Current Development
Where the Program Stands
The first ACD chassis is being developed for the 1947–1954 Chevrolet 3100 and GMC 100 platform, using a 1950 Chevrolet 3100 as the development vehicle.
Current development centers on establishing the complete vehicle package and translating suspension requirements into the chassis design. C7 front and rear uprights provide the suspension foundation, while control-arm geometry, chassis pickup points, steering placement, coilover motion ratios, ride height, wheel and tire packaging, drivetrain placement, and chassis structure are developed specifically for the truck.
The development process also includes planning the fixtures and manufacturing methods required to accurately reproduce critical chassis dimensions and suspension pickup locations when the design progresses into production.
As development progresses, this section can be updated to reflect the current stage of the program.
CAD Suspension Modeling
Precise CAD geometry development for optimal roll centers, camber curves, and steering response, ensuring vehicle-specific kinematics for the 3100 platform.
From Design to Prototype
What You'll See Here
CAD DEVELOPMENT
Suspension geometry, chassis structure, steering, drivetrain placement, wheel and tire packaging, and component clearances as the digital design develops.
FIXTURE DEVELOPMENT
The purpose-built tooling used to accurately locate the chassis structure, body mounting points, and suspension pickup points during fabrication.
CNC FABRICATION
The process of turning the CAD model into CNC-cut frame rails, crossmembers, brackets, mounts, and other chassis components.
CHASSIS ASSEMBLY
Fixture setup, welding, suspension installation, steering, brakes, drivetrain integration, and development of the complete rolling chassis.
VEHICLE INTEGRATION
Installation beneath the 1950 Chevrolet 3100 development truck to verify body fit, component clearances, suspension travel, steering range, ride height, and overall packaging.
TESTING & REFINEMENT
Physical evaluation of ride quality, handling, steering response, braking, stability, suspension behavior, and real-world drivability followed by refinement of the production design.
Building in Public
The Development Is Part of the Story
Developing a chassis involves hundreds of decisions that are invisible once the finished vehicle is sitting on the ground.
ACD intends to document those decisions and the work behind them. CAD images, suspension development, fixture construction, CNC plasma cutting, machining, welding, component installation, prototype assembly, and testing will be added as the program progresses.
For professional builders and potential customers, this provides a look at not only what ACD is developing, but how and why it is being developed.
It also creates an opportunity for feedback from builders who understand these vehicles and the way high-end restomods are actually constructed and driven.
This page will continue to evolve with the chassis.
The finished product matters. So does the process used to get there.