55-56-57 CHEVY
***NEW “LADDER BAR” CHASSIS***
What you are about to look at is our
“NEW” version of our popular 55,56,57 Chevy chassis made from our typical mandrel bent 2×4 box steel tubing. It has enhanced rigidity and enhanced geometry. We build these chassis for most kinds of popular rear suspensions. Shown is our “Pro-Street” ladder bar suspension.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56fullframe6.jpg)
Our typical front suspension design for most of our 2×4 chassis. We manufacture the typical 58″ wide as shown here. But also the popular 56″ and even a wide 60″ for certain applications.
***
It features about five degrees positive caster to start with, good anti-dive, and zero bumpsteer.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontframe3.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontframe1.jpg)
Above….Back of front suspension. Shown are the motor mounts for the small block Chevy and Turbo 350.
Below….notice the optional adjustable coilover
mounts and the Aldan racing coilovers used here.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56aarm.jpg)
Shown below is the weld quality that is typical at AUTO WELD. Inside this area is a steel structure that greatly enhances the rigidity of the front
suspension positions.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontweld.jpg)
Transmission crossmember shown below. Notice how it is raised above the top of the frame. It actually hugs the floorboards without touching.This is for extra exhaust room.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56xmemb.jpg)
Rear suspension
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56rearframe3a.jpg)
Front Ladder bar mounting. Notice
the trick looking double frame. These types of additions make for an award winning car!
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56ladderbar1.jpg)
Another example of weld quality. Simple and Clean!
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56coilover.jpg)
Shown is the quality of our mandrel bending. We at AUTO WELD have invested a great amount to provide you with the nicest bends that you will find anywhere!
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56rearframe.jpg)
***BODY ON CHASSIS***
Shown below is a test fit to show how our frames meet up with a stock ’56 body shell.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontframe6.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontframe.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontframe5.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontmnt3.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frontx.jpg)
Now to the back
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56rearframe2.jpg)
Since this particular chassis was built to use bigger tires…the body mounts were cut out and will have to be moved.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56rearframe3.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56rearframe4a.jpg)
With the frame being narrowed, it makes an 18 1/2″ hole (from fender lip to frame). Mini tubs or full size tubs are needed now.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56rearbumper.jpg)
Rear bumper mount shown above.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56shockmnt.jpg)
ABOVE…on this project..the coilover mount is inboard because of narrowing the rails. Some mods to this area are needed.
***
BELOW…..shown are the body mount areas. They are not hooked up at this time because of this being only a test fit.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56bodymnt4.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56frame1.jpg)
BELOW…..you can see, because of the frame being narrower than stock, that this body mount area will have to be modified…not so on the standard width model frame.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56bodymnt3.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56ladder.jpg)
At AUTO WELD we always keep the exhaust in mind when designing the chassis. There is still ample room even though a typical ladder bar crossmember is being utilized. Over this crossmember and under the trans crossmember below.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56trans3.jpg)
Notice how the trans crossmember hugs the floor for more exhaust clearance.
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56trans1.jpg)
![](https://www.autoweldchassis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/56transmnt.jpg)
ABOVE…you will notice that the trans is very close to the pinch weld seam. This (at least) will have to be flattened….depending where you mount your motor and trans.
***
As you can see we at AUTO WELD make a very nice package for the 55-56-57 Chevys. As with all of our chassis, there are always options and variations. On this particular build, the frame was made a little narrower to get bigger meats on the back.
****
The purpose of this page is to show how well a typical body would fit to our chassis. The body being used was an unmodified body shell and had not been restored.