*Lowering Suspension-- AMT 1953 F-100*

[1972coronet]

I wish to lower the suspension --the ride-height-- of the AMT 1953 F-100 . 

I'm planning on detailing the chassis , etc. , so no "butchery" should be recommended , please .

So , keeping the stock straight front axle and its leaf springs , what's the best way to lower the front ?

I'd like to keep the stock rear suspension as well , just lowered a bit .

I'm building it as a slightly-customised work truck ( e.g. , the grille which looks similar to a '60 Edsel ; the '57 Chevy "bullets" ; the Merc tail lamps , etc. ) , so nothing radical as far as ride-height .

Suggestions , tips , and especially , photos , are greatly appreciated .

Thanks ! 

[Metalbeast]

I have three suggestions. These are all things I've done to  lower this particular kit.

1. De-arch the springs. This used to be done quite a bit in real vehicles so it works just as well on models. I use some heat to flatten the springs. You may need to notch the rear chassis for axle clearance. To deal with the metal front wire axle, I would just cut it and leave just enough to mount the wheels to the axle.

2. Replace the front axle with the one from teh Revell '56 F100. I think the stock version with the red model on the box still has the dropped front axle. Rear would also be de-arched, or you could put the axle on top of the springs.

3. Use the front axle from the Flip Nose street machine F100. If I remember I had to widen the axle for use on the stock truck chassis. This route was the biggest pain and the Flip Noxe axle is a bit on the spindly side anyway, so I'd try something like 1 and 2 before going this route. It was one of those seemed like a good idea at t he time kind of things!

 

[Plowboy]

Easiest way to lower it would be to do an axle over conversion. I lowered a '53 using the de-arch/ moving the spring mounts up on the rear and cutting the spring mounts down/de-arching the springs on the front method. A lot of work for a little lowering. Works well if you don't want it really low.

This one was lowered with the axle over conversion. Right where I wanted it.

It really depends on how much you want to lower it.

[1972coronet]

@Metalbeast , @Plowboy : Thanks much for your help ! I have an original-issue Revell 1956 F-100 (c.1962) ; I'll check it for the dropped axle . There's A LOT of "tyre burn" on its parts' trees --- hopefully the axle isn't one of them . The "axle-over-springs" technique sounds equally compelling ( thank you , Plowboy , for the pics --- great F's you've got there !) .

[carrucha]

Very helpful ideas.  I am also planning on lowering the AMT 1953 Ford pickup and was wondering how to lower it.  Thanks for the ideas guys!