subframing a 57 truck

[allen57]

i was thinking of subframing my 57. what subframes would work, yrs and models.

[allen57]

i found a 78 firebird clip for sell, would that work?

[Jonboy]

Another cheaper alternative is 70-77 Impala/Caprice suspension. The frame is the same width as the 55-59 rails.

[56chevy1300]

Here's a link...go to the bottom of the page.

http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm

I installed a 73 Trans Am subframe, basically the same as the 78:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256

[OrrieG]

I'm going a totaly different approach (4wd) but from what I have seen of the different build threads here you can get them just as low using "FatMan" or other front end conversions that do not require cutting off the original rails. If I was looking to upgrade a 2wd that is the way I would go. Go through the thread and get a feel for what it takes to do a clip, lots of work to keep thing square and lined up. And you don't have to mess with grafting on bumper and radiator mounts. Just my 2 cents worth....

[allen57]

how much does this drop my truck, if i leave everthing stock. how high does it sit off the ground?

[56chevy1300]

Originally Posted by allen57

how much does this drop my truck, if i leave everthing stock. how high does it sit off the ground?

Depending on how you install it, I think around 4-6 inches.

[allen57]

ok well i bought the subframe. if anyone has pics and instructions please send them to me. i'de really appriate it. i like the thread earlier, but more would be better, i want to make sure i do it right

[EAST SIDE LOW LIFE]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

I'm going a totaly different approach (4wd) but from what I have seen of the different build threads here you can get them just as low using "FatMan" or other front end conversions that do not require cutting off the original rails. If I was looking to upgrade a 2wd that is the way I would go. Go through the thread and get a feel for what it takes to do a clip, lots of work to keep thing square and lined up. And you don't have to mess with grafting on bumper and radiator mounts. Just my 2 cents worth....

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X2 .... contact "Gibbons" the fiberglass people who make all the old rod bod's. They supply a crossmember that uses torsion bar suspension. Adjust your height any time you want as well wheels end up centered in the wheel well.

esll.

[MrSinister]

Originally Posted by EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

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X2 .... contact "Gibbons" the fiberglass people who make all the old rod bod's. They supply a crossmember that uses torsion bar suspension. Adjust your height any time you want as well wheels end up centered in the wheel well.

esll.

PO installed a Gibbons x member in my 56. It's well made but if I had it to do over I think that I would use something like No Limits or TCIs front end. The problems I have is that the steering box on those mopars are HUGE and make motor mounts a pain. Also hard to get it in the weeds, torsion bars get mushy when unwound, and fatman is the only company that makes a drop spindle. My 2 cents

[55dude]

Originally Posted by MrSinister

PO installed a Gibbons x member in my 56. It's well made but if I had it to do over I think that I would use something like No Limits or TCIs front end. The problems I have is that the steering box on those mopars are HUGE and make motor mounts a pain. Also hard to get it in the weeds, torsion bars get mushy when unwound, and fatman is the only company that makes a drop spindle. My 2 cents

sure is refreshing to hear a honest opinion from somebody that actually owns the product they are commenting on. i have a extra frame that the po. installed a aspen clip, JUNK! the steering box is the size of mount rainier,the idler arms were garbage when they were new (the mounting is too light causing deflection) and the torsion bar bushings like the bad. i have owned gm clipped trucks and for the amount of work involved in clipping one my 54' is going to stay close to stock with the exception of pdb and ps.

[56chevy1300]

I know a guy who swears by the 73-87 subframes because they are quite strong and the frame width matches the 55-59 exactly at 34". However, I think the track width is a little too wide though.

[dwcsr]

it is about an inch on each side to wide. I have one and it just fits with off set wheels. I didn't use the clip I tapered narrowed my stock 58 frame to accept the crossmember.

the wheels will stick out on an AD

[tiggerstoy]

i used a 76 nova, c-notched the rear frame, and lost all but 2 of the origanal leafs, but added an overloader, it sit's nice and low, and handels a load.

[hotrodsbyray]

go to jalopyjournal.com. click on the HAMB link at the top. do a search for camaro subframe. there is a thread there on subframe in a 58 truck. quick, clean and easy - supposedly. i just did an 81 trans am subframe in my 57 short stepside and the frame swap went great. i extended the wheel base about 1 and 1/2 inches. BUT - getting the radiator mount and front sheet metal to fit was NOT smooth and easy like his thread [he lengthened it 2 inches] and some of the other threads i have seen. it has been a fabrication heavy night mare. i guess that is hot rodding though! i am gonna try to get some photos to the cure i had to come up with to make it fit. i dont know if my truck was different or what
oh, well - buyer, that is - builder beware.

[allen57]

Originally Posted by hotrodsbyray

go to jalopyjournal.com. click on the HAMB link at the top. do a search for camaro subframe. there is a thread there on subframe in a 58 truck. quick, clean and easy - supposedly. i just did an 81 trans am subframe in my 57 short stepside and the frame swap went great. i extended the wheel base about 1 and 1/2 inches. BUT - getting the radiator mount and front sheet metal to fit was NOT smooth and easy like his thread [he lengthened it 2 inches] and some of the other threads i have seen. it has been a fabrication heavy night mare. i guess that is hot rodding though! i am gonna try to get some photos to the cure i had to come up with to make it fit. i dont know if my truck was different or what
oh, well - buyer, that is - builder beware.

cool, when u get pics please post them i like to see

[Coronas56]

Just completed mine 3 weeks ago, then took a 2 week vacation.........to the west coast......

[mexgrhd68]

hit the search button at top of page, search "my pops truck pt 1". That 55 is on a 1965 chevy truck frame.

[mexgrhd68]

He also has a 53 with a 1974 chevy nova clip. I'll be posting pics of that truck pretty soon. It sits pretty nice. He loves to baby these trucks. the 55 is white with a blue pearl and the 53 is white with a red pearl.