Gassers. All straight axle?

[Jantrix]

I have an AMT 40's Plymouth that I think would make a great gasser. It comes with independant front suspension. If I alter the spindles to increase the height of the front end for that gasser look would it still be authentic?

[Junkman]

I would think that the jacked up front end with a solid axle is one of the defining features of a Gasser. I also have never seen one without this attribute.

I'm not saying there were no exceptions, but it would be neither characteristic, nor typical and would probably look downright wrong to me.

Edited November 15, 2011 by Junkman

[Dan Helferich]

Actually, many gassers ran modified or even stock front independent suspensions. The rules in the sixties also mandated a level stance at rest making the nose bleed front ends illegal for NHRA gasser classes. Having said that, these are model cars, build it the way you want it! I love straight axles and nose bleed front ends on gasser style cars.

[Greg Pugh]

No, not all gassers had straight axles.

[Greg Myers]

ball joint spacers were a popular substitute.

[Chuck Most]

The other percieved advantage to a straight axle was weight savings- losing the control arms, sway bar, and complicated steering linkages were seen as a bonus. But it is true that not all had a solid axle, I've seen some mean gasser-style cars with the stock IFS left intact, but jacked up.

[Jantrix]

ball joint spacers were a popular substitute.

That's what I was thinking. I'll see what sort of spare parts I have in any case. Thanks everyone.

[Longbox55]

ball joint spacers were a popular substitute.

Using Station Wagon springs was another popular way to get the front end up.