Resto-Mod '57 brougham in progress

[Cad67Deville]

Cool, I like how the exhaust is going to be tucked up and routed through the frame and the drive-shaft tunnel is raised.

[INTMD8]

Good to see you making progress as well 

[57cadillac]

Good to see you making progress as well 

Other than waiting for the body work stage, I have made a few other decisions, the most important being a possible external mirror replacement.

I'm having second thoughts about the paint now and hopefully will get some ideas next time I go to the restoration shop.
Two tone is a possibility though not sure what colors to use for that so that it wouldn't be too weird.

[53ragtop]

A very interesting post!! I am a new member of this forum and look forward to obtaining ideas and information. I have a '57 Eldorado Seville project that I am currently in the "planning" phase. Intentions are to use the 365 w dual quads (unsure at this time about transmission choice) with no modifications to the body itself. My original thoughs were to sub frame and add a 4 link set up with a 9" Ford rear all with coil overs. Very similiar to yours except I would use the center section of the exsisting frame. I have been following INTMD8's posts/build and came across yours today. Any thought's as to just modifying the current frame as I described vs. a new frame? Have you tried to set the body on the frame yet for fit/function? Were/are you happy with the Fatman workmanship? I have seen an estimate on INTMD8's frame. Would you mind sharing the cost of your frame? What width tires are you running? I would appreaciate any thoughts from any one on this project.

Thanks for any input and Happy Holidays!!

Gary

North Central, IN

[INTMD8]

A very interesting post!! I am a new member of this forum and look forward to obtaining ideas and information. I have a '57 Eldorado Seville project that I am currently in the "planning" phase. Intentions are to use the 365 w dual quads (unsure at this time about transmission choice) with no modifications to the body itself. My original thoughs were to sub frame and add a 4 link set up with a 9" Ford rear all with coil overs. Very similiar to yours except I would use the center section of the exsisting frame. I have been following INTMD8's posts/build and came across yours today. Any thought's as to just modifying the current frame as I described vs. a new frame? Have you tried to set the body on the frame yet for fit/function? Were/are you happy with the Fatman workmanship? I have seen an estimate on INTMD8's frame. Would you mind sharing the cost of your frame? What width tires are you running? I would appreaciate any thoughts from any one on this project.

Thanks for any input and Happy Holidays!!

Gary

North Central, IN

Gary, I'll throw my .02 in on this.

I considered doing a front clip on my original frame and also a new rear end with triangulated 4-link but basically that would have left me with just the center part of the "X" frame and I wasn't really sure how rigid it would be. From what I've read it isn't the greatest in torsional stiffness.

Aside from that, buying a modern front frame section from say Art Morrison and then doing the rear suspension and frame reinforcement isn't exactly cheap either. If it didn't work out I would have spent 10K+ to modify the stock chassis so my decision was to just start from scratch.

I would recommend trying to decide what you want the car to do when you are finished with it and go from there.

[57cadillac]

Something new you guys might be interested in checking out. There's a new show called Canadian Restorers on History channel airing february 28th at 11 pm that my Brougham will be part of at some point.

http://www.history.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=265636

[53ragtop]

Thanks for the info on the History Channel program. Will be sure to watch and tape it.

Also want to thank you and INTMD8 for your information and input. I am still very much in the planning stage on my '57 Seville project. I am in the throws of a '57 Buick Special resto-mod build now that must be completed before the Caddy project is started. At this time I have been securing some items that will be needed for the Seville. Currently I am leaning toward a new frame but will likely use the original engine coupled to a 700R transmission and a 9" rear. I am looking for a cruiser with a nostalgic look--pretty much stock body. lower stance, wider tires and some modern upgrades to the A/C and electronics. I love the look of those Dual Quads!!! Changes in plans will likely follow as I watch your and INTMD8's
builds!!

Keep the pictures and update's coming!

Thanks,

Gary

[Carnut]

The Ford 9 in is a very strong rear, but not particularily efficeint. You lose a lot of horsepower through it.

[The Tassie Devil (Bruce Reynolds)]

The only really good reason for using the Ford 9" diff is that the parts are obtainable, the ratios are in abundance, they come in a multiplicity of widths, and are cheap.

They are reasonably strong, but not bullet-proof.

If you know the width and ratio you require, and don't plan on swapping gears, then there are better rear ends around.

Bruce.

[INTMD8]

With the right parts (everything aftermarket) it's hard to beat the strength of a ford 9".  In stock form (even a stock nodular housing) you are correct, not all that hard to break.

[57cadillac]

Not much really to add to the topic of differentials. As long as it is suitable for the new engine going in I'm fine with it.

Plus it seems that nearly every modified classic car has a ford 9" rear.

[Carnut]

I would look at a Ford 8.8" or a GM 8.5 inch 10 bolt. Both are used in 4WD pickups (½ ton) and muscle cars. The Ford for sure comes as a solid axle or an IRS. Both are readily available in a variety of ratios and widths.