camaro sub frame?????????????

[junkman1jmc]

i've heard some people say it's to wide for a 48 gmc but some people said that they will fit. tell me what you think? i can get a late 70's camaro frame just wanna make sure before i get it that it will work.

[Cyclone]

Yep too wide, use an S-10 frame.
Info here:

[mr48chev]

The first series rear steering Camaro or Nova stubs work better than the later ones.
There is quite a bit of work to get the trucks frame rails to match up with the subframe although I know of a couple that have the complete subframe scabbed to the bottom of the trucks frame rails. Those aren't pretty but they work.
If you position it right you can bolt the stock core support to the crossmember that the sway bar on the stub fastens to with just a thin spacer On mine I drilled two holes. cut some spacers out of a sidewall of an old tire and used that for a mount.
The big rub with the rear steering box is that the column is the pits to get aligned decently. If I were to do it again I think I would use one of the columns out of a front wheel drive car that had the universal joints under the dash to get the wheel in the correct position and have the shaft match up with the box.
I ran 14x7 alloy wheels with 195-14 tires with this setup with plenty of clearance.
This photo was taken on the first trip with the subframe under the truck. 6000 miles in three weeks on a truck that had 100 miles on the redo before the trip started.

The photo was taken in 1981 in front of my mother-in-laws house in Texas.
I'd look into a GM metric front stub 78/80 something Chevelle, Cutlass or Regal for the stub swap. It uses the same suspension pieces as the S-10 and I believe that the track is the correct width and you don't have to use the wheel spacers.

[drummin89]

there is always this option
http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/...338344&fpart=1

page 5 has links to pictures

[Kid]

As Mr48chev stated, If your fab skills are up to par, then a front clip from a GM "G" body 78 to 88 grand prix, monte, malibu does have the correct width & wont pose steering column issues. Remounting the front sheet metal & radiator to the new clip is the most difficult part, but very doable, & will drive like a dream.

[nebdrummer]

1977 and prior elcamino works grand.

[Houston54]

You could have found lots written on this subject but doing a simple search. But since you did not here is my $0.02.

The G-body subframe does have the correct track width but it is not an easy modification as the steering box interfers with the radiator core support. This requires extensive modification to clear the box and the radiator bottom has to be kicked forward to clear it. If you can fabricate then you can do it but it is not simple.

The S10 is not as easy as some would make you think nor is it less expensive than a IFS kit.

If you must do a subframe the rear steer GM subs are the best option for the AD truck series but the best solution is a IFS kit. It is your truck though so have fun.

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by Houston54

You could have found lots written on this subject but doing a simple search. But since you did not here is my $0.02.

The G-body subframe does have the correct track width but it is not an easy modification as the steering box interfers with the radiator core support. This requires extensive modification to clear the box and the radiator bottom has to be kicked forward to clear it. If you can fabricate then you can do it but it is not simple.

The S10 is not as easy as some would make you think nor is it less expensive than a IFS kit.

If you must do a subframe the rear steer GM subs are the best option for the AD truck series but the best solution is a IFS kit. It is your truck though so have fun.

My truck uses a G-body frame. It was set up by the PO. I agree with your comment about the steering box. It came with a 46-48 chevy car radiator and it sticks up too high for my liking. To comlicate matters, I changed to a LT1 (reverse cooling) and I have found a 3 core radiator for a 32 ford that I might try. This wil allow me to offset it to clear the steering box.

I have air bags and plan on running 20" wheels up front and I do like the track width.

Marc

[bighaas79]

anyone have any pictures of a frame done with a 70's camaro sub grafted in? I was planning on going this way too on a 54 gmc and was curious to see how they turned out.

[JML55]

Originally Posted by bighaas79

anyone have any pictures of a frame done with a 70's camaro sub grafted in? I was planning on going this way too on a 54 gmc and was curious to see how they turned out.

Check this thread it shows it being done on a 58 chevy.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

[mag-d]

I have been working on my 50 and I did a late 70's camaro sub. I was told it was to wide but I don't like how narrow the mustang was.

It took alot of time getting it right but I think it turned out really good and with the stock A arms my track width is about where I want it.

My plans are to use Fat Man Fab 1" narrow tubular in the end.

The whole works with the a arms will be much cheaper then a aftermarket kit.

I will say that it took time and patients to get it right.

I measured many times and spent allot of time looking at it and visualizing how I wanted it to look.

Yes a kit might have been easier but I like what i have.

I actually Y ed the frame at the fire wall to get the rails to spread and meet the camaro sub.

I have been wanting to post some pics of it now that I have it roughed in good.

I currently am fitting the motor in at this time.

I'll snap some photos tomorrow and try to get them posted for you.

[junkman1jmc]

thanks for all the replys . i would like to see your pics. this will help me decide on stripping my s10 .it's already bagged and laying frame on the ground with a v8 in it . i want 48 to do all of the above so using the s10 to do that won't hurt my feelings. as soon as i learn how to post pics i will.

[55dude]

gm a-body 78-88 have the correct track width and you could use s-10 rear frame half. front suspension is same as s-10.

[nebdrummer]

do you have any shots of this subframe 55dude? i'd like to see that one.

[mag-d]

Here are some pics of my camaro sub install on my 50

[nebdrummer]

blower in the plans?!!! :biggrin:

[bensimmons_05]

If you look at that picture just right it looks like the truck on the right is normal size and it looks like the one in the foreground is 3x its normal size and sitting on the ground..... just thought it was funny

[bighaas79]

mag-d where in iowa are you at? If your close id love to come check it out if possible.

[watahyahknow]

i've seen a couple of people putting the sheetmetal on the S10 frame as a whole and just drive it that way .
from wat i understand the track and the wheelbase is pretty mush the same and you only need to make bodymounts