IRS question

[kustoms4lyfe2]

I am working on a project and have a quick question. I am going to fabricate a custom IRS for the rear of it. Its gonna be pretty much a 9in. ford center section but everything else will have to be fabricated. Heres a pic of what I am attempting to do. Does anyone have any suggestions. Thanks for looking.

[bobthehobbyguy]

First what type of car are you planning to build.

Second are you copying the picture or is it an example?

If it is see if you can find some more views on line. There are several companies like Heidt that make independent suspensions.

Getting started figuring out the rear end

My suggestion would be to select what you are going to use for the center section.

Also figure out what rims and tires you are going to use.

Also how wide is the body you are using.

The more things that you can figure out what you are going to use the better, then you can figure out the fimensions for the axles and other suspension pieces.

Also are you planning to do this in plastic or metal?

Are you planning to scratch build this completely or use or modify kit pieces?

The last thing would suggest is when you can start mocking up the parts you white glue( I use Alinees tack glue) to check that everything is correct.then you can take it apart assemble the subassemblies and then paint and do the final assembly.

Hope this helps.

bobthehobbyguy

[espo]

That looks almost like an XKE rearend. You might try and find an early Jag kit to see if any of the parts could be used.

[Rob Hall]

Ahhh...IRS in that sense...not in the April 15th sense..

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Its in a 1959 Corvette. I have the 9in. rear to start with and I am planning on using both plastic and also turning some of the parts on my lathe. Here's a pic of what I am trying to build. A friend of mine built and owned the real car so pics aren't a problem. Thanks.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

I know it won't be exact but I am trying to get it as close as possible.

[Scale-Master]

That is a Jag rearend. You might consider using a C3 or later Corvette IRS set up too. Those prototypically use a transverse leaf spring and outboard brakes.

The key is to determine the track and build within that boundary. That means you'll need to decide on body/wheel well width and wheels & tires before making the parts.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

This is actually a fully custom built 9in. rear. It is similar to the Jag but it really is a 9in.

[Mike Kucaba]

I'd look at some models that HAVE I.R.S and gather some info from them. Some kits that have them are:

Testors Smoothster It's now being referred to as a '37 Ford It also has some similarity in the frame in the pic.

Some issues by Revell like John Buttera's Coupe and a sedan delivery has a Jag rear.

You could start with a Ford 9 - inch rear housing,some big disc brakes and then fab the rest.

If you are that close to the car you should have no trouble getting good reference.

[Jantrix]

There are several older Revell 1/25 street rod kits that feature this style rear end. They are based off the works of Lil John Buttera. A'26 Model A sedan/panel, '27 Model A tourer and a '33/34 chopped coupe. They can be had pretty cheaply on Ebay. I have the '33. Shoot me a PM if you're interested in a trade.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Jantrix, Thanks but I already have one of those kits and I am using it for ideas but the IRS assembly in the kit just isn't detailed like I want. Thanks though. I have a good idea on what I am going to do. I will post some pics of what I come up with soon. Wish me luck.

[MicroNitro]

The lower control arms could be built using RB motions rod ends and some stainless hypodermic tubing. You could turn the coilovers, half shafts and uprights on the lathe. I think I have seen the M. W. 9" in resin before. Just thoughts on how I would do it.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Thats kinda what I was thinking. On the M.W. rear. I don't think I have ever seen a resin one. I think I may research that. Thanks Jim.

[comp1839]

i don't believe that's a jag rear. it has 4 shocks and inboard brakes, like a jag but, thats about as close as that's getting to a jag rear. the center diff. is wrong. the lower control arms / wishbone is wrong. the rear hub carriers are wrong. it may be built in "jag rear" styling but, i'm pretty sure, it's not a jag rear.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

I know its not a jag. Like I say its completely custom built. It started out as a 9in. I have pics of the car from many angles but I just was sure where to start. I was just asking for suggestions. Thanks for looking.

[comp1839]

i was letting scale master know it was not a jag rear. he stated that it was.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Oh sorry about that Dave. I was confused. LOL. Can't wait to see more of your build. Maybe one day I will be able to build to your level.

[comp1839]

kris, no problem. i'm afraid shooting for my skill level may not be to much of a goal. i'm really not that good. i'm really accurate but, (in my book) not a really good model builder. my abilities with actual modeling are somewhat limited.

[GrandpaMcGurk]

You're way too humble Dave...your stuff is top drawer, you're also correct about that rear not being a Jag, it's somewhat similar in overall appearance, I guess - but looks mostly aftermarket or whiz kid billet to me.

[crazyjim]

Cowabunga - I want to see this build.

[kustoms4lyfe2]

Whoa there Jim. LOL. I have a few things to work out b4 I get to deep into the build. Thanks for the enthusiasm though.