Re: Build Thread: '66 Convertible Mid Engine S/C 3800 V6 6 S
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2014 11:04 am
As I mentioned earlier, the rear suspension will be completely scratch built using an independent Short Long Arm (SLA) and trailing arm style. I wanted to utilize a modern wheel bearing instead of the heavy Corvair unit. To keep things simple-ish, I chose to use the wheel bearings off the front of a Pontiac G6. This way the axle splines will be matched to the transmission when that time comes. I also decided to use the disk breaks off the front of a G6, which are massive and should work really really well. A trip to the junkyard got me the cores I needed plus the aluminum hub that is not available at the parts counter.
I took these aluminum castings to the mill and removed all the strut and ball joint mounts, as they will not be used.
I purchased brand new USA wheel bearings, calipers, and cross drilled and vented rotors. I then pressed the metric studs out of the wheel bearings, redrilled them for the 5 on 4.75" Corvair lug spacing, and pressed in 7/16-20 studs so I will have an excellent choice of wheels.
I took these aluminum castings to the mill and removed all the strut and ball joint mounts, as they will not be used.
I purchased brand new USA wheel bearings, calipers, and cross drilled and vented rotors. I then pressed the metric studs out of the wheel bearings, redrilled them for the 5 on 4.75" Corvair lug spacing, and pressed in 7/16-20 studs so I will have an excellent choice of wheels.