bolt in c notch any good? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 08:49 AM

hey guys i was wondering if bolt in notch is any good. or is it better to weld in?
i dont have a welder, and have never welded. so thats why im asking if its worth bolting one in or better to have it welded in.
are there any pros vs cons ?
thanks

*lakeroadster* · 11-05-2010, 09:00 AM

Think of it this way, have you ever seen a truck frame (the frame itself) that was bolted together? Not the attachments to the frame, but the actual frame itself?

Therefore, from a pure strength and mechanical engineering viewpoint it is better to weld it in... but:

If you plan to use your truck, as a truck, hauling and towing, then you want a notch designed for towing and hauling and it should be welded to the frame.

If you plan to use your truck purely as a means of transportation, no hauling or towing, then a bolt in kit is sufficient.

Some of the simple c-notch kits are scary! Go with a reputable kit from a reputable company: Bell Tech, CPP and Porterbuilt all build a quality notch kit.

Here is a link to other posts that will no doubt provide you with hours of reading: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1957427&pp=25

Good luck and be sure to buy a good quality kit. This is one area that good engineering truly matters.

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 09:10 AM

thanks for reply.
im looking at a kit from cpp. comes with a bolt in notch. i guess it can be welded in right?
or do i buy a specific for welding notch?
thanks for help and sorry for dumb questions.

**N2TRUX** · 11-05-2010, 09:13 AM

Buy a good quality unit, bolt it in and enjoy. When you do the cut out for the notch be sure to drill holes where the cut lines intersect on the frame. This will help to prevent a sharp intersection that could promote stress cracking. Beyond that you should be fine.

SCOTI · 11-05-2010, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonroman

thanks for reply.
im looking at a kit from cpp. comes with a bolt in notch. i guess it can be welded in right?
or do i buy a specific for welding notch?
thanks for help and sorry for dumb questions.

Bolt-it in to get you going & then take it by a welding shop that can weld it properly.

*lakeroadster* · 11-05-2010, 09:13 AM

If I were buying a kit I would bolt and weld, but that's me. I would suggest you call CPP and talk with them.

**N2TRUX** · 11-05-2010, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonroman

thanks for reply.
im looking at a kit from cpp. comes with a bolt in notch. i guess it can be welded in right?
or do i buy a specific for welding notch?
thanks for help and sorry for dumb questions.

Some kits are designed to be weld in only. There should be no difference other than the holes. If you really want to be sure, bolt it in and have it welded too. If strength is a concern, contact Jeff at CPP (CPPJeff) and ask about his super heavy duty unit.

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 09:19 AM

thats what i was thinking maybe as an option. didnt know if that could be done. i called a local shop for a price on installing spindles, flip kit, coils and a notch and dude told me 5oo. so 4 plus shipping for kit, then 500. seems alot to lower truck.
im not much of a mechanic, so i didnt think i would try this install myself.
my luck ill mess something up, or as in past, end up with extra bolts....
but thinking i may try it after i finish up my bodywork that i am attempting to do now.
not a body man either.
so we will see.
thanks for replies guys.
much appreciated.

**N2TRUX** · 11-05-2010, 09:41 AM

Don't be afraid to tackle the lowering yourself. Find a buddy that has some experience and take it one end at a time. Its fairly straightforward and you can gain all the knowledge you need on this forum to be successful at the job.

MONTEZ · 11-05-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonroman

thats what i was thinking maybe as an option. didnt know if that could be done. i called a local shop for a price on installing spindles, flip kit, coils and a notch and dude told me 5oo. so 4 plus shipping for kit, then 500. seems alot to lower truck.
im not much of a mechanic, so i didnt think i would try this install myself.
my luck ill mess something up, or as in past, end up with extra bolts....
but thinking i may try it after i finish up my bodywork that i am attempting to do now.
not a body man either.
so we will see.
thanks for replies guys.
much appreciated.

Most shops would run around $1k for a static drop installed if they supply the parts. So that would be about right. Really though static drops are easy to install. Unbolt old parts, bolt in the new ones.... with a little modification here an there, but I'd say difficulty level wise, on a scale of 10, I'd give it a 3.

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 09:46 AM

im strongly considering giving it a go.
i dont have many friends for help. or mechanic friends....
now a days, its me and my kids.
2 kids a wife and a ton of bills, you know the drill
anyway, ill keep looking for write ups on how to's.
i found one for the flip kit, but all pics were red x'd.
ill give it a try once holidays are over. xmas coming and my sons bday is on xmas......
so ill get there...just not tomorrow.
thanks again guys

cdowns · 11-05-2010, 09:53 AM

weld in c notch looks better but as far as strength there really is no stress on the frame back there on a coil suspended truck unless you have a swaybar attached to the rear of the frame rail// so in most cases boltin is more than strong enough for the application

*lakeroadster* · 11-05-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

weld in c notch looks better but as far as strength there really is no stress on the frame back there on a coil suspended truck unless you have a swaybar attached to the rear of the frame rail// so in most cases boltin is more than strong enough for the application

Unless you haul loads or pull a trailer. And long beds stress the notch area more than a shortbed.

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 10:11 AM

dont have a boat to pull. and dont tow or load much, but its a truck i bought, to have truck abilities, so, i might just look to have it welded. maybe i can do the spindles, springs, and flip and just have notch welded in??

SCOTI · 11-05-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonroman

dont have a boat to pull. and dont tow or load much, but its a truck i bought, to have truck abilities, so, i might just look to have it welded. maybe i can do the spindles, springs, and flip and just have notch welded in??

How much drop are you considering & what year truck?

*Shane* · 11-05-2010, 10:19 AM

Out of the thousands of bolt-in C-notches out there, I would be willing to bet not one person reading this post has ever encountered first-hand a C-notch failing due to being bolted in rather than welded.

Bolt-in is fine, even pulling a trailer or hauling loads.

The number and classification of fasteners used to attached the notch adequately equates to any welding process.

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 10:25 AM

truck is an 85 gmc
couple pics....truck, blue is 85
one shot of some sanding....grill, bumper, lights are off...little bodywork and then im priming the front, gonna pull off bed and do that seperate.
the gray one is my old 82...that i shoulda never sold....after a guy put fenders and a little body work for me.

plan on 4/6 or 5/7.....in that ballpark..

**N2TRUX** · 11-05-2010, 10:47 AM

Based on what you have said I would approach it like this. Buy a drop spindle for the front and cut one coil off the stock spring. For a good deal on spindles take a look at the stickies in this forum.

For the rear you can buy a lowering shackle and raise the spring perch, or go with the flip kit. If you can save the money by doing it yourself, maybe consider have a "competent" shop build a small rear notch.

Please DO NOT consider AIM/Chassis Tech to cut costs

jasonroman · 11-05-2010, 11:44 AM

coils, drop spindles, flip kit and c-notch kit...<<<this is what jeff at cpp told me he could get me for my desired 4/6 drop.
im pretty sure thats with a 2.5 spindle....now after reading here and there i think i may want 3 inch spindles. mainly because, i, like many will prob want it lower.
but figure 3 in spindles. cut one coil off front. >>>i was thinking about cutting coil off front spring....maybe i dont need cpp coils??? or maybe better off just getting them with kit??

flip kit for rear. ive read you need notch for this drop, and then ive read you dont need notch for this drop, but i will want a notch. the 82 had one and it drove great.

maybe im better off, splitting up the kit...
getting 3 in spindle.
flip kit.
no coils or notch....

use my springs for now, and buy a weld in notch instead of bolt in notch.

im planning on pulling bed at some point.
so if it aint too much of a pain to put on and off, i can, fingers crossed, install spindles and flip sucessfully, and then have notch welded in.?

n2trux....you saying maybe i can save on notch buy having a shop that can, make me one for less than i would pay for a notch?

SCOTI · 11-05-2010, 11:45 AM

4/6 drops likely won't need a c-notch; 5/7 drops will.

camaro__thunder · 11-05-2010, 01:13 PM

AVS sells this one for 73-87 but it is most likely bigger than what you want/need for a static drop. Just another option.

catch2otwo · 10-14-2018, 05:04 PM

food for thought.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=457037

edit: oops sorry for the resurection

11-05-2010, 08:49 AM	#1
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	bolt in c notch any good? hey guys i was wondering if bolt in notch is any good. or is it better to weld in? i dont have a welder, and have never welded. so thats why im asking if its worth bolting one in or better to have it welded in. are there any pros vs cons ? thanks

11-05-2010, 09:00 AM	#2
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: bolt in c notch any good? Think of it this way, have you ever seen a truck frame (the frame itself) that was bolted together? Not the attachments to the frame, but the actual frame itself? Therefore, from a pure strength and mechanical engineering viewpoint it is better to weld it in... but: If you plan to use your truck, as a truck, hauling and towing, then you want a notch designed for towing and hauling and it should be welded to the frame. If you plan to use your truck purely as a means of transportation, no hauling or towing, then a bolt in kit is sufficient. Some of the simple c-notch kits are scary! Go with a reputable kit from a reputable company: Bell Tech, CPP and Porterbuilt all build a quality notch kit. Here is a link to other posts that will no doubt provide you with hours of reading: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1957427&pp=25 Good luck and be sure to buy a good quality kit. This is one area that good engineering truly matters. Last edited by lakeroadster; 11-05-2010 at 09:11 AM.

11-05-2010, 09:10 AM	#3
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: bolt in c notch any good? thanks for reply. im looking at a kit from cpp. comes with a bolt in notch. i guess it can be welded in right? or do i buy a specific for welding notch? thanks for help and sorry for dumb questions.

11-05-2010, 09:13 AM	#4
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: bolt in c notch any good? Buy a good quality unit, bolt it in and enjoy. When you do the cut out for the notch be sure to drill holes where the cut lines intersect on the frame. This will help to prevent a sharp intersection that could promote stress cracking. Beyond that you should be fine. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-05-2010, 09:13 AM	#6
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: bolt in c notch any good? If I were buying a kit I would bolt and weld, but that's me. I would suggest you call CPP and talk with them. Last edited by lakeroadster; 11-05-2010 at 09:15 AM.

11-05-2010, 09:19 AM	#8
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: bolt in c notch any good? thats what i was thinking maybe as an option. didnt know if that could be done. i called a local shop for a price on installing spindles, flip kit, coils and a notch and dude told me 5oo. so 4 plus shipping for kit, then 500. seems alot to lower truck. im not much of a mechanic, so i didnt think i would try this install myself. my luck ill mess something up, or as in past, end up with extra bolts.... but thinking i may try it after i finish up my bodywork that i am attempting to do now. not a body man either. so we will see. thanks for replies guys. much appreciated.

11-05-2010, 09:41 AM	#9
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: bolt in c notch any good? Don't be afraid to tackle the lowering yourself. Find a buddy that has some experience and take it one end at a time. Its fairly straightforward and you can gain all the knowledge you need on this forum to be successful at the job. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-05-2010, 09:46 AM	#11
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: bolt in c notch any good? im strongly considering giving it a go. i dont have many friends for help. or mechanic friends.... now a days, its me and my kids. 2 kids a wife and a ton of bills, you know the drill anyway, ill keep looking for write ups on how to's. i found one for the flip kit, but all pics were red x'd. ill give it a try once holidays are over. xmas coming and my sons bday is on xmas...... so ill get there...just not tomorrow. thanks again guys

11-05-2010, 09:53 AM	#12
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: bolt in c notch any good? weld in c notch looks better but as far as strength there really is no stress on the frame back there on a coil suspended truck unless you have a swaybar attached to the rear of the frame rail// so in most cases boltin is more than strong enough for the application __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-05-2010, 10:11 AM	#14
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: bolt in c notch any good? dont have a boat to pull. and dont tow or load much, but its a truck i bought, to have truck abilities, so, i might just look to have it welded. maybe i can do the spindles, springs, and flip and just have notch welded in??

11-05-2010, 10:19 AM	#16
Shane Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: over yonder Posts: 14,270	Re: bolt in c notch any good? Out of the thousands of bolt-in C-notches out there, I would be willing to bet not one person reading this post has ever encountered first-hand a C-notch failing due to being bolted in rather than welded. Bolt-in is fine, even pulling a trailer or hauling loads. The number and classification of fasteners used to attached the notch adequately equates to any welding process.

11-05-2010, 10:25 AM	#17
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: bolt in c notch any good? truck is an 85 gmc couple pics....truck, blue is 85 one shot of some sanding....grill, bumper, lights are off...little bodywork and then im priming the front, gonna pull off bed and do that seperate. the gray one is my old 82...that i shoulda never sold....after a guy put fenders and a little body work for me. plan on 4/6 or 5/7.....in that ballpark..

11-05-2010, 10:47 AM	#18
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: bolt in c notch any good? Based on what you have said I would approach it like this. Buy a drop spindle for the front and cut one coil off the stock spring. For a good deal on spindles take a look at the stickies in this forum. For the rear you can buy a lowering shackle and raise the spring perch, or go with the flip kit. If you can save the money by doing it yourself, maybe consider have a "competent" shop build a small rear notch. Please DO NOT consider AIM/Chassis Tech to cut costs Attached Images __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-05-2010, 11:44 AM	#19
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: bolt in c notch any good? coils, drop spindles, flip kit and c-notch kit...<<<this is what jeff at cpp told me he could get me for my desired 4/6 drop. im pretty sure thats with a 2.5 spindle....now after reading here and there i think i may want 3 inch spindles. mainly because, i, like many will prob want it lower. but figure 3 in spindles. cut one coil off front. >>>i was thinking about cutting coil off front spring....maybe i dont need cpp coils??? or maybe better off just getting them with kit?? flip kit for rear. ive read you need notch for this drop, and then ive read you dont need notch for this drop, but i will want a notch. the 82 had one and it drove great. maybe im better off, splitting up the kit... getting 3 in spindle. flip kit. no coils or notch.... use my springs for now, and buy a weld in notch instead of bolt in notch. im planning on pulling bed at some point. so if it aint too much of a pain to put on and off, i can, fingers crossed, install spindles and flip sucessfully, and then have notch welded in.? n2trux....you saying maybe i can save on notch buy having a shop that can, make me one for less than i would pay for a notch?

11-05-2010, 11:45 AM	#20
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,066	Re: bolt in c notch any good? 4/6 drops likely won't need a c-notch; 5/7 drops will. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



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11-05-2010, 01:13 PM	#21
camaro__thunder Epoxy Primer Friendly Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: South of Houston TEXXXAS Posts: 680	Re: bolt in c notch any good? AVS sells this one for 73-87 but it is most likely bigger than what you want/need for a static drop. Just another option. __________________ My Project 69 SWB SHAVED BAGGED DOORED

10-14-2018, 05:04 PM	#22
catch2otwo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: SF Posts: 347	Re: bolt in c notch any good? food for thought. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=457037 edit: oops sorry for the resurection Last edited by catch2otwo; 10-14-2018 at 05:23 PM.

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