1953 Studebaker Starliner chassis height - Updated with photos

[Hi-Po]

I am currently in the process of building the AMT/ERTL 1953 Studebaker Starliner coupe and have a question regarding the ground clearance of the chassis.  I have assembled the chassis per the instructions and added the wheels/tires to the frame, at stock height.  Now that that is complete and I place this on a level surface, I noticed that the lower A frame and sway bar assembly sits VERY close to the ground with a clearance of about 4mm.  I even mocked up the front splash pan to see how it looked and the A frame/sway bar still shows below the pan.  Not being a Studebaker guy, my question is was this normal for the Starliner, to have the lower A frame assembly showing below the splash pan?  Looks really weird to me!  Online photos of the 1:1 car don't show the A frame assembly being that close to the ground.  Is this an error with the kit or what?  Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks.

I have enclosed a couple of photos to better illustrate what I am referring to when I say the A frame assembly sits really low and exposed.  I have the ride height set for stock right now but I may change that to a lowered front end.  Even then with the splash pan added, the A frame with be exposed. 

Edited April 7, 2021 by Hi-Po
Added photos and more text.

[Claude Thibodeau]

2 hours ago, Hi-Po said:

I am currently in the process of building the AMT/ERTL 1953 Studebaker Starliner coupe and have a question regarding the ground clearance of the chassis.  I have assembled the chassis per the instructions and added the wheels/tires to the frame, at stock height.  Now that that is complete and I place this on a level surface, I noticed that the lower A frame and sway bar assembly sits VERY close to the ground with a clearance of about 4mm.  I even mocked up the front splash pan to see how it looked and the A frame/sway bar still shows below the pan.  Not being a Studebaker guy, my question is was this normal for the Starliner, to have the lower A frame assembly showing below the splash pan?  Looks really weird to me!  Online photos of the 1:1 car don't show the A frame assembly being that close to the ground.  Is this an error with the kit or what?  Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks.

Hi Terry!

I've built a few versions of the same kit, but since I build mostly custom variations, I never really paid attention. However, if the included pictures may be of any help...

CT 

[Hi-Po]

Claude,

Thanks for the photos but they don't show the A frame assembly that I am having trouble with.  I just now edited and added some photos to my original post that might give you a better idea of what I am referring to.

Terry