lowering a model

[fatkidd]

This may seem like a remedial question for some of the folks here, but i have no clue how to do it. I have a '55 chevy cameo kit that i'm working on (i'm sure most, if not all, know what the kit and suspension look like.

My question, to those that can help, how do i tackle this feat?

I have scratched my head trying to figure out the best way to accomplish this and honestly can't seem to figure it out.

Please help with any suggestions, how to's, or directions down the proper path would be greatly appreciated.

[Guest Gramps-xrds]

One quick way is to put the springs on the bottom of the axle instead of on the top. If I remember right that kit had the stock axle. If you want it lower you can use the dropped one from the street version.

[Chuck Most]

One quick way is to put the springs on the bottom of the axle instead of on the top. If I remember right that kit had the stock axle. If you want it lower you can use the dropped one from the street version.

Gramps is right- just don't try to 'flip' the street machine axle, or the tires won't touch the ground! Unless you plan on running 24" wheels or something.

You can also move the shackles up higher in back, to lower the rear. I don't remember if the rear axle is above or below the springs, but if it's below, you can flip it (a common practice on 1:1 vehicles) and do a 'c-notch' in the frame to clear the axle.

Or, you could channell the truck, meaning, take x amount out of the interior tub, inner fenders, and bed floor to raise the chassis up into the body and lower the truck. It's used quite a bit on custom late-model trucks, and is also reffered to as a 'body drop'.

Edited November 6, 2009 by Chuck Most

[JamesW]

I honestly don't remember what the suspension on that kit looks like as it has been many moons since I have built that one. The AMT Ford Ranger kits have suspension risers for the front and rear, I use the rear blocks as "lowering blocks" between the rear axle and leaf springs, they work on almost all kits. You can also make your own blocks from scrap sprue from the trees.

Edited November 6, 2009 by grimreaper

[MikeMc]

One other way is to graft a late model front and rear clip to your old frame....this one uses a late C6 vette as a donor.

[Lordmodelbuilder]

All good answers on how to lower that kit.

Here's a picture of my 55 model. I cut the stock frame off at the firewall & replaced it with the frame & front suspension form an AMT 67 Camaro.

In the rear, I put the pickups axle on top of the leaf springs. I also notched the rear frame rails above the axle for clearance. Just like on a real truck.

Truck sits kinda low. Good luck with yours,Brad

[BigGary]

All good answers on how to lower that kit.

Here's a picture of my 55 model. I cut the stock frame off at the firewall & replaced it with the frame & front suspension form an AMT 67 Camaro.

In the rear, I put the pickups axle on top of the leaf springs. I also notched the rear frame rails above the axle for clearance. Just like on a real truck.

Truck sits kinda low. Good luck with yours,Brad

My '55 Cameo has a stock axle and a dropped axle both. The dropped axle should get it down where the bugs are scared. For the rear, the usual 1:1 practice is axle on top of the spring with a spacer between, as mentioned above.

Gary

[Corvette.Jeff]

heres an example of a body drop,errr channeling. well both. its not a truck, but it can give you an idea of sorts.

notice how the body goes below the floor pans.

and if you dont want to do that, you could always build your own frame....

or both....

jeff.

[fatkidd]

WOW!!! thanks for the replies folks. sorry it took a few days to get back.

i mounted the front axle to the top of the springs and it put it real low. in fact, if it were any lower, the leaf springs would hit the ground.

for the rear, i moved the front of the leaf sring above its stock location which put the frame on the top of the axle.

i'll post pics tomorrow since i left my camera at the shop.

thanks to all that repiled to what i thought was a silly question. i now have ideas for future projects.

[Corvette.Jeff]

also another little trick for shelf models that i've learned, instead of flipping teh leafs in the rear, cut off so much of the ends and it will ower it, this gives you controlable lowering and doesnt mess up wiht how the wheels sit(if you cut carefully) you can also cut off just the front to rake the rear up a bit( i did this on a 69' shelby a while back, sorry no pics of that) for a 60's skyjacker style. just rememmber you have to modify the shocks if you modify the leafs!

[fatkidd]

so here's a few pics of the lowered stance of the truck.

the 1st pic shows how i lowered the rear. the other pics are jsut to shwo the stance.

thanks again to those that offered their help and suggeestions.