chassis too low

23Paddywagon · 01-27-2015, 11:16 PM

How critical is the engine being level to the ground?
I have a problem with my vega steering unit being only 2 inches from the ground. My transmission is about the same height off the ground.
Scary!!!
My Paddywagon (bobspaddywagon.net) is very close to the Tom Daniel model from the '70s. That means the chassis comes back from the front axle and where it meets the firewall the chassis angles up to the back.
As it is now the front chassis bottom is 10" from the ground; where the chassis angles up (at the firewall) it is 8" from the ground; at the rear it is 24.5" from the ground.
I have jacked up the rear to where it is 29.5" from the ground; at the angle it is 13" and at the front it is 15". To do this I must install a higher leaf spring or add spacers at that point and in the rear create something to raise the length of the shocks.
I have also thought of installing air shocks to raise the chassis.
Thus the first question, keeping the engine the necessary level.
Any ideas on how to accomplish this will be appreciated.
Bob

B.C. · 01-28-2015, 06:12 PM

The motor general tilts back 3% and the carb is level on the intake. I don't know the max the carb can be off level and still perform properly.

23Paddywagon · 01-28-2015, 10:27 PM

Thanks BC.

INDIAN OUTLAW · 01-31-2015, 09:00 AM

Bob
3 degrees is the sweet spot but i have seen 6 degrees with no drive train issues.
as far as the max you can go depends on the carb design. talk to a tech from your carb manufacturer he should be able to tell you. holley used to make a off road carb that would peform at some realy extreme angles.you may be able to retro fit your carb.

B.C. · 02-01-2015, 02:40 PM

We started working on a Patty Wagon project with Wesie's Customs from Camp Verde, AZ with none other than Tom Danial. They wanted to make a copy of the model and that is a tough build because it was never meant to drive. I just looked at there website and did not see anything about it. It was a long time ago and we got out early so I don't know if it ever happened but you may want to call them and pick there brains. I did go out to there shop and it looked like they knew what they were doing.

T=Test · 02-02-2015, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.C.

We started working on a Patty Wagon project with Wesie's Customs from Camp Verde, AZ with none other than Tom Danial. They wanted to make a copy of the model and that is a tough build because it was never meant to drive. I just looked at there website and did not see anything about it. It was a long time ago and we got out early so I don't know if it ever happened but you may want to call them and pick there brains. I did go out to there shop and it looked like they knew what they were doing.

I still have a model of the Paddy Wagon that I've had for 30 years--never put it together. LOL

01-27-2015, 11:16 PM	#1
23Paddywagon 1st Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 17 View Photo Gallery	chassis too low How critical is the engine being level to the ground? I have a problem with my vega steering unit being only 2 inches from the ground. My transmission is about the same height off the ground. Scary!!! My Paddywagon (bobspaddywagon.net) is very close to the Tom Daniel model from the '70s. That means the chassis comes back from the front axle and where it meets the firewall the chassis angles up to the back. As it is now the front chassis bottom is 10" from the ground; where the chassis angles up (at the firewall) it is 8" from the ground; at the rear it is 24.5" from the ground. I have jacked up the rear to where it is 29.5" from the ground; at the angle it is 13" and at the front it is 15". To do this I must install a higher leaf spring or add spacers at that point and in the rear create something to raise the length of the shocks. I have also thought of installing air shocks to raise the chassis. Thus the first question, keeping the engine the necessary level. Any ideas on how to accomplish this will be appreciated. Bob __________________ Bob Barram Triumph Rocket III Proverbs 3:5&6 Trust in the Lord....

01-28-2015, 10:27 PM	#3
23Paddywagon 1st Gear Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Frisco, TX Posts: 17 View Photo Gallery	Thanks BC. __________________ Bob Barram Triumph Rocket III Proverbs 3:5&6 Trust in the Lord....

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01-28-2015, 06:12 PM	#2
B.C. Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mountain Home AR. Posts: 714 View Photo Gallery	The motor general tilts back 3% and the carb is level on the intake. I don't know the max the carb can be off level and still perform properly.

01-31-2015, 09:00 AM	#4
INDIAN OUTLAW 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: VA. Posts: 74	Bob 3 degrees is the sweet spot but i have seen 6 degrees with no drive train issues. as far as the max you can go depends on the carb design. talk to a tech from your carb manufacturer he should be able to tell you. holley used to make a off road carb that would peform at some realy extreme angles.you may be able to retro fit your carb.

02-01-2015, 02:40 PM	#5
B.C. Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mountain Home AR. Posts: 714 View Photo Gallery	We started working on a Patty Wagon project with Wesie's Customs from Camp Verde, AZ with none other than Tom Danial. They wanted to make a copy of the model and that is a tough build because it was never meant to drive. I just looked at there website and did not see anything about it. It was a long time ago and we got out early so I don't know if it ever happened but you may want to call them and pick there brains. I did go out to there shop and it looked like they knew what they were doing.