"New" '54 flying cloud

[54breadloaf]

I just bought a '54 flying cloud and will be restoring from the axle up. I plan to install a different axle and taller tires to gain some ground clearance to accommodate holding tanks for a bathroom. I'll also build cabinetry etc. after the hard Part is finished. Wish me luck and I hope to be meeting you all soon!

[cbcnm]

i have a 57 flying cloud. love the oldies. do you have photos to share??

[Melody Ranch]

You might consider just remount the existing axle under the springs....a smple job. That raises you up just the right amount. I'd be real careful what you have hanging below the belly pan plane.....there is plenty of room for tanks both above and below the floor. Look around at some clouds and see whats been done.

[54breadloaf]

Still trying to navigate the site. Thanks for the tip, Melody Ranch. I'll check it out. More photos to follow.

[54breadloaf]

Has anyone got any personal experience with mounting the stock axle under the leaf springs that they could share with me? Any problems, short cuts, installation tips, or results/photos you would like to share? Thanks in advance.

[wkerfoot]

Why don't you just purchase a new axle and springs with the drop you want or have it made to mount the axle under the springs. That way you will have new springs and new style brakes.

Bill

Originally Posted by 54breadloaf

Has anyone got any personal experience with mounting the stock axle under the leaf springs that they could share with me? Any problems, short cuts, installation tips, or results/photos you would like to share? Thanks in advance.

[54breadloaf]

I looked into a new axle and considering I am doing a ground up resto, any cost savings has to be looked at. If I can get away with mounting the axle under the springs, for now, at least I need to do that.

[wkerfoot]

The original axle on my 1954 Liner was rather odd, in that it was an I Beam with a saddle for the springs. I don't think that you can mount it under the springs. For that reason and having new brakes, I went with new axles and springs. The cost was very reasonable, although 7 years ago.

Bill

Originally Posted by 54breadloaf

I looked into a new axle and considering I am doing a ground up resto, any cost savings has to be looked at. If I can get away with mounting the axle under the springs, for now, at least I need to do that.

[54breadloaf]

Thanks for your input, Bill. I just may end up with a new axle after all. They are reasonable in price and to prevent future problems, it might be a better option.

[worldinchaos]

Originally Posted by 54breadloaf

Thanks for your input, Bill. I just may end up with a new axle after all. They are reasonable in price and to prevent future problems, it might be a better option.

First off, welcome welcome!!

It's pretty easy to flip the axle to the bottom, just need to cut the hangers and put some new ones on. I looked at this a lot when we first got ours, ended up sticking with the lowrider configuration for now. I like keeping the COG low to the ground for turning, wind effects, etc, but depending upon how many rough bumpy roads I take her on, we might decide to flip the axle below (and throw on some new springs at the same time.

I would also echo the comments about putting the tanks within the frame. You only have about 4" to play with, maybe a little more, but you can get 11 gallons per "bay" within the frame.

Now I'll post all the pertinent links that I've saved:
When considering replacing a drop with a straight...
Good site for just browsing through runnign gear parts
GoRV Parts Catalog - If link goes to weird catalog page, search "Axle" at top
RJ Dial's Axle Replacement
Cheap Axles

RV Surplus and Vintage Trailer Supply both sell holding tanks that fit within the 4" frame. One is twice the price, but makes better use of the space.

Keep us up to speed. And Pictures, pictures, pictures....

[54breadloaf]

Originally Posted by worldinchaos

First off, welcome welcome!!

It's pretty easy to flip the axle to the bottom, just need to cut the hangers and put some new ones on. I looked at this a lot when we first got ours, ended up sticking with the lowrider configuration for now. I like keeping the COG low to the ground for turning, wind effects, etc, but depending upon how many rough bumpy roads I take her on, we might decide to flip the axle below (and throw on some new springs at the same time.

I would also echo the comments about putting the tanks within the frame. You only have about 4" to play with, maybe a little more, but you can get 11 gallons per "bay" within the frame.

Now I'll post all the pertinent links that I've saved:
When considering replacing a drop with a straight...
Good site for just browsing through runnign gear parts
GoRV Parts Catalog - If link goes to weird catalog page, search "Axle" at top
RJ Dial's Axle Replacement
Cheap Axles

RV Surplus and Vintage Trailer Supply both sell holding tanks that fit within the 4" frame. One is twice the price, but makes better use of the space.

Keep us up to speed. And Pictures, pictures, pictures....

Thanks for the input. I'm learning fast that I need to pace myself on spending for one phase at a time. I just got some temporary lights on it so I can get the trailer inspected by the DMV and pay the fees and penalties ($720) ouch! Tomorrow I will remove a subfloor panel and strip the rust oleum paint that is rusting through. I'll then paint it with POR-15 rust inhibitor paint. I just thought since the belly skins were removed, it was now or never! And the list goes on and on.

[toastie]

full restoration of my 1955 safari..........toastie

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ent-38289.html

[54breadloaf]

Hello all,
Haven't posted in a long time so I thought I would give an update. Got the shell back on late last summer and STILL need belly skins. I have decided that due to lack of a place to flip the chassis and do it right I would farm out that part if the process. I have been busy re-building windows, cargo doors and such in the meantime. Here are some of the earlier photos:












Her are more recent photos of the rear "escape" window and the new LED tail lights with added LED back-up lights above the re-built cargo door:




And yesterday I removed the interior wall panels to be cleaned, end cap polished and insulated, rewired and then panels reinstalled. The standard mouse remnants were there as expected so it's good to get those out of there.

[rumrunner]

My oh my does that look familiar
looks like you are doing great work. what tail lights did you use? I am having real issues trying to find an LED tail light that I like for my 55.
tim

[54breadloaf]

Hey Tim, I found my tail lights on Amazon.com and they were very reasonably priced. They look great and IMHO, look much cleaner than the stock "can" lights. I had the old cans powder coated a chrome finish and will sell those to anyone interested. Here is the info on the lights.




AutoSmart KL-25105R Red LED Flush-Mount Stop/Turn/Tail ( couldn't get the picture to copy/paste) I bought another pair that was a friction fit type but was afraid I wouldn't be able to cut the hole exactly the right size so I opted for the 3 screw mount and used a rotozip to cut the holes.

Also, I bought the back-up lights from VTS and refitted with a LED bulb from www.led4rv.com.

JT

[rumrunner]

Thanks for the info JT. My old Bargman lights are not restore-able so I have been looking for something similar in a flush mount style but I sorta have it stuck in my head that I must have a fully sealed stainless steel can behind it, not a flange or grommet mount. I really don't want it to leak later. I bought some very sturdy cans with 1157 bulbs from VTS hoping that I could adapt them to 4" LEDs but they wont work. I think I may have found some at Superbrightleds.com, need to contact them Monday to confirm.
I bought those same back up lights from VTS, love the look! Are the LED bulbs you retrofitted noticeably brighter?
I wish I was nearly that far along on the polishing. When is Uwe getting you in for your belly pan?
Keep up the good work, we'll keep each other inspired.
tim

[54breadloaf]

Hey Lee,
I haven't yet gotten the lights to work. Got sidetracked... You know how it is... I'll have to contact Uwe tomorrow. I talked to his wife Didi last week. They are living in their Airstream at the moment and looking for land to buy and build a house, shop, etc to run their business out of. I know they are slammed and would like to have them do it but if I can't get it in to them this week, I may ask Denny at So. Cal Vintage Trailers again if he would help me. I'll let you know about the lights when I get them to work. I mounted one of the new wheels and tire on last night just to see what it looked like. Pretty cool. Also got a brake controller installed in my truck last week so my brakes can at least be tested now. :0)

[54breadloaf]

Finally got the running, brake, and turn signal lights to work properly. Turns out, I blew a fuse on my Nissan for the trailer lights. Just in time to tow it to Uwe. Can't wait to have new belly skins so I can move forward.