Solid axle (gasser) A Body?

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There are a few of our members who are running straight axles, hopefully they will chime in.
 
It's possible. I almost bought a early 60 ?? Valiant. The guy had A100 front axle and 8 3/4 under it. It was pretty cool but wanted to much $$$$. I've seen others posted here also.
 
Yes it is possible provided you have the skill, time and tools to make it happen. Works best if you put a full frame and a roll cage in the car.
 
Gassers!!! I love Gassers!!!
Mopar Gassers are even better!!!

I saw a couple of straight axle a bodies at Lyons IN, when the Southeast Gassers were there last fall.
 
Look up "Funny car farm" He was a member here but I can't find much info.

funny car farm.jpg
 
Here is a Mopar that a local guy built. I helped with a few things during the build. This was a fairly involved project.
1644 (002).jpeg
 
66 was just about the last year for straight axles.
 
Mopar Sam said:
Gassers!!! I love Gassers!!!
Mopar Gassers are even better!!!

I saw a couple of straight axle a bodies at Lyons IN, when the Southeast Gassers were there last fall.
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I love the outrageous! Gassers and rat rods fit the bill! Thanks for the reply!
 
AndyF said:
Yes it is possible provided you have the skill, time and tools to make it happen. Works best if you put a full frame and a roll cage in the car.
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Thanks! I’m thinking full frame would be overkill? Defeats the purpose of building one from an A body? Roll cage a must. I remember seeing straight axle conversion kits somewhere.
 
Pom Pom said:
Thanks! I’m thinking full frame would be overkill? Defeats the purpose of building one from an A body? Roll cage a must. I remember seeing straight axle conversion kits somewhere.
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No, full frame is needed.
 
toolmanmike said:
If you're smart you will build a frame and/or cage.
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I think the frame would just add a crap ton of unnecessary weight... Now the roll bar for sure because it becomes a major support of the frame when you start from over top the front of the frame and weld it across to the rear of the frame like I did...
 
look up thompsonsgarage.com
I typed in Mopar Gasser Straight Front Axle kit and their web site came up.
I've been toying with the idea too.
 
j par said:
I think the frame would just add a crap ton of unnecessary weight... Now the roll bar for sure because it becomes a major support of the frame when you start from over top the front of the frame and weld it across to the rear of the frame like I did...
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Just add subframe connectors to a uni-body car and you have a full frame. Then add the cage and you're done. I'd want the front down tubes to hit the front subframe somewhere near where the front of the leaf springs mount to the car since that area isn't designed to carry any load. That is the big problem with doing a straight axle conversion, the load is put into the front subframe in places that the factory engineers were not expecting. So it all has to be beefed up, especially if the guy is going to be pulling the front end off the ground. If you don't have subframe connectors and the proper cage structure the front of the car will bend.
 
Darter6 said:
look up thompsonsgarage.com
I typed in Mopar Gasser Straight Front Axle kit and their web site came up.
I've been toying with the idea too.
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I'll drive down with a trailer and buy your 64 before I'll let you butcher it up with a straight axle.
 
AndyF said:
Just add subframe connectors to a uni-body car and you have a full frame. Then add the cage and you're done. I'd want the front down tubes to hit the front subframe somewhere near where the front of the leaf springs mount to the car since that area isn't designed to carry any load. That is the big problem with doing a straight axle conversion, the load is put into the front subframe in places that the factory engineers were not expecting. So it all has to be beefed up, especially if the guy is going to be pulling the front end off the ground. If you don't have subframe connectors and the proper cage structure the front of the car will bend.
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that's pretty much what I was thinking as well. I already welded subframe connectors a long time ago...
 
AndyF said:
Just add subframe connectors to a uni-body car and you have a full frame. Then add the cage and you're done. I'd want the front down tubes to hit the front subframe somewhere near where the front of the leaf springs mount to the car since that area isn't designed to carry any load. That is the big problem with doing a straight axle conversion, the load is put into the front subframe in places that the factory engineers were not expecting. So it all has to be beefed up, especially if the guy is going to be pulling the front end off the ground. If you don't have subframe connectors and the proper cage structure the front of the car will bend.
Click to expand...
That weak spot, so-to-speak, ran through my mind several times and I can see how a proper “complete” cage could possibly remedy the problem, short of building a whole new frame. Also this car of mine is a 4 door with pillars, which might be another possible weld attachment. Thanks.
 
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