We've probably all heard the old acronym KISS. For those who haven't, it stands for Keep It Simple Stupid, which is a reminder not to get paralysis from over analysis (one of my other favorite sayings). Just about every aspect of building old cars and trucks has been done these days and while it's fun-or not-to think of taking a project down to the bare frame for chassis modifications, it's not always necessary.
The forward thinkers and chassis guru's at Art Morrison Enterprises (AME) have taken their proven IFS front clip design, stuck it in a pair of DIY framehorns, and dubbed it the Bikini Clip.
AME's Bikini Clip comes with plenty of framerail length at both ends of the crossmember to allow it to be put in just about anything, any way you want to. It can be put in as a stock suspension replacement, but with better suspension, steering, brakes, and of course ride, or you could kick the frame up for a real low ride, or even alter your wheelbase if you so choose. Yeah, you kind of have to have a clue as to what you are doing when you do any or all of this, but the sky-or ground-is the limit. Not only that, but there are lots of suspension, brake, and other options available from AME for a Bikini Clip.
Though most know Art Morrison for their super stout, trick, and superb-handling chassis, we have a boiled down install of their Bikini Clip done at Ron Pircey Race Cars. They did the install on the shop floor, not some fancy frame table, and it was done in very simple terms and basic measurements, which is a good ground zero point for the versatile Bikini Clip. The most important part about a job like this is being careful and thorough. Take your time and measure everything out as many times as it takes to make sure you have a grasp on the task at hand. And remember, it's only metal, but don't be afraid to call the Art Morrison shop if you have any questions.
