Sneak Peak - Our new bolt-in Chevy II rear suspension

Here a couple early stage mock=up pictures of whats going to be a complete bolt-in ladder bar, coil-overs and panhard bar kit for the chevy II.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00293.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00291.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00290.jpg

We also have a new bolt-on front suspension and rack conversion in the works as well.



Bryan Norman
Autofab Race Cars
Marketing / New Product Development
410 796 8777

410-796- = Maryland. Elkridge, baltimore area?????

Welcome to the site.

Thank you, Yes were just South of Baltimore on Route 1, right off Route 100.

you advertise on racingjunk alot dont you?

any ideas yet on ********:turn:

is this kit designed for a nova thats mini tubed?????more pics. please
don

Yes we do advertise on racing junk. The car does not need to be mini tubbed to use this kit. However we do also offer another chevy II specific weld-in kit for a tubbed car that allows you to keep the back seats (up to a certain tub height). We do not have pricing available yet as the kit is still in development. Should have pricing soon and hoping to have on the shelf ready to ship by May 1st. Will get more pictures as soon as they are available.

i'm very curious about a front rack kit that will adapt to a cpp front end and not reduce the turning radius.you got anything that fits the bill?
leftcoast carl.

Very trick! I could have used something like that when I raced my car before the 4-link.

Because of the TIGHT fender to wheel clearance, wouldn't it be better to make a "bolt on" triangular 4-link to assume NO side to side movement issues occur, or would it not be a "bolt-on" at that point because you would have to weld the upper arms?

-Brent Thomas
Ohio

Hey Brian You guys looking for any help?

Seems overly complicated to me. Would be simple to adjust the pinion angle with wedge shims. I suspect most users would not adjust the pinion angle anyway.

Eventually, someone will come along with a simple short arm to replace the front half of the leaf and use the same panhard rod/coil over design you have in back. Would be very elegant and much less costly. Simple is good. Inexpensive is good.

Man where was this when I owned my 67? :yes: Why is that all the cool stuff alway's comes out after U sale "THAT CAR"?

BTHOMAS67Wagon - There is a panhard bar integrated with the kit that eliminates any side to side movement. I attached a picture below.

tvnl - send me a PM

photoman - the whole idea is to get rid of the leaf spring. A ladder bar itself is nothing new or that complicated and has been used by many, for years.

All brackets and bars will be fully tig welded and powder coated in the kits finished form.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00294.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00295.jpg

What supports the upper end of the spring? If you choose to move the bars inboard for tire clearance, can the upper shock mount move with it?
Will the panhard bar clear a larger rear axle, like a 9" Ford or a 12-bolt?

What supports the upper end of the spring? If you choose to move the bars inboard for tire clearance, can the upper shock mount move with it?
Will the panhard bar clear a larger rear axle, like a 9" Ford or a 12-bolt?

The panhard bar will clear a 9" and 12-bolt. The spring is supported with then standard coil-over hardware (springs and hardware not shown in pictures). This kit is designed for an untubbed car, for a mini tubbed or fully tubbed car our welded in version is required.

Bryan@Autofab,

I like the looks of your kit. Hope you'll keep in touch with this one Bryan. I'm building a '63 Hardtop and don't have a rearend set up yet. If the price is reasonable I'll take one.

Thanks, Ed

Does this kit allow for a little wider tire?
About how much do you expect the price to be?

Does this kit allow for a little wider tire?
About how much do you expect the price to be?

It does allow for a wider tire because it allows you to go all the way up to the fenderwell with the elimination of the leaf springs. I dont have an exact tire width but I will work on getting that measurement today. As far as price goes I'm working on getting the details together so I can price the kit but dont have a price as of yet. It will be priced very reasonably however.

Will there be a kit for 3rd gens?

Bryan as the pinion rotates up under a load all of the torque looks to be applied at spring perch is there any welding to be done on the backside of the axle tubes to help spread the torque load ? I have actually ripped the spring perches from the axle tubes with leafsprings and 26x10 slicks!

Bryan as the pinion rotates up under a load all of the torque looks to be applied at spring perch is there any welding to be done on the backside of the axle tubes to help spread the torque load ? I have actually ripped the spring perches from the axle tubes with leafsprings and 26x10 slicks!

The spring perches can be welded and braced. All of our brackets fit well enough they can also be welded in, if you choose to do so. We do recommend bracing the factory spring perches in a full time drag car situation.

Does this kit allow for a little wider tire?
About how much do you expect the price to be?

If the stock rubber limiter bumper is removed, you will have 11 1/2" of space without modifying the outer lip.

If the stock rubber limiter bumper is removed, you will have 11 1/2" of space without modifying the outer lip.

NIce! I like it!:yes:
Please keep us informed on the price.

One other question. How do you adjust the ride hieght? Mine is curently lowered, and want to keep it that way if I went to something like this.

NIce! I like it!:yes:
Please keep us informed on the price.

One other question. How do you adjust the ride hieght? Mine is curently lowered, and want to keep it that way if I went to something like this.

It has adjustable shock mounts that gives you adjustability from stock ride height down to 2 1/2" lowered ride height. You also have some adjustability in the coil-over shock itself.

It has adjustable shock mounts that gives you adjustability from stock ride height down to 2 1/2" lowered ride height. You also have some adjustability in the coil-over shock itself.


Cool. I sent you a pm.

Me likey, please keep us informed on the progress!!

Cool! I'm interested simply because I want to run a bigger tire!

I like the idea of it being a complete bolt on deal, but how is it for a car that is mainly street driven?
I've read through a few post about ladders vs. 4 links and most seem to agree that 4 links are better for the street, and ladders have a really rough ride. I don't have any experience with either so I'm curious as to how this one will ride?

I'm also wondering the exact same thing as Nwayne :yes:

photoman - the whole idea is to get rid of the leaf spring. A ladder bar itself is nothing new or that complicated and has been used by many, for years.

Yes I understand. I just don't understand the added complexity of an adjustable upper bar when you can adjust pinion angle with simple wedge shims.

I have bought from AutoFab and what a great place to deal with. The sold me the complete center section for my new 9 inch moser rearend. I also bought the very cool weld in / bolt in drive shaft loop for the 68-74 nova.

The price they offer is second to none. I coould not get anyone to touch the price they give on the center section by a few hundred dollars.

joe
tampa fl

Ladder bar and 4-Links have a comparable ride quality on the street. You will have a slightly rougher ride than with leaf springs. The ladder bars are your answer for wheel hop issues, free up some tire space and put the power to the ground but you do sacrafice some ride quality but its not a drastic change. We have alot of customers that have the same street rod ladder bar design that we incorporated in this kit, on there street driven cars and are very happy with it.

How about an air ride option?

If the price is right on this sign me up I like it. Im rebuilding my 66!!:yes:

Len

Pictures of the sub-frame connectors that are included with the kit. These will also be powder coated in there finished form. They can be bolted or welded in. Remember the ones pictured have not been fully welded yet either.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00322.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00323.jpg

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r51/dragstang86/DSC00324.jpg

will these kits work for 68-72 Novas also?

will these kits work for 68-72 Novas also?

Some pieces of the kit for a 68-74 will be the same. It wouldn't take much for us to design the same type of kit for it, we just need to get one in the shop to do so.

Some pieces of the kit for a 68-74 will be the same. It wouldn't take much for us to design the same type of kit for it, we just need to get one in the shop to do so.

I can bring you mine...it is still some what disassembled so things are easy to get to. I'm not to far from you in SOMD.

I'd send you mine but i'm on the left coast :(:(
I think that road trip might be a little far.

Pictures of the sub-frame connectors that are included with the kit. These will also be powder coated in there finished form. They can be bolted or welded in. Remember the ones pictured have not been fully welded yet either.

I have to say, Bryan, I found myself inadvertently looking for another Chevy II to possibly buy just to install your kit...it's that cool!

Whats included with the kit:

Pair of Subframe Connectors made from 4130 Chrome-moly
Our "Street Rod Ladder Bar" with all the custom brackets to make it a bolt-in kit. All 4130 chrome-moly tubing.
QA1 Single Adjustable Coil-Overs (upgrade to double adjustable available)
QA1 Springs with choice of spring rate.
Integrated Panhard bar and reactor bar made from 4130 chome-moly.
Integrated adjustable shock mounts.
Everything comes powder coated in Hammertone. Other color options available for additional charge.
Grade 8 hardware included.


You do not have to weld the housing brackets to the rear like other "bolt-in" kits. It also includes a much nicer coil-over shocks than what is included in other kits that do not offer adjustable valving.

The entire kit can be installed with a drill, 3/8" drill bit, a die grinder for one step and basic hand tools. The average person should be able to install this kit in 3-4 hours.

We are going to have an introductory price of $1249.99 on PRE-orders. Kits should be on the shelf and ready to ship the first week of May. The tenative pre-order date will run until May 1st, this date may be extended depending on production time. After the pre-order date this kit will be priced around $1549.99 - $1599.99.

Kits will be available uncoated for a $75 discount if desired. (ladder bars themselves will still be powder coated however)

I have to say, Bryan, I found myself inadvertently looking for another Chevy II to possibly buy just to install your kit...it's that cool!

Glad to hear it! We do our best to be innovative and think outside the box!

Alot of us guys already have subframe connectors installed. Would you drop the price if they weren't included? Maybe get double adjustable shocks instead of the subframe connectors?? thanks

Do you have any pics of it with the tires on and the car sitting on the ground? Does it hang down much lower than the current leafs and shock setup?

jaysunal - You would need to send me pictures of your current subframe connectors, specifically where they tie into the front leaf spring mount. Will need to be sure they are sufficient to be used with this kit. If they are sufficient than yes we would be able to discount the kit and sell without them. An upgrade to QA1 Double adjustables are a $225 option.

Nwayne - The ladder bar sits at close to the same height as the leaf spring.

First batch is at the powder coaters and the pre-orders are coming in. Any custom color may take an additional turn around time depending on time of order.

Very cool Bryan, I like the setup!

get that 3rd gen stuff going.... I am ready.... been looking for a better solution than caltrac/slapper bar...



My 72 needs this bad...

Bryan,
Will that panhard bar clear a T/A cover on the rear? In the first photos it looks pretty close to the stock rear cover.
Does the kit include standard or moly heims ends?
Also, how much clearance is there between the panhard bar and the coil-over springs?
Finally, what kind of instant center should this kit achieve? Is it somewhat equivalent to a longer/standard ladder bar?

Thanks..

Bryan,
Will that panhard bar clear a T/A cover on the rear? In the first photos it looks pretty close to the stock rear cover.
Does the kit include standard or moly heims ends?
Also, how much clearance is there between the panhard bar and the coil-over springs?
Finally, what kind of instant center should this kit achieve? Is it somewhat equivalent to a longer/standard ladder bar?

Thanks..

Unfortunately we no longer have the kit on a car in the shop so I can not get exact measurements. I know there is sufficient room for any of the aftermarket rear covers. There is also sufficient clearence between the panhard bar and coil-over springs. The instant center would greatly depend on where the ride height is set at. It does not have the amount of adjustability that our standard ladder bar kit does as it has a fixed front mounting point. The goal of this kit was to replace the leaf springs with a moderately functioning ladder bar, while maintaining the back seats and making it a bolt on kit.

Thanks,

So what kind/size rod ends are you using in the ladder bar part of this kit?
What kind of power/track abuse can they take before you really start to recommend a different suspension approach IE: ladder bars, 4-link, etc.?? For example, is this one of the bolt on suspension kit capable of withstanding a 3000# 9 second car and still hooking consistently?

Sorry.. I know, I'm the one who asks the P.I.A. questions.:devil:

So what kind/size rod ends are you using in the ladder bar part of this kit?
What kind of power/track abuse can they take before you really start to recommend a different suspension approach IE: ladder bars, 4-link, etc.?? For example, is this one of the bolt on suspension kit capable of withstanding a 3000# 9 second car and still hooking consistently?

Sorry.. I know, I'm the one who asks the P.I.A. questions.:devil:

We use all 3/4" x 3/4" QA1 Rod ends in this kit. Like standard ladder bar, the ends on the housing side are solid rod ends and the front rod ends are spherical. The kit comes standard with mild steel rod ends, but can be upgraded to QA1 chrome-moly ends for an additional $30.

This suspension will handle whatever you are able to throw at it with the given tire size. The tire size that you are able to run will be your limiting factor, not the suspension itself. If the tire can take it, the suspension will too.

I'm still quite a ways away from getting to this point but I am excited to see another option. My question is sort of vague but I wanted to get some input. My car will NOT be a DD and only a weekend fun car. I'm planning to put around a 500 HP, at the crank, engine in the car. So...what is the ride quality of this system? What is the advantage of this system over some of the others. I have heard it will be 'harsher' than a leaf spring set up or even a 4 link. I'm just curious about my choices and why I would get this over one of the others, including an upgraded leaf springs susupension....

Looks like the exhaust system may be an issue as well.

I'm still quite a ways away from getting to this point but I am excited to see another option. My question is sort of vague but I wanted to get some input. My car will NOT be a DD and only a weekend fun car. I'm planning to put around a 500 HP, at the crank, engine in the car. So...what is the ride quality of this system? What is the advantage of this system over some of the others. I have heard it will be 'harsher' than a leaf spring set up or even a 4 link. I'm just curious about my choices and why I would get this over one of the others, including an upgraded leaf springs susupension....


No aftermarket 4-link / ladder bar suspensions will give the ride quality of a good leaf spring. The advantages are peformance oriented, fixing wheel hop problems, traction, weight transfer etc. Our ladder bar suspension has a very comparable ride quality as the 4-link kits on the market. The advantages to our kit is theres no welding required where the "bolt-in 4-link kits" that I have seen still require brackets welded to the housing. Our kit also comes with a much higher quality adjustable valving QA1 coil-over and QA1 springs vs. others that come with cheap non-adjustable shocks. All pieces of our kit also come powder coated.

As far as exhaust goes...there will probably be some sort of custom exhaust or fabrication to the exhaust needed to go all the way out the back.

Can you sell this kit without the shocks for those of us that want to run shock waves.:yes:

Can you sell this kit without the shocks for those of us that want to run shock waves.:yes:

We can sell the kit minus shocks and springs. Don't have an exact price on it minus shocks/springs but would be in the neighborhood of $275 - $300 cheaper.

Bryan need to ask you something. I am running the AutoFab coil over kit for the 66-67 ChevyII front end. They have been on the car around two years and the springs are collapsing. On one side is gone and the other is not far behind. Has QA1 said anything about this? I got them from Chevy2Only. Have you heard of this before?

Sorry to but in on this post.

Nice looking kit. Looks similar in design to the Fatman Wonder Bar for 3rd gens, but a very different execution. Probably stronger with the upper support and stout tubing. The Fatman system is suppose to work well on the street as long as you don't allow too much suspension travel. I like the looks of it better than the Fatman too.

Can you use 1/2 inch U-bolts with this? Looks like there is room. It would add a lot of strength to the perch attachment. Also, how is the fitment with multi-leaf purches?

Bryan need to ask you something. I am running the AutoFab coil over kit for the 66-67 ChevyII front end. They have been on the car around two years and the springs are collapsing. On one side is gone and the other is not far behind. Has QA1 said anything about this? I got them from Chevy2Only. Have you heard of this before?

Sorry to but in on this post.

The Chevy II only kit is a copy of our kit but is not actually ours. As far as the issue you are having, it is the first I have heard of that problem. We have lots of customers that have been using our kit for over 6 years without any issue. You may of recieved a bad batch of springs.

QA1's spring warranty reads as follows:

All QA1 springs are lifetime guaranteed to remain within 5% of the original free height under normal operating conditions.

So basically as long as Chevy II only uses the same spring height with there kit as we do which is a 12" spring. You can take off your springs and they should measure a minimum of 11.40" with no load on them. If they do not than QA1 will replace them free of charge.

QA1 - 1 800 721 7761, Dave Goldie is probably the best guy to deal with there.

I hope I have been of some help.

Thanks a lot. I was sure they were yours did not know they were a copy. Sorry for saying that. I will call QA1 and see what they say. Mine the worst one is down to 10.25" Off the car.
Thanks a lot for the help.

Can you use 1/2 inch U-bolts with this? Looks like there is room. It would add a lot of strength to the perch attachment. Also, how is the fitment with multi-leaf purches?

Im not sure so I passed your question onto the kit engineer and I will get back to you as soon as I get an answer.

Bump, any update?

I ordered mine last week. just waiting on its arrival!!:D

Len

Mine is on order as well. I cant wait to get it in. I have already disassembled everything in preparation for its arrival. I wanted to get a head of the game and take all of the rusty old junk off and deal with the stubborn old bolts.

It also gave me some time to clean and POR the rear end and install some new axles and a T/A cover.

I might call autofab today and check in to see if they have any updates on the delivery.

Sorry for the long post...just getting excited!!!

-JZ

The first batch of the standard hammertone powder coated kits as well as the black kits are expected to ship tomorrow. Our front suspension and rack kit are also coming along nicely. Our rack kit is going to have an adjustable mount up and down as well as front to back for clearance with different headers and oil pans.

The first batch of the standard hammertone powder coated kits as well as the black kits are expected to ship tomorrow. Our front suspension and rack kit are also coming along nicely. Our rack kit is going to have an adjustable mount up and down as well as front to back for clearance with different headers and oil pans.

How are you going to compensate for bumpsteer and ackerman if the rack mount is adjustable? Tie rod spacers? Adjustable steering arms?

How are you going to compensate for bumpsteer and ackerman if the rack mount is adjustable? Tie rod spacers? Adjustable steering arms?

We havn't gotten that far with it yet but it will all be figured out. Just wanted to give a little sneak peak of what we are working on. We are hoping to have one ready for display at the Ocean City Car Week car show May 16th - 18th.

Hey Bryan have the rear 4 links shipped yet? I'm tired of sleeping on the porch waiting for it to arrive. Im just to excited and ready to install something new on the nova!

Len:D

I got mine today, they are SWEET! I cant wait to get under the car tomorrow to install. all of the pieces look top notch and the powder coating is great. I will get some pictures to brian as soon as I get mine installed so he can post them for everyone to see.

Everyone can rest easy, this is a GREAT kit.

Jamin

We havn't gotten that far with it yet but it will all be figured out. Just wanted to give a little sneak peak of what we are working on. We are hoping to have one ready for display at the Ocean City Car Week car show May 16th - 18th.Have you tryed this out on a wagon yet??

Hey Bryan have the rear 4 links shipped yet? I'm tired of sleeping on the porch waiting for it to arrive. Im just to excited and ready to install something new on the nova!

Len:D

The hammer tone and black kits have shipped so if you ordered one of those you should be seeing it any day. I know we are waiting on some silver ones to come back from the powder coaters early next week and be ready to ship by mid week.

I got mine today, they are SWEET! I cant wait to get under the car tomorrow to install. all of the pieces look top notch and the powder coating is great. I will get some pictures to brian as soon as I get mine installed so he can post them for everyone to see.

Everyone can rest easy, this is a GREAT kit.

Jamin

Glad to hear it. I'm anxious to see the pictures :yes:

Have you tryed this out on a wagon yet??

We havn't installed one on a wagon yet but it shouldn't be any different with the exception of a heavier spring rate.

Bryan, got my stuff today and it looks awesome! I cant wait to install it. The welds and powdercoat look great as well. Well worth the cost of admision. thnks again.

Len:D

Bryan, got my stuff today and it looks awesome! I cant wait to install it. The welds and powdercoat look great as well. Well worth the cost of admision. thnks again.

Len:D

Glald to hear it! Shoot me over some pictures and feedback after you get it installed!

Hmm.?? BUMP...

Anyone finished their install yet? I'm very interested.:yes:

I just finished my install today. I get some pics up soon. I'm trying to work out some adjustment issues with the shocks- car is not sitting evenly.

Len

How did the exhaust come out. I'm thinking of using this setup but was worried about the exhaust.

Pictures would be great..

Thanks Mitch

I just finished my install today. I get some pics up soon. I'm trying to work out some adjustment issues with the shocks- car is not sitting evenly.

Len

I just finished my install today. I get some pics up soon. I'm trying to work out some adjustment issues with the shocks- car is not sitting evenly.

Len

That would be a ladder bar adjustment, they are what holds the rear axle in it's axis. Try turning one of the adjustable links in the upper part of the bar and it should let you level the car out.

I thought the upper bars adjusted the pinion angle? Is that what you are talking about?:confused:

Len

Bryan's on vacation this week or I'm sure he would chime in......

Anyway, If you turn them both equally yes they will change only the pinion angle but if you turn only one it will change the rotation of the rear axle in the car making the car lean to one side or the other. Once you have that set you can set the pinion angle by turning them both equally.

Trying to think of a visual to help..... Okay imagine the axle out of the car with wheels and tires bolted up, the ladder bars bolted to them with the front of both bars touching the floor. If you shorten the turnbuckle at the top of the right hand bar it would lift the front of that bar off the floor. Now if everything was bolted in the car you would actually be lifting the entire right side of the car. Make sense?

OK, so if the passenger side is high, I can turn the top adjuster on that side and bring the car back down? I assume my pinion angle will then need to be readjusted. I'll give it a try as soon as I get some time. thnks for the help.

Len:D

One more quick question. Should I do this with the car sitting on the ground or should I support the body and let the suspension hang? thaks
Len

I would jack up the car and support it with jackstands under the rear axle and make the adjustments, you don't need to raise the front really. Measure from the axle to the frame right above and get both sides even, that should level the car out.

Thanks For All The Help.

Shure thing!! you get it right?

Todd,
I think I have it down, if not I'll let you know. I probably wont get to it until tomorrow.
Len

I finally got the 4 link installed and adjusted! Here's a few pics, although they are not great pictures. http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/LEN2708/nova0http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/LEN2708/nova064.jpg59.jpghttp://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/LEN2708/nova059.jpghttp://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg106/LEN2708/nova058.jpg:D

I am curious to know what the goals and intentions of this kit is? Is this geared for street, strip, or track? What improvements over a well put together leaf spring setup am i going to see with this kit on my 66?