VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Wheelbase and Specs on 1953 Sedan Delivery?

I have started working on a 1953 Sedan Delivery, also known as Panel Delivery or Panel Sedan. Does anyone know the wheelbase on this? Also getting questions in regard to the wheel to wheel measurements (we're considering adding IFS). I think they're supposed to be 57" or 59" does that sound right? Also it seems there is some question as to whether this had the car frame or the 1/2 ton pickup truck chassis. This doesn't seem as heavy duty as the say the 55 Panel Wagons? Thanks to you for your help and advice.
regmudd

You used the term wheelbase in your post. The wheelbase is the distance from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle. I think what you are wanting is the "track" or distance between the wheels on an axle or front or rear end. Often the front and rear differ by a small amount.

Also using terms such as "IFS" can be a challenge for many readers. I for one have no clue what is stands for.

1st of all you need to know what you are for sure working with. Is it a "sedan delivery" or is it a "panel truck". You originally said sedan delivery & then you threw out some street rod terms. Installing an "independent front suspension" is not for the back yard mechanic. There's a bunch of stuff that can go wrong by doing so & you need to ask, "is your life depending on this modification". The answer is "YES". I've seen tons of cobble jobs that are real scary. Some that I wouldn't put my worst enemy behind the wheel of...Joe

I need both the wheelbase and the track if that's what it is called. as has already been responded to, IFS is meant to be an independent front suspension. For the record, I am not doing the work but am hiring guys experienced in this line of modification. I am obviously wanting to get the right equipment. The Sedan Delivery, which is what I have is a lot more "station wagon like"(could be one but has no side windows and has one pull door in back. I would guess this could be easily adaptable for use as a hearse. The old Panel Wagons I've seen are much taller and had heavier suspensions.
regmudd

The 1953 sedan delivery is built on the same chassis as a passenger car.
Big difference in 1953 is the SDL used the old 216 engine where as cars had a 235.
The wheel base is 115" and the front tread is 56 11/16" and rear is 58 3/4".

Thanks Chevgene. This is exactly what I needed. I think you have to be a walking Chevrolet encyclopedia.