55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

did you clip from a donor car?

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

Talk to Ross Logsdon <ross@premierstreetrod.com> He is the owner of Premier Street Rods, If it can be done, mention my name Jim Walterscheidt and see if he will do it. Both Ross and Butch are excellent!

Just talked to Butch, He will build it minus the dash

Thanks!!!!!

[idbeast]

Originally Posted by inboil

did you clip from a donor car?

Found a clip for sale, and bought it! $150
Saw a 72 clip for sale in WA $250 however I prefer later model ones with the steering linkage in front of the motor cross member.

[inboil]

[QUOTE=idbeast;8155202]77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.[/QUO

How close are the frame rails as far as left to right spacing? I have a manual rack and pinion steering that the customer provided but I think I'm gonna sell it and go with the tried and true GM set up. 11" brakes?

W

[idbeast]

I'll have to measure later when I get home. Rack and pinion steering linkage doesn't line up with steering column very well. If you look at the bottom of this post you can see my Nova sub frame welded in.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=751443

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

I'll have to measure later when I get home. Rack and pinion steering linkage doesn't line up with steering column very well. If you look at the bottom of this post you can see my Nova sub frame welded in.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=751443

I know. It's a pair of steering shaft U joints and hiem joints. I', on the lookout for a Gm set up. So the frame rails were close?

W

[idbeast]

Originally Posted by inboil

I know. It's a pair of steering shaft U joints and hiem joints. I', on the lookout for a Gm set up. So the frame rails were close?

W

The outside of the truck frame is close to the center weld seam of the subframe. I didn't do what a lot of pictures on the internet did, I cut and fitted the subfame to be on the top surface of the truck frame then after welding everything together, I completely boxed everything in, using the truck frame grafted in front for the core support brackets.

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

The outside of the truck frame is close to the center weld seam of the subframe. I didn't do what a lot of pictures on the internet did, I cut and fitted the subfame to be on the top surface of the truck frame then after welding everything together, I completely boxed everything in, using the truck frame grafted in front for the core support brackets.

Very nice. I dont have the clip yet so i do not know which route to take, though I will certainly be grafting in my front frame ends for core support.
What was your total ride height drop? Using the stock Nova springs or did you take a coil out?

William

[idbeast]

I don't remember total ride height drop, but here are a couple pictures of untouched nova spring height.

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

I don't remember total ride height drop, but here are a couple pictures of untouched nova spring height.

thats low and slick. What did you run in the rear? I'll check the pics.

[idbeast]

Originally Posted by inboil

thats low and slick. What did you run in the rear? I'll check the pics.

This is how it looked in those pictures.

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

Just found a 73 Nova Hatchback that's being parted out here in WA. I'm waiting to hear back on the clip

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

Going to look at this Nova Hatchback this weekend. The body is still on the frame. Any idea if Ill be able to cut as far back as needed with the body still on it? Thanks for the help

W

[idbeast]

The 73 has the steering linkage behind cross member, just remember it is a little more difficult to run the steering shaft, more angle.
Take the front bumper and all lines off. Then the front sub fame is just bolted to the front chassis with 4 bolts!!!

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

The 73 has the steering linkage behind cross member, just remember it is a little more difficult to run the steering shaft, more angle.
Take the front bumper and all lines off. Then the front sub fame is just bolted to the front chassis with 4 bolts!!!

Really??

It bolts in?? I thought it was just part of the frame!! Easy.
Yeah, I was hoping for the steering to have more of a direct shot but, these are getting harder to come by so I may have to make the best of it.

[idbeast]

Here is a couple pics of the 74 Camaro frame for you, nova is basically the same thing.

[idbeast]

2 months ago there was an unmolested complete 78 nova front sub clip at pic a part in Olympia but it is gone now.

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

Here is a couple pics of the 74 Camaro frame for you, nova is basically the same thing.

Thanks so much for the illustration and picture. As long as the motor is out I don't think this will be too bad to pull.

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

Turns out hes already got the clip out. Only trouble is its drum brakes. That's ok. Spindles and ball joints, bearing, etc are easy to come by. You are running stock spindle height on yours?

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

I went this route with my '56, It wasn't the high quality I expected. Major reworking of everything to meet my perfectionist thinking. If I was you, I'd call Ecklers and make arrangements to have them weld your GMC dash in it instead of a Chevy one!

Actually I think Im gonna pass on the 73. Having the steering behind the cross member and messing around w the spindles and calipers sounds like a can of worms. I will keep looking for a later one. Do you know the cut off year??

Thanks again,
W

[idbeast]

75-81 Camaro or 75-79 Nova
stevesnovasite.com has a short but good write up on the differences!

[inboil]

Originally Posted by idbeast

75-81 Camaro or 75-79 Nova
stevesnovasite.com has a short but good write up on the differences!

Going to look at a 76 Camaro tomorrow. I'm hoping I can pull the clip and load into my truck. Any idea what size the bolt heads are? I'm planning on bringing basic hand tools, cutters, 1/2" socket rail, extensions etc. Anything in particular you can think of? I'd hate to get out there and not be prepared.
Thanks so much for the help. I sure hope I can get it.

[idbeast]

I'm thinking 18mm but definitely take both American your metric sockets!

Keep me posted with how it is going!!!

[dsraven]

Take some ratchet straps and some old wood blocks so it has something to fall on when the bolts are out.
Metric stuff
Standard stuff
Hammer to persuade
Prybar in case
Bin for nuts and bolts?
Grab ps pump and hoses too if possible?
Grab rear sway bar as well if possible?
Strg column?
Rear diff as well

Lots of stuff you could use from a camaro if the parts are cheap.

[idbeast]

Originally Posted by inboil

Going to look at a 76 Camaro tomorrow. I'm hoping I can pull the clip and load into my truck. Any idea what size the bolt heads are? I'm planning on bringing basic hand tools, cutters, 1/2" socket rail, extensions etc. Anything in particular you can think of? I'd hate to get out there and not be prepared.
Thanks so much for the help. I sure hope I can get it.

Haven't heard back about if you got it or not...

here is one for $125 scroll down about 3 posts for Camaro Parts car