SUSPENSION: Mod-it or Leave-it

Originally Posted by Nu2theGalaxie

I am looking to either put a newer f-150 frame and engine under my '64 Galaxie (2 DR fastback) or change out the front for a camaro/nova front clip and 350 small block. I could leave it stock but, wouldn't it be cool to have a lowered 4x4 chassis under the Galaxie? What other ideas are there for modding? Chop top? Roadster? what has anyone seen to lower my car and have a bit better ride than what it has now. the reason for these considerations is that the front end is bad and to fix it would cost an arm and leg...

Just wondering , Why. Do you want it to be 4 wheel drive? What would be the advantage of the Chevy sub frame? Why would anyone want a 350 Chevy engine? MY 64 Suspension is stock other than new springs and stab links. Although I dont drive it every day it rides and handles fine. Anyone I have taken a ride cant believe how good it rides and drives. It is your car and you should do what you like. Dont do mods just trying to impress other people. Build your car so it makes you happy. I like the classic lines of my Galaxie and would not change them but I guess I am not you. If you Modify a car too much then you will be stuck with it unless you find some one else with same taste. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Originally Posted by dbu8554

no swap article but I have mentioned it a few times, the 72+ torino and 65+ galaxie frames are almost identical as far as 64 and older I am unsure, but really the 64 galaxie suspension is good stuff aside from the bump steer issues

I'll have to look around because I know somewhere there was a car like this. What am I going to do in 10 yrs when I can't remember nothing already!

Originally Posted by ShotRod64

Somewhere I heard of someone doing this (the crown vic swap) i just can't remember where, when or who. Was it a magazine article maybe?

There is a guy in the Tacoma area who had a black 63 Galaxie with a Crown Vic chassis under it. One suggestion is to use lowered spindles. They are a bit spendy but I went with the Fatman lowered spindles which use the Granada disk set up. The spindles ran me about $600 for the pair. But, well worth the ride.The front end is lowered 3" and it rides real nice with the exception of speed bumps. I also used the toe in stabilizer bar from Greg Doanhue along with new bushings in the front end. I can't tell you enough how it changed the ride of my car. It rides so smooth. I would not suggest that you cut the springs. If you cut way too much spring it will give you a harsh ride.

Larry

In hot rod magazine, I think about Feb 07, there was a small mention of a shop putting a 61 Starliner on an 03 police interceptor frame. I never heard anything else about it though.

Yep, it was Hot Rod magazine! I saw it and wondered how close the frames were. I agree with most that you should just rebuild, not reinvent!! I took mine on the highway last Sunday and for a car of that age to ride that smooth is unreal!! Sure it needs some new parts but it still go's straight down the road! These cars are great road cars! I hope to do a ride down rt66 from Chitown to St Louis next year.