SteveA922

Gentlemen, I have used the forum search option but would like to get some direct opinions. I have a few cars that really aren't drivable anymore due to becoming mileage sensitive so I've decided to build something that is a bit old school, looks awesome but isn't trying to kill me while I navigate some of the twisty roads up here in N Idaho. My goal is to take a non numbers matching 62 and make it into a blast to drive. I'm not a street racer but do enjoy "spirited" drives so the car need to handle well and stop straight. The HP and trans options are easy to figure but the suspension, steering and braking have me a bit twisted. I'm not into resto mods (prefer the old school "racer" look) and I really want to keep the steering wheel and interior looking period correct. I've been told this isn't possible with a R&P IS swap out? Also a good buddy has a 58, he dropped in a complete '76 (or '79) Pon Trans Am alum. rear end. I read that most here rebuild the original or go with a Ford 9 inch. He loves the rear end because it loses so much weight over stock, anyone else done this....opinions? I've attached a few pics of my buddies car as I'm trying to do something similar in looks but improve on the handling. He still runs the stock suspension, it is "fresh" and drives like it should but I'd like something a little more. Thanks in advance!

jim lockwood

Anyone who wants to drive like that needs to take it to the track.

Pop Chevy

Look into Jim Myers suspension kits. They bolt to a stock frame and you pick up r+p steering and disc brakes. Do a ford 9" in the back, leaf springs can be made to handle with the right springs,shocks and bar, just ask the vintage racers. Someone makes a smaller steering wheel that looks original, I'd go that route.

Pop Chevy

I agree. He was way over the center line. Driving fast has it's place.

SteveA922

Jim, that is a dead end cul de sac in a very rural part of a county road. One way in and that same way out. Even the police have use that section of road to test their cars. But thanks for the concern.