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Jeff T.
Regal Member
USA
279 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2009 : 9:59:46 PM
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This has been asked before and in reviewing past threads I cannot recall an answer.
Has
anyone completed installation of the aerostar suspension kit on a
Transtar or Champ? I searched our forum and the web in general, found a
picture with a big V8 in a Stude truck frame (tried to analyze detail
with a magnafing glass) and a debate or two on the merits of the
aerostar suspension on the HAMB and some Ford truck sites, But no "I
bought this kit, here's how it went together, here's all the quirks but
I love anyhow" type answers.
Also, if one does the aerostar
conversion, what do you do about the differences in wheel lug patterns
between front (4x4.5) and back (4x5), use the auto rear hubs? or buy
dual pattern wheels from Wheelvintiques.
After reading past threads the conversion piqued my interest, I love gadgits:)
"I'm getting nowhere as fast as I can" The Replacements. |
Edited by - Jeff T. on 05/19/2009 10:02:18 PM |
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buddymander
Commander Member
1209 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2009 : 11:47:48 PM
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Even new cars come with different wheels for the front and back. Some
even have FOUR different wheels. Just carry a small spare that fits
either + an adapter. Or a unilug wheel. A lot of spares are unilug. Or
get one for the front and redrill it for the rear. I wouldn't redrill a
front. Or put an Explorer 8.8 rearend in it. (best)https://i214. |
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Jeff T.
Regal Member
USA
279 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2009 : 9:04:02 PM
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A picture is indeed worth a thousand words:)
Since
I am not that adept on Aerostar engineering, does that ford crossmember
assembly unbolt or does it need to be cut from the van?
If one would use a six (which I have a few) would the Studebaker front crossmembers need to came out?
One ford site said that a conversion like this would take about 20 hours, is this on the mark?
For
those who never saw the initial advert in turning wheels or past
threads, How much is the kit? What all come with the kit? (sure there
are pictures but I have to ask) Any additional accessories or parts
list/instructions available? Are you going to be vending at Cedar
Rapids this summer?
I think I have thought of nearly everything:)
oh, Nice looking kit:)
Jeff T.
"I'm getting nowhere as fast as I can" The Replacements. |
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buddymander
Commander Member
1209 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2009 : 9:41:57 PM
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The aerostar crossmember unbolts with the same six bolts used to hold
it to the adapters. The adapters use shorter bolts. Only the driver's
side 45 degree angled piece needs to come out and a new bracket
constructed to support the engine on that side. Some holes need to be
drilled in the frame for the sway bar straps. Your inner fenders have
to be cut to clear the upper aframes. The steering column has to be
adapted. Brake line with SAE to metric adapter. (or compression union)
Also, it's less headache if you drill holes in the lower aframe and run
threaded rod up to the coil spring housing flange (already has a hole)
to hold the spring compressed before you remove the crossmember from
the weight of the van. That makes it easier to hook up the upper
aframes. The adapters are marked for position (left, right front, rear.
and it's a simple matter of bolting them to the frame using existing
Studebaker holes.(two on each side) |
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Warren Webb
Golden Hawk Member
USA
588 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2009 : 01:01:26 AM
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I dont know about the later Champs, but the early ones (60 & 61)
used the same brake setup as the disc brake equipped cars, so you could
use those rear drums & wouldnt have to worry about different size
wheels or adapters.
60 Lark convertible 61 Champ 62 Daytona convertible 63 G.T. R-2,4 speed 63 Avanti (2) 66 Daytona Sport Sedan |
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Jessie J.
Regal Member
USA
270 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2009 : 01:36:57 AM
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Two more questions. How does the track width compare with the original set-up? And is there a kit for the M-5 model? |
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buddymander
Commander Member
1209 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2009 : 02:33:04 AM
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It's one inch wider than the camaro. So it fits great. A lot better
than MII (way too narrow) but not as wide as say a chevy truck. I bet
you guys don't know what your front even measures. I'll look for a pic
I had of the front tire as seen thru the headkight hole. I know an
aftermarket 15 X 6 was centered in the opening. Aerostar wheels fit in
a lot closer, a lot of offset (opposite of reverse). No M1 setups.
These are all I do. |
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