Hey I wanted to update everyone on the progress of this project. I made my way to Chicago yesterday and met Michael Allen who was able to finally drop off the car that Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle can use as a template for future H-body parts. Right off the bat, Kevin (owner of HRCC) had a Corvette C4 front spindle on hand that he purchased with us in mind. There are several great reasons that this particular spindle is ideal.
1. It will accept 15" rims (or larger) for those that were concerned about rim/tire sizes that looked appropriate for an H-body.
2. It's aluminum & lightweight.
3. Kevin will develop custom-made upper & lower A-arms to fit directly to it that are bolt-in to a stock H-body.
4. The bearing sizes are much larger than an H-body and also an S-10 brake configuration, providing much more durability.
5. Corvette parts will be made forever, so parts availability & replacement will not be an issue.
Beyond that, he is now going to come up with design ideas for a K-frame replacement that will accept your choice of rack & pinion.
Also, for those like myself that were interested in a bolt-in 9" rear end, he said if there are 2 or 3 that are interested in those "now" before Christmas, he can rearrange his work and have those completed very quickly. They will be a Moser reared with your choice of pumpkin, and will have the torque arm mount. If needed, a custom-made torque arm can be made as well, depending on the length needed. (as the 4-cyl and V8 lengths are different)
If anyone is interested in any of this, please reply here so we know what the real interest is, and the work can begin now that he has a car with which to use as a template.
Thanks to Michael for driving all the way from NW Michigan to drop off the car, and to Kevin & Chad for agreeing to take on the design/build of this car.
Hope it provides us with those never-before parts we've all been clamoring for.