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Old 12-19-2008, 12:10 AM   #1
87Lowrider
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Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

Hey guys,

I've been slowly rebuilding a '78 Camaro for the past 2 years.

I'm considering scraping the project and using the sub frame for my '57 Stepside.



It has been completely rebuilt with new Energy Suspension bushings, rotors, brakes, motor mounts and shocks. Can the clip be welded to the frame rails of the '57?

Thanks in advance!


Kenny

Last edited by 87Lowrider; 12-19-2008 at 12:13 AM.
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Old 12-19-2008, 02:00 AM   #2
Kim57
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

Hi Kenny
I'm not sure of the track width on the 78 camaro but if it is the same as or close to the 57 then it can be done. Guys have used the 1st gen sub frames without any problems.
Kim
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Old 12-19-2008, 12:56 PM   #3
OrrieG
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

Yes, there is a guy around here that does it all the time to 57-59's. Uses the front clip and rear end. Do a search there is probably a thread on here showing it. The splice point is a little messy because the camaro frame is not straight and box shaped at the splice.
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Old 12-19-2008, 01:36 PM   #4
Longstep70
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

The 2nd gen clip is the better choice over the 1st gen so yes you can do this:
I strongly suggest you read this tech article:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ht=Camaro+clip

some great stuff in here. I haven't done this yet but Im planning to do this very soon to my 59.

-Andy
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Old 12-19-2008, 02:03 PM   #5
56chevy1300
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

You can check out my thread, I installed a 74 Trans Am subframe, same as the 78 Camaro.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256
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Old 12-19-2008, 07:16 PM   #6
87Lowrider
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

Thanks guys,

I have the rear also but am planning on using my '73 Jag XJ6 IRS for it instead.

Looks like I'm starting back on the truck a little quicker than I had planned. Might even have it on the road in '09.


Kenny
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Old 12-20-2008, 12:32 PM   #7
nuke1
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

i also installed one in the 58, check my sig, lowered it 7 inches over stock. used a 79 camaro
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Old 12-20-2008, 01:04 PM   #8
87Lowrider
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longstep70 View Post
The 2nd gen clip is the better choice over the 1st gen so yes you can do this:
I strongly suggest you read this tech article:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ht=Camaro+clip

some great stuff in here. I haven't done this yet but Im planning to do this very soon to my 59.

-Andy
Andy - What a thread!

Lots o info there. Gonna be a while till I get through it.

Thanks!!

Kenny
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Old 12-20-2008, 01:11 PM   #9
87Lowrider
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Re: Mating a '78 Camaro Front Clip on my '57 Stepside?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 56chevy1300 View Post
You can check out my thread, I installed a 74 Trans Am subframe, same as the 78 Camaro.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256
That is one clean install!

ME LIKEY!



Kenny
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