New-B needs advice on C4 susp. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

paul5663 · 03-03-2007, 04:53 PM

Hello all,
I'm a new guy to this site and thought it may be the place to gain some much-needed advice on installing a complete C4 suspension into my 58 Chevy Apache project.
The plan is to use Flat-Outs front crossmember kit along with the bolt-on rear kit. Motor will be 454 BB from an 86 Silverado along w/ TH400 tranny from the same truck.
I guess I am seeking any and all information I can acquire regarding this setup. Anyone w/ experience installing a big block into a 55-59 chevy pickup will be a huge help to me as well.

Here are a couple of pics to show what I am starting with, a pretty solid roller. Thanks much!
paul5663

58 gmc · 03-03-2007, 06:15 PM

Good Lookin 4 holer, keep us updated on your progress.

CAL 58 GMC · 03-04-2007, 10:24 PM

Welcome to the board from Central Califorina!

Igotachevyor2 · 03-04-2007, 10:36 PM

nice project

poncho_villa · 03-05-2007, 11:21 AM

Check out this thread;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=block
You probably will hafta massage the firewall for clearance and maybe you want to shave that anyways. Good luck on such a sweet project and keep those pics coming.

fuchster · 03-06-2007, 12:02 PM

Hello:
I am using Flat Out parts. Check out my CarDomin site. PM me for more.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2330005

Kabwe · 03-06-2007, 12:23 PM

Fuchster I was just about to send him to your cardomain site.

paul5663 · 03-09-2007, 06:45 PM

Thanks a mil. Where are you now on your 58?

Kabwe · 03-09-2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul5663

Thanks a mil. Where are you now on your 58?

If this was directed to me I at the point of no return, too much money spent and it still looks like crap, but I'm in too deep to stop now.

Really I'm at the mock up stage almost really for my 2nd tear down and reassembly starting from the frame up.

Jebb1978 · 03-09-2007, 07:27 PM

I suggest sending Frizzle Fry a PM. He is doing a 60-66 with a C5 (I think) set up. Find his thread in the 60-66 forum and check out the pics. The work is amazing to say the least.

Good luck on it, it looks like a solid start.
Welcome!

Jebb1978 · 03-09-2007, 07:31 PM

Here it is, found it.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=179289

paul5663 · 03-09-2007, 09:48 PM

Thanks Jebb, the Frizzle 61 C10 / C5 is seriously impressive and definitely is inspiring me to get the 58 C4 officially started. Good news is the complete '85'vette suspension is on it's way from Michigan. I run a powder coating business so everythings getting a new finish. Flat out install kits for front and rear are ordered. I'll post detailed pics of powder coat process and build as it progresses. Got the fever.
paul5663

Jebb1978 · 03-10-2007, 04:14 PM

Awsome! Can't wait to see what this one will turn out like!

Fuchster that truck is gonna be NUTS! Nice work!

paul5663 · 03-31-2007, 01:51 PM

Some recent developments: Suspension is in and work has officially begun. Recieved the FlatOut rear install kit and the parts appear to be of decent quality. Powder coated all four calipers. and will be posting more soon of A-arms and hubs and more to be coated.
I ordered an "X-member" from Progressive Automotive to stiffen the frame. Hasn't arrived yet. Anyone used one of these before?

paul5663 · 08-08-2007, 09:59 PM

It's been a while but have made some progress since last post. Got down to business on the frame and front and rear are both in place. Now to box entire frame and install Progressive Automotives X-member. Picked up some 18" Coy C5 wheels that should look fine. Mocked up what I could to get and idea on the stance. I'll add more as it goes down.

MrSinister · 08-09-2007, 12:37 AM

great stance even without the heavy stuff in it

nuke1 · 08-11-2007, 01:44 AM

that is gonna be sinsiter looking.

paul5663 · 10-14-2007, 03:46 PM

Latest on my 59....... have frame boxed and progessive X-member is in place. Next will be to place cab on frame to line up position of brake pedal bracket etc, as well as mock-up motor (opted for ZZ4) and trans (700R4) to position motor and trans mounts.

Coronas56 · 10-14-2007, 04:21 PM

Did you center your wheels in the front fender?

paul5663 · 10-14-2007, 04:36 PM

I installed the crossmember onto the frame as directed by Flat Out's directions included with the kit. I mocked up the frontend and it was well centered (see pic)

chevyrestoguy · 10-14-2007, 09:48 PM

I love it! Keep postin' them pics! Very nice fab work, by the way.

entourageguy · 10-14-2007, 09:49 PM

This is starting to look killer......

Keep the pictures coming..

Always like seeing another 4 lighter come back to life ....

Brian ....

pgf545 · 10-14-2007, 09:57 PM

Paul, looks great. I am going to be installing the Progressive cross member soon....probably next weekend or the one after. Did you have any issues with it? From the looks of the directions it looks pretty straight forward. Keep up the great work.

Bernie

entourageguy · 10-14-2007, 09:57 PM

Any one have the link for Flat-out ??

Brian ....

paul5663 · 10-15-2007, 06:17 PM

Thanks Bernie and no, not any real problems w/ installation. Just square and measure often. Went pretty smooth, I'm not gonna win any pretty-weld beauty contest... thats for sure, but it'll hold.
Brian, unfortunately Flat Out is only reachable by phone (714-639-2623). Good part is that Don is very knowledgable and will certainly take care of his customers, at least that is my experience so far.

03-03-2007, 04:53 PM	#1
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Hello all, I'm a new guy to this site and thought it may be the place to gain some much-needed advice on installing a complete C4 suspension into my 58 Chevy Apache project. The plan is to use Flat-Outs front crossmember kit along with the bolt-on rear kit. Motor will be 454 BB from an 86 Silverado along w/ TH400 tranny from the same truck. I guess I am seeking any and all information I can acquire regarding this setup. Anyone w/ experience installing a big block into a 55-59 chevy pickup will be a huge help to me as well. Here are a couple of pics to show what I am starting with, a pretty solid roller. Thanks much! paul5663 Attached Images

03-03-2007, 06:15 PM	#2
58 gmc ToTM Winner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: okc Posts: 243	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Good Lookin 4 holer, keep us updated on your progress.

03-04-2007, 10:24 PM	#3
CAL 58 GMC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Clovis Ca. Posts: 3,311	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Welcome to the board from Central Califorina! __________________ Classic Trucks Link http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 1958 GMC.Project Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=162816 1966 Chevelle Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=443576 Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrNKo8F7Zw#GU5U2spHI_4

03-04-2007, 10:36 PM	#4
Igotachevyor2 Apache Club Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Goodlettsville,Tn. Posts: 1,294	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. nice project __________________ 58 CHEVY APACHE I 74 CHEVY C-10 I 78 K-10 donor truck I 89 SONOMA My Trucks Apache Sitting Idle MySpace Project Dad's Truck (74 C-10 to K-10 conversion) .

03-05-2007, 11:21 AM	#5
poncho_villa Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: B.C. Posts: 457	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Check out this thread; http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=block You probably will hafta massage the firewall for clearance and maybe you want to shave that anyways. Good luck on such a sweet project and keep those pics coming.

03-06-2007, 12:02 PM	#6
fuchster Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 21	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Hello: I am using Flat Out parts. Check out my CarDomin site. PM me for more. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2330005

03-06-2007, 12:23 PM	#7
Kabwe Certified Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inglewood, California Posts: 3,118	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Fuchster I was just about to send him to your cardomain site.

03-09-2007, 06:45 PM	#8
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Thanks a mil. Where are you now on your 58?

03-09-2007, 07:27 PM	#10
Jebb1978 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,713	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. I suggest sending Frizzle Fry a PM. He is doing a 60-66 with a C5 (I think) set up. Find his thread in the 60-66 forum and check out the pics. The work is amazing to say the least. Good luck on it, it looks like a solid start. Welcome! __________________ 1959 GMC project

03-09-2007, 07:31 PM	#11
Jebb1978 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,713	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Here it is, found it. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=179289 __________________ 1959 GMC project

03-09-2007, 09:48 PM	#12
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Thanks Jebb, the Frizzle 61 C10 / C5 is seriously impressive and definitely is inspiring me to get the 58 C4 officially started. Good news is the complete '85'vette suspension is on it's way from Michigan. I run a powder coating business so everythings getting a new finish. Flat out install kits for front and rear are ordered. I'll post detailed pics of powder coat process and build as it progresses. Got the fever. paul5663

03-10-2007, 04:14 PM	#13
Jebb1978 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,713	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Awsome! Can't wait to see what this one will turn out like! Fuchster that truck is gonna be NUTS! Nice work! __________________ 1959 GMC project

03-31-2007, 01:51 PM	#14
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Some recent developments: Suspension is in and work has officially begun. Recieved the FlatOut rear install kit and the parts appear to be of decent quality. Powder coated all four calipers. and will be posting more soon of A-arms and hubs and more to be coated. I ordered an "X-member" from Progressive Automotive to stiffen the frame. Hasn't arrived yet. Anyone used one of these before? Attached Images

08-08-2007, 09:59 PM	#15
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Apache - C4 install update It's been a while but have made some progress since last post. Got down to business on the frame and front and rear are both in place. Now to box entire frame and install Progressive Automotives X-member. Picked up some 18" Coy C5 wheels that should look fine. Mocked up what I could to get and idea on the stance. I'll add more as it goes down. Attached Images

08-09-2007, 12:37 AM	#16
MrSinister Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Everett Wa Posts: 70	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. great stance even without the heavy stuff in it __________________ '56 Big window 350/700r4 9" rear w/disc



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08-11-2007, 01:44 AM	#17
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. that is gonna be sinsiter looking. __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

10-14-2007, 03:46 PM	#18
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Latest on my 59....... have frame boxed and progessive X-member is in place. Next will be to place cab on frame to line up position of brake pedal bracket etc, as well as mock-up motor (opted for ZZ4) and trans (700R4) to position motor and trans mounts. Attached Images

10-14-2007, 04:21 PM	#19
Coronas56 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tropical Minnesota Posts: 282	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Did you center your wheels in the front fender?

10-14-2007, 04:36 PM	#20
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. I installed the crossmember onto the frame as directed by Flat Out's directions included with the kit. I mocked up the frontend and it was well centered (see pic) Attached Images

10-14-2007, 09:48 PM	#21
chevyrestoguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: apple valley, ca Posts: 2,670	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. I love it! Keep postin' them pics! Very nice fab work, by the way. Last edited by chevyrestoguy; 10-14-2007 at 09:48 PM.

10-14-2007, 09:49 PM	#22
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. This is starting to look killer...... Keep the pictures coming.. Always like seeing another 4 lighter come back to life .... Brian .... __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

10-14-2007, 09:57 PM	#23
pgf545 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Fe,Texas Posts: 933	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Paul, looks great. I am going to be installing the Progressive cross member soon....probably next weekend or the one after. Did you have any issues with it? From the looks of the directions it looks pretty straight forward. Keep up the great work. Bernie __________________ 52 Chevy Truck (Dad's) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=206021

10-15-2007, 06:17 PM	#25
paul5663 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hilton, NY Posts: 47	Re: New-B needs advice on C4 susp. Thanks Bernie and no, not any real problems w/ installation. Just square and measure often. Went pretty smooth, I'm not gonna win any pretty-weld beauty contest... thats for sure, but it'll hold. Brian, unfortunately Flat Out is only reachable by phone (714-639-2623). Good part is that Don is very knowledgable and will certainly take care of his customers, at least that is my experience so far.

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