68 nova subframe help

[bertson6605]

I have a 63 c10 project that the previous owner had a nova subframe installed in. This makes the rims much closer to the frame and looks terrible. Ive been researching this for a while and seems that everybody fixes it with wheel backspacing to bring them out in the fenderwell. Just wondering if there is anyone who knows of a fix by modifying or using different control arms or spindles. I've read that"tall" spindles will stick out a bit more but cant find any measurements of how much it actually brings the wheel out.

[PGSigns]

Best way to fix it is to put a good frame back under it. You can put a wheel on it with less back spacing and a set of wheel spacers. But not much more than that.
Jimmy

[bdiamond]

I think Fatman Fabrication makes wider arms.

[bertson6605]

Thanks Ill check out fatman fab first, I'd like to keep the rims I have on it.

[Fatherof3]

If you are happy with the way it drives just try wheel spacers. Many may poo poo the safety of wheel spacers but there are thousands of sets being beaten on by the off-road guys with huge tires and wheels with out problems.

Depending on how thick the spacer is you will feel a difference in the steering like going from a stand offset to a reverse offset wheel.

Technically spacers are harder on wheel bearings so you may only get a 100K miles out of them instead of 200k miles. Point is don't let bearing life be an issue.

[68c10airstream]

Hi bertson6605, you are dealing with 2 totally different front ends. Nova is a short and narrow wheelbase car with rear steer. The stock truck is a wider a longer wheelbase, and forward steer. You are dealing with different ackerman angles dictated by spindle layout. Nova was a removable subframe for a light weight car versus a full frame truck designed to carry loads. Further you are dealing with the quality of the welds as your life is on the line. My suggestion is the correct frame for the intended application. Good luck, Brian Fuller

[bdiamond]

Not that it matters, but not all Novas were rear steer, in 75 they went front steer

[bdiamond]

Originally Posted by bdiamond

Not that it matters, but not all Novas were rear steer, in 75 they went front steer

But I guess it does say 68 in the title.....

[bertson6605]

Thanks for all the input guys. Fatherof3, valid point with the offroad guys using spacers. Considering the truck handles awesome(although Ive never ridden in a stock 60-66 so dont have anything to compare to) I think Im gonna run spacers.

[64shortbox]

As far as spacers go - believe it or not GM actually used spacers when some of the vehicles left the factory. I also own a 1971 Cadillac Hearse that weighs in at 6,680 lbs empty. To my surprise when I replaced the rear brakes I found the rear axels had very long studs and 2" aluminum spacers between the wheels and the axels. Again this is on a very heavy hearse with 150,000 miles on it I sure haven't had any problems with the spacers or axel studs. I purchased the coach Super Bowl Sunday of 1998 and put on over 75,000 miles on it. I also added a hitch to it and even tow my boat with it so it does get used and I've had no problems.