[c5farmer]

I would like to hear from others who have converted a tempest to a solid rear axle. I know it has been on this forum many times about how to do it and what parts to use, but the question is: "for a street car, what conversion gives the best/safest ride?"

Thanks for any input.

[tom s]

you should be able to do a search,it has been covered many times.I have done 3 of them and found coilovers and ladder bars to be easy and has a good ride.Tom

[beemergary]

I 've did two. A 63 coupe and a 61 wagon. Coil overs and ladder bars. Both cars ride as good as my 67 GTO. Doing the rear end in a 63 is not bad. I could unbolt it and put the transaxle back in it. I made my own brackets and have the wilwood brakes. Little Pricey but easily done. The only real work was enlarging the bellhousing area. But I am a sheetmetal worker so just did it at work. Enlarging and centering the drive shaft tunnel is also an easy job. If its a v8 car that helps. Hooker 68 gto headers fit great. Need help give my a hollar.

[spartazoo]

I did my '63 Tempest myself and I had never done anything like it before. It is actually easier than you might think. The rear uni-body frame rails are setup well to convert to ladder bars and coil overs. My 63 rides as well as my 66 GTO and while racing it is smooth enough to drive with one hand and eat a cheeseburger with the other.

I have a spreadsheet of everything that went into my build. If you would like a copy email me at [email protected].

Good luck and have fun, I know I did and am.

[grparen]

I'm restoring an old '63 Tempest race car built probably 30 years ago into a Super Duty reproduction. Got the car out of Arizona. Has homemade ladder bars and big Pontiac posi rear (4.10 or maybe 4.30). Putting a rebuilt '65 421 in it with solid lifter cam with dual 400 CFM carters on an offenhauser intake. Running 3 tube headers with a turbo 400. Will be painted Cameo Ivory.

[tom s]

do you have pics of the old suspension?Might be my old race car.Lemans or tempest?Tom

[grparen]

It is a Lemans. I am keeping the old suspension. just detailing it. It is bulletproof. See pictures. Added picture of car when I bought it. Previous owner must have gotten sideways and car got away from him and hit pole.