Solid rear people
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 6
From: Winchester Ontario
Solid rear people
Okay, other than the initial cost of the 9" and guts inside it, what else are the costs of doing a conversion?
I'm just not wanting to break more parts and looking for a non expensive alternative.
If I had the money, I'd do a ski_dwn_it conversion without more thought. But, I had a friend tell me last night he has a 9" from his old car (377 Monte Carlo) that I could get REAL cheap.
So, those who have done it, what costs should I expect if I were to complete the conversion? By the way, it's just a passing thought that is actually getting me thinking more of doing it.
I'm just not wanting to break more parts and looking for a non expensive alternative.
If I had the money, I'd do a ski_dwn_it conversion without more thought. But, I had a friend tell me last night he has a 9" from his old car (377 Monte Carlo) that I could get REAL cheap.
So, those who have done it, what costs should I expect if I were to complete the conversion? By the way, it's just a passing thought that is actually getting me thinking more of doing it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Wish I could answer your questions. I am putting one of ski_dwn_it's conversions in the rear of my 86. The G-Body rear is going to need some modifications to work, if it isn't too wide (my Monte Carlo SS is currently in the shop having a Dana S-60 installed in the rear, so I can't compare the rear end width for you). You would need to create brackets to be able to mount the solid rear into your Vette, or as many others have done, have the rear of the car "back-halfed" which is more expensive in most cases than the bolt in option that ski_dwn_it offers. Good luck with the project! 
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Okay, other than the initial cost of the 9" and guts inside it, what else are the costs of doing a conversion?
I'm just not wanting to break more parts and looking for a non expensive alternative.
If I had the money, I'd do a ski_dwn_it conversion without more thought. But, I had a friend tell me last night he has a 9" from his old car (377 Monte Carlo) that I could get REAL cheap.
So, those who have done it, what costs should I expect if I were to complete the conversion? By the way, it's just a passing thought that is actually getting me thinking more of doing it.
I'm just not wanting to break more parts and looking for a non expensive alternative.
If I had the money, I'd do a ski_dwn_it conversion without more thought. But, I had a friend tell me last night he has a 9" from his old car (377 Monte Carlo) that I could get REAL cheap.
So, those who have done it, what costs should I expect if I were to complete the conversion? By the way, it's just a passing thought that is actually getting me thinking more of doing it.
On your question of getting a different cars rear and trying to make it work. I personally think your going to end up with more costs than doing it right the first time. Wheels will not fit, or you will have to have it cut down to size, new axles, the whole nine yards.
I am sure you want to do it once and do it right. The 9" housing is only about 500 dollars for a FAB9 piece as shown before in one of my posts. Putting the guts and everything else in it you will have more invested, but you will have to do all that anyways. The only think you might be able to save some money on is reusing his carrier, which one guy that got one from me is going to be doing and that is fine. I ordered everything he needed except the 9" carrier section...saved him about 900 dollars depending on what carrier section you compare it to.
The point is I guess you obviously are at a cross-roads of having a car that has too much power etc and you need to do something while its all in 1 piece and saleable (D44). If it breaks you will really be in a bad place with the loss of the money there + the cost to either replace or upgrade.
The guy I just talked to sold his for 2k brakes and all...and is using that to upgrade. He plans to run mid 9s and was afriad to try it with the IRS (wise move).
Some of the other thing you will have to address are brake brackets, crossmember for trans, locating device (wishbone is best scenerio), coil overs etc, driveshaft if making alot of power and wanting to upgrade to a 1350 yoke (advisable).
If your dead set on making that other rear work, we can talk about getting you some of the other pieces I mentioned above. But again I think you will find the only thing you can really use over again is the center section. Everrything else is going to be reworked or tweaked, all of which costs $.
Feel free to give me a call and we can discuss these items in more detail. I will do my best to accommodate your budget and work with you or anyone else on the setups.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 635
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
Not including the rear and brakes, you will need a 4 link setup and some coilover shocks, crossmember or brace for transmission and panhard or wishbone to keep the rear located.
It will be a lot easier buying a kit for ski or Neverlift. I had a rear made up and install it myself and believe me their kits are less of a headache because they will bolt in.
Randy
It will be a lot easier buying a kit for ski or Neverlift. I had a rear made up and install it myself and believe me their kits are less of a headache because they will bolt in.
Randy
