowering the AMT '55 Cameo

[Mopar440_93]

Hi everyone, I'm trying to figure out how I can lower the stance on the AMT '55 Cameo Pick Up truck. I see other builds that have been lowered and I'm wondering how I can do the same. 

I have an idea on removing the leaf springs from the build, but I'm not sure if that's a definite way of doing that or not. 

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Just like you do a real one, basically. And it depends on how low you want to go.

Because both axles mount below the springs, you can take some meat off the springs where they meet the axles for a little lowering.

For more, you can take meat off the ends of the springs where they meet the frame.

For still more, you can reposition the spring brackets on the chassis upward slightly.

For the maximum, it may be possible to mount the axles over the springs, rather than under them.

 

[Plowboy]

I'd ditch the straight axle and graft the frame clip from an AMT '70 1/2 Camaro. It's a separate piece IIRC. 

[Mopar440_93]

33 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Just like you do a real one, basically. And it depends on how low you want to go.

Because both axles mount below the springs, you can take some meat off the springs where they meet the axles for a little lowering.

For more, you can take meat off the ends of the springs where they meet the frame.

For still more, you can reposition the spring brackets on the chassis upward slightly.

For the maximum, it may be possible to mount the axles over the springs, rather than under them.

 

I think I'll try mounting the axles over the springs. The only thing is whether or not there will be enough space for the axle to sit between the chassis frame and the upper part of the springs

[Mopar440_93]

20 minutes ago, Plowboy said:

I'd ditch the straight axle and graft the frame clip from an AMT '70 1/2 Camaro. It's a separate piece IIRC. 

Is it as simple as just placing the front frame onto the chassis frame of the truck? What about the rear?

[Plowboy]

3 hours ago, Mopar440_93 said:

Is it as simple as just placing the front frame onto the chassis frame of the truck? What about the rear?

No. You would need to measure to keep the wheelbase and graft them together. If you want to keep it simple, follow Bill's advice. Rear is the same as the front.

[Mopar440_93]

3 minutes ago, Plowboy said:

No. You would need to measure to keep the wheelbase and graft them together. If you want to keep it simple, follow Bill's advice. Rear is the same as the front.

Ok then, thanks for your help

[gman]

If you want a stock type of suspension that is lowered, the dropped axles from the AMT '55 and '57 stepsides will lower the '55 and '57 Cameos moderately out of the box (and they can be massaged to lower it a little more).

If you want maximum drop and a restomod feel, you can graft the front clip from any number of other kits combined with lowering blocks and a c-notch out back, or use an aftermarket style Mustang II IFS up front, and a 4 link out back as found in some hot rod kits- Revell's '37 Ford sedan, cabrio or coupe street rod kits come to mind as a source that might be adapted to work.

https://web.ipmsusa3.org/content/37-ford-coupe-street-rod

Edited May 7, 2020 by gman
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