Scotts IFS (bolt-in)

[curmudgeon]

As a newbie just learning how to weld, I do not quite trust my skills for something as major as a IFS for my '52 frame.

Hopefully Justin will chime in, but if I use the bolt-in IFS, can I later on reinforce the install with seam welds as my skills improve or is the bolt in secure enough that any welding is overkill??

Also, I hope to reuse my straight 6 (292) and will this clear the power steering rack?

Thanks in advance Justin or anyone else who can help.

[Flames97]

I'm just gonna take a stab at this.
But I bet if they sell it as a bolt in kit then it's strong enough as is without welding or they wouldn't sell it as a bolt in. And really the point of a bolt in IFS is so there is no welding involved.
I have no personal experience with thier stuff, but I've seen builds on this site that have used Scott's and it looks good and the people seem really happy with it.
I bet someone from Scott's hot rods will chime in at some point they're pretty good about it, or just give them a call.

[dwcsr]

I don't think you need to weld it later. Early 60's to 87 C10 C20 were all bolt in

[Katrina/10]

I bought one, I don't think welding is necessary, it has many bolts attaching the crossmemeber to the truck frame.

[Scottshotrods]

On our bolt in ifs for your year of truck.It is deigned to be a bolt in 100%.We have several customers who cannot weld and do not want to take it to a shop and have it welded in.On our bolt in we have several customers who have bolted in the frame and have then gone and added some small welds to the frame cradles.Is this needed NOT AT ALL.Hopefully this helps you out and if you have other questions let us know.You can call or e-mail if you would like to

justin@scottshotrods.com
(805)485-0382

[Scottshotrods]

You can keep your straight 6 in your truck and keep your stock column to.But you will have to get our column savor kit for your column and some steering u-joints to hook up the column to the rack

Justin

[mr48chev]

One advantage to the bolt in for some folks in certain areas of the world is that bolting the front end in place doesn't cause the same uproar with the inspectors that welding on the chassis or suspension might.

[Scottshotrods]

You are correct 100% on some areas around the world.The inspectors will not pass the truck oar if there has been any welding to the frame.This where we have been selling most of our bolt in ifs kits to.

[curmudgeon]

Thank you to Justin and the others for your info. I'll be swapping out the steering column as well, might as well add the tilt and shifter features. My admiration to all the master welding skills I see on this site.

[Scottshotrods]

We got you covered on a new Ididit steering column we have them in stock.You will need a column drop and a floor mount.We have all and can get you a nice package deal on all the parts you want at one time or one at a time.Let us know

Justin

[gag1025]

I used a bolt in IFS from CPP and it works great. Went in without a hitch. No welding needed.

[Scottshotrods]

Originally Posted by gag1025

I used a bolt in IFS from CPP and it works great. Went in without a hitch. No welding needed.

Which bolt in ifs from CPP?

[curmudgeon]

I don't think that CPP makes a bolt-in IFS for AD trucks. Besides, from when I visited their store in Southern Cal, I do not feel they offer the same level of customer service that I will get at Scott's.

[gag1025]

You are right. Mine came from Chassis Engineering. I was looking at a CPP catalog when I was responding and wrote down the wrong company. Anyhow, it was very easy to put on. The instructions were very explicit. I agree with you on dealing with CPP. Their customer service lacks.

[gag1025]

I will have to be honest with you. When I started doing my off frame build I was given the name and phone numbers (a guy I met at a car show) of Chassis Engineering, Fat Man, CPP, Classic Parts and Dave's (Dave is located here in NC). I also bought a few parts from the Truck Shop in CA only because my truck came from CA and a Truck Shop card was in the dash. I had never heard of Scott's. Since Justin responded I took time to look at their web site and I will have tell you that if I had known about them I would have gone there first thing. This is my first build and if I build another one I will go to them for parts.