Narrowing a rear end means making the distance between the hubs
smaller. It involves shortening both the axles and the axle
tubes. It is usually done so that wider wheels and tires can
be placed inside the wheel wells instead of having them stick
out from under the sheet metal. Extreme narrowing may also
require "tubbing" (cutting out the inner fender panels and
replacing them with new sheet metal allowing more room on
the back side of the tire. Depending on original frame
and suspension and degree of narrowing design frame
modification may also be required.
I think one of the list members, Bel Air Bob, has a tri-5
Chevy Bel Air. Maybe he could measure the distance between
the outside of the frame rails on his car for comparison.
-----Original Message-----
From: varanus@phoenix.net [mailto:varanus@phoenix.net]
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 1:01 PM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: [oletrucks] stupid questions
I should know this but I don't so at the risk of being the laughing
stock of the old truck list - here goes:
what does a narrowed rear end mean? Does this mean the actual
rear end axles and axle tubes have been narrowed? Or that the
frame has been altered to accept a different rear end.
Finally, what is the benefit to narrowing rear ends?
I ask because I am looking at a 57 belair ht and the owner said the
rear end appears to have been narrowed and has traction bars (old
drag car he thinks). It's a solid/complete bod but I need to know if
the frame is original, if the rear end is original and what narrowing
actually means so I can educate myself before I buy.
Thanks ya'll.
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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