Torn on what to start for a project: originality and available suspension woes

[SeanH]

I have been searching and searching here and all over the net and haven't come to a good conclusion on what to build. My goals are to build a car that handles well that I can drive a lot. I am 6'7" otherwise I would be building a 1970 Mustang as I have always loved the Boss look. I need a backseat as at some point in the not so distant future I will have a child and don't want to be limited to not driving the car I build. Daily I drive a pickup, but would prefer to drive my pro touring machine whenever the weather allows.

After months of thinking about this, I am down to these body styles:
1968 Ford Galaxie XL
68-70 Dodge Charger
68-69 Ford Torino/Fairlane
1966 Pontiac Lemans

I have seen absolutely almost no aftermarket suspension love for either of the Fords. Being I drove a 68 XL for 15 years and 300k mi I am a bit emotionally attached to them, but am trying not to be. I find it strange that the Gal doesn't have more available considering the frames long running success in Nascar. I am seeing the same difficulty with the Charger as well, while the A-body seems to have plenty of available goodies.

I have no real suspension design know-how, so it needs to be a fairly straight forward swap. Mechanically it won't be a problem.

My question really is am I missing where I can find parts for either of the Fords or the Dodge? I would really like to have something a bit unique, but again my focus would be on the handling aspect of the car. One side note on the handling, my goal isn't to make a track car but one that I can drive regularly thinking along the lines of a German feeling ride in a car. Is this possible and does anyone have any ideas on what I should start looking for?

I really appreciate the help.

Sean

[Garage Dog 65]

Have you looked into replacing the entire frame with something pro/pre-built from Meyers and/or Morrison's. I've priced these and the technology vs the bang for the buck sounds like it might be a good approach for you. If they provide the basic frame pre-welded and you just need to do the bolt on to finish - that eliminates all the building the chassis stuff. Morrision's might already have the 68 XL in their data base - and they are a sponsor of this site. (Check the link on the left and go to their catalog for pricing) They can make a 55 Chevy perform like a current gen vette - imagine what the 68 would drive like !

Jim

[SeanH]

Thank you Jim,

It is definitely something I had contemplated and could very well do, when I perused their catalog they didn't have anything Galaxie specific, but will contact them more directly and see. I am watching Schwartz's 67 build to see what he does as well.

Is the extra weight of the full size something that is going to make this really hard to do? The Torino of course is much lighter, but the full frame of the Galaxy and A-body make full frame swaps a bit easier.

I got my XL when I was 15 and on the second day out lost rings on the engine. A few books and some time later I rebuilt the 390, but found out the frame was rusted out. Needless to say I sourced a Monterey 4 door frame in good shape, removed it and had a few inches cut out to stuff it under the Gal. Frame off in that car in particular doesn't scare me so much :)

I should add that my bro-in-law is a professional welder so if there is welding that needs to be done, he has eagerly offered his help.

[Steve Chryssos]

The Pontiac is the no-brainer choice in terms of aftermarket support. XV Motorsports has everything you need for the Charger. Their suspension systems are probably the most developed in the aftermarket. And Art Morrison can build you whatever you want for a full frame regardless of make.

We took the old Charlie Libby 66 Fairlane out to dinner Tuesday night. It's a full frame car with truck arm rear suspension and a channeled body. The back seat on that car is a dream and you can't beat the ride quality of larger muscle cars.

[SeanH]

Steve,

Thanks for the input, its nice to hear that the heavier stuff can ride.

By default I realized that the Pontiac had the best aftermarket support, but it is the least original of the bunch and I do like to be different although maybe doing my first major build different isn't the best. The ease of finding a LS2/T56 combo complete with GTO covers and of course full newer GTO interior is a bit exciting, but my heart would prefer to stick with an Oval. The Charger made it to the list just because I think it is a damn sexy car and always have. Perhaps my childhood crush on Daisy Duke is poisoning my logic as well. I am a sucker for flip up headlights and if I do a Torino you will see some sort of custom grill that has either hidden or flip ups.

[Steve Chryssos]

I'm with you. A 70 Torino is high up on my list. I Already got a car with crazy handling. All my imaginary Torino needs is springs, shocks, sta bars, and brakes.
http://web.harding.stpaul.k12.mn.us/2006%202007/Tri%201/period2/Sammy%20Yang/My%20Webs/Page4%20files/1970_ford_torino_cobra.jpg

[jeff s]

I've got all the suspension stuff figured out for the 65-68 Ford full size which all share the same frame/susp.
Did a 66 Galaxie vert last winter.
Workng on a 67 Custom 500 now.

[SeanH]

That is good to know, after speaking with you at Summer Nationals I figured as much but am eagerly looking forward to updates on your build!