T-Bird Car Restoration Project - Part 7 - Front End Conversion

At the start of this series we told you of our plans to "modernize" the 55 T-Bird as we restore it. A very significant part of that modernization is the removal of the old, 1950s front suspension and replacement with a Mustang II hub-to-hub subframe and suspension system. Mustang II suspensions are widely used in the hot rod hobby and in many other areas. They are strong, simple, easy-to-configure and provide excellent driveability and handling.

We could have gone to salvage yards to find all the parts for the project. They would have cost a few hundred dollars at the most, but everything would have to be cleaned, rebuilt and made new again, especially the steering rack and disc brakes. Our estimates to do all this were conservatively placed at $1200. Add to that figure the costs of fabricating new frame sections to accommodate all the pieces and the dollars kept climbing. There was a far, far better way...

Go To The Experts!

Here's what all the stuff looks like when you unpack it and lay it out on the floor.

Enter Bob Shetrone of Progressive Automotive, Inc., in Baltimore Ohio. Bob's company specializes in front and rear end conversions for all sorts of vehicles from pony cars to hotrods. He's even done a few mid-50s T-Birds, and was more than willing to provide a "kit" for us. It sells for around $2,200 and is well worth the money, because everything you need is provided - new, perfect parts! On top of that, Progressive's staff is happy to walk you through the project and give advice all the way, and there's no price you can put on that kind of service. (They are found at www.progressiveautomotive.com)

Here's How To Do It

We decided to tell the story of our T-Bird's front-end conversion in the form of a "how-to." Presenting it as a set of instructions is the best way, we think, to detail all the necessary steps to convert a car's frame to modern components. We think you will agree, but first - a warning:

This conversion requires a certain degree of skill and good equipment. Do not attempt to perform this work if your welder can't produce at least 100 amps of current at the tip or if you are not a reasonably experienced welder. You will need an inside coil spring compressor (external compressors are dangerous!) and a number of other tools. This conversion will take 10-20 hours to accomplish.

The first thing that needs to be done is to establish the axle centerline and mark its position on the existing frame on both sides. This is best done by stretching a string from the center of one axle hub to the other and transferring the line to the frame, using a level or plumb bob. Of course, the wheels must be turned perfectly straight beforehand. The centerline should be a few inches aft of the center of the upper spring mount. Put jack stands under four rigid points on the frame and take the time to set the frame's height a constant distance from the floor at all four points. Use shims if necessary.

Measure, measure, measure! Take the time now and don't go forward unless you know it's right.

Measure from the centerline mark on the frame to several reference points. One good point is the hole in the rear that holds the leaf spring's forward attachment bolt (for '55s this should be close to 81 inches). Another is from the edge of the cowl area body mount bracket. Measure from the front of the frame (where the bumper brackets attach) to the mark as well. These reference measurements must be the same for both sides or something is wrong. Measure also the inside frame width in several locations (should be close to 26 inches). Make a drawing of the frame and note these measurements on the drawing.

Measure the location of the center of the engine mount's frame plate. This must be measured from the X-frame center and the front cross member centerline. Also, measure the distance from the top of the frame down to the mount plate (8 inches, or close to it). These measurements must be transferred to the new assembly in order to get the mount in the right position. Measure also the positions of any brackets that are welded to the existing frame, as these must be transferred to the new frame sections.

Lay out the C-sections of the new frame. Starting with one side of the frame, align the axle centerline points and locate the spot on the inside top of the rearward part of the frame where the C section piece ends. This is where the cut will start, but take note that the cut - at least on the outside of the frame - is slanted toward the front and rear to accommodate the backing plate that will be welded later. It's best not to cut away too much of the frame in that area. You can trim metal away as you fit the backing plate. Use a carpenter's bevel gauge to establish the angle of the cut on the top of the frame and a carpenter's square to establish the vertical cut line. Double-check (triple-check!) the measurements and alignments and then crank up the saw!

Once the cutting starts, you realize there's no going back!

No saw? It's worth the effort and expense to rent a 10-inch steel-cutting circular saw for cutting the frame. They rent for about $40 a day and will make short work of the job. Before cutting the frame, cut out the crossmember holding the engine mount to get it out of the way.

To minimize chance of error it's best to cut out one side of the frame and tack-weld the new frame section before moving to the other side. Using this approach assures that at least one side of the frame stays in alignment (height, width, twist, etc.) and can be used as a reference to get the new side's components set up correctly. Ready, now? Cut away!

There's nothing but air between the frame's two ends.

Once the frame area to be removed has been cut out, grind the edges and clamp the new frame "C" section in place. Before welding, ascertain that all original measurements are correct and that the new section isn't bending the front frame down, up, in or out. Measure, measure, measure, and when you're certain everything is correct, tack-weld the pieces. Remove the clamps and re-measure, then run continuous weld over all surfaces where the pieces join. Once the C-section has been welded in, place one of the four diamond-shaped plates inside the rear part of the joined sections and mark where it will be welded in. Grind the mating surfaces clean and weld the plate in, then do the same for the forward frame area. These plates provide additional stiffening for the frame and should not be overlooked. Remember, the entire car will rest on the frame. It will then twist, move, stop and accelerate, all of which attendant forces will act upon the weld joints. They'd better be strong!

Okay, the C section is welded into place.

The plate is welded in, finally.

Now it's time to weld in the "C" section's backing plate. Since the plate is curved (vertically) and has angled ends, you have to be careful to fit it properly into the frame opening. The safest way to do this is to conservatively (that is, deliberately err on the short side and then grind away the excess) mark areas of the frame to be cut away and keep fitting the plate into the opening until everything lines up properly. Patience - and the judicious use of the grinder - will pay off here.

Once the plate fits properly you can grind edges and clamp everything in place. There's a lot of welding to do here, about 40 linear inches, so take your time and weld various sections to avoid overheating the metal. Remember to take into account your welder's duty cycle too. You don't want to blow the circuit breaker. (pic-frontend9 - The plate is welded in, finally)

With all the welding done you can move to the other side of the frame and repeat the process. Measure frequently and bear in mind that this part of the project will take a lot of time. When you get tired, stop! There are no magic elves who will finish the work for you overnight. It will be there whenever you feel like continuing and no one is getting judged for speed.

T-Bird Car Restoration Project Part 7 - Continued on Page 2