will a 1960 front clip work on a 1957 ( see pic.)

[BobTheTrucker]

My 60 has IFS (The first year for Chevy trucks) but no power. Is it worth fooling with as a front clip, I know it will have to be rebuilt. Will it work on a 57 frame?

[55chevy]

I would say not worth fooling with, get a later camaro front clip if on a budget.

[dwcsr]

I can't tell from the picture but if the frame rails are tapered in toward the front, it will with a lot of work. If its a staright rail frame it mostlikely will.

see http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=180996

and http://www.webrodder.com/article.php?AID=264&SID=60

like I said its a lot of work.

[Frizzle Fry]

Don't use the '60 unless you want torsion bars. Coils started in '63. If you're going to do that kind of work I'd go with 71-87 for the discs.

[BobTheTrucker]

I'm not looking for a lot of work! So whats the best way to go? I want it to ride like my 1999 ext.cab. w/350 but be faster like with a 327ci with 350 or 360 HP.

[Igotachevyor2]

Originally Posted by 55chevy

I would say not worth fooling with, get a later camaro front clip if on a budget.

i agree
this is prolly the way i will go when money allows great ride easy power steering and brakes replacement parts are easy to get and cheap

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 55chevy

I would say not worth fooling with, get a later camaro front clip if on a budget.

I agree with 55chevy and Igotachevyor2. A Camaro clip will get you disc brakes, power steering and a sway bar for better handing. Also the parts are easy to come by at any parts store.

[Jebb1978]

That's what I am running too.

[BobTheTrucker]

Does anyone know what is the going price for a 1970 to 1981 Camaro clip from a junk yard, that I can use on my 57?

Also where can I get instructions on how to attach it to my frame?

Also how much of the clip will I need?

[MrMoose]

Hey Bob, the Camaro clip is definitely the way to go. You'll probably end up with a mid 70's donor as they are pretty plentious, 77-80 or so. Prices will vary with where you live, how plenteous they are in your area and if you know anybody who owns a boneyard (that's the best).
Follow this link to a vid on installing the clip, it's a really good tape, I bought it and have watched it, very helpful. http://brothersonlinestore.com/prodi...number=VIDEO59

Have fun with the '57!

[BobTheTrucker]

Thanks MrMoose.
I found the whole car a 1981 with a 350 and auto trans. power steering and a/c. It's running good with 30,000 miles on the engine for 1,800.00. body and interior shot but front end all there.
How much of it can I use?

[Jebb1978]

Originally Posted by BobTheTrucker

Thanks MrMoose.
I found the whole car a 1981 with a 350 and auto trans. power steering and a/c. It's running good with 30,000 miles on the engine for 1,800.00. body and interior shot but front end all there.
How much of it can I use?

Most of it!
You can used the subframe, Rearend, Motor and tranny will fit right in then. If it has headers they will even fit now that you are running the Camaro frame up front. We also used the power booster and petals. Am I missing anything big guys? You should still have enough parts left to make some of your money back on the car purchase! It's win, win

[BobTheTrucker]

Thanks.
What is the sub frame? Is it the front clip or more?
Can I use some of the A/c as well? If so what?
Also the rear end, drive shaft etc. can I use it?

[Jebb1978]

Originally Posted by BobTheTrucker

Thanks.
What is the sub frame? Is it the front clip or more?
Can I use some of the A/c as well? If so what?
Also the rear end, drive shaft etc. can I use it?

The subframe is the front clip, sorry if that was confusing. You can use the compressor I guess... I am not really too educated on the whole a/c system myself. I would think if you did some fab work you could use more. The Vintage Air systems have come down some in price now that they have more competition. I was just going to get a kit for mine. You can use the drive shaft if you shorten it or have it shortened. I am have the Camaro drive shaft and rear end in mine.

Shawn

[BobTheTrucker]

Thanks!

The Camaro has a good rear end, do you know if that will work as well?

Also where can I get A/C parts for old trucks? I'm looking for as many places to shop as I can find.

[Jebb1978]

Originally Posted by BobTheTrucker

Thanks!

The Camaro has a good rear end, do you know if that will work as well?

Also where can I get A/C parts for old trucks? I'm looking for as many places to shop as I can find.

Yes, you can use the rearend. You have to do a little fabing to get it to bolt on but I am using the Camaro rearend in my truck.

This will be my source for A/C http://www.vintageair.com/

Good Luck with it, when you get started start a thread so we can watch your progress.

[DennyB]

Here is another AC option..

Old Air Products

[BobTheTrucker]

Thanks guys.

The guy sold the Camaro!@##@#

I just called a large local auto parts and salvage place. They have a front clip that is a f body type they said would work out of an Omaga. The guy there told me that an f body or x body frame were all the same from the 70's and early 80's. Plus a used good running 305 with 220 HP, plus a rebuilt turbo 350 tranny 6 montha warrenty. All for 1500.00 or if I wanted a 350 good running used engine with 230 HP it would be 2200.00. How does that sound? Is he plowing smoke? Is he high?

[qksilver]

another option, depending on money or your welding skills is use a later model frame 64-72. All the demensions are so very close use the older mounts on the newer frame. Drill out the rivets and use good bolts.
I have a 66 LWB frame powder coated with all new components disc front that I was going to do that to another 57 i bought. Already did it to one of my 55-57 and am very happy with it. All stock parts with out having to worry about getting a camaro front clip right. A lot have done it, few have done it right.

[Jebb1978]

Sounds like an okay deal, I think you would still do better buying the whole car. You will get more parts for about the same amount of money.