62 front cap removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

D.C. · 12-13-2009, 11:27 AM

OK, so I know it's not that difficult to do, just remove a few bolts and disconnect some wires, but it's something I have not done with this truck yet. What's the best/easiest method to do take the front cap off my truck. If all goes as planned, over my Christmas/New Years vacation we're dropping the front subframe out of an 88 IROC Camaro with all the steering, brakes, suspension components from both ends of the car under my truck with the tilt steering column from the car too.

I can't wait to see what it's going to look like when we're finished!! Any suggestions from anyone?

70 Suburban · 12-13-2009, 11:57 AM

i would take the fenders hood and grill on one piece. unbolt the fenders from the cab. unbolt the core support mounts and pick it up as an assy.

NF65Fleetside · 12-13-2009, 12:03 PM

you sure your demensions will be ok with the new setup? Might be kinda narrow for the truck frame. if all is good, then nice score...take tons of pics for build thread.

63 & 64 Bowties · 12-13-2009, 12:51 PM

Just one question.... Why?

PBFAB.COM · 12-13-2009, 01:54 PM

An 88 Iroc doesn't have a subframe. It is a strut front end and the car has a unibody construction. This will make a suspension swap up front extremely challenging. Look into this a bit more before you get ready to start!

D.C. · 12-13-2009, 03:08 PM

Well, my buddy that's helping me do all the work used to do nothing but subframing vehicles for a local hotrod shop here for a little over 3 years. I've seen his work and know he knows what he's doing. When he said he can do it, that was all I needed to hear. The main reason for doing the swapout is to update the brakes and suspension. Plus I want to upgrade from the 235/3 on the tree to something more economical (if that's even possible with a truck this big...lol). We're going with a 305/350 combo until I get my hands on a 327 or 350. I've always been a big fan of lowriders and have built many of them, so this is my retro-custom street truck with all the classic lines of an early 60's truck with lots of new amenities hidden underneath...

PBFAB.COM · 12-13-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.C.

Well, my buddy that's helping me do all the work used to do nothing but subframing vehicles for a local hotrod shop here for a little over 3 years. I've seen his work and know he knows what he's doing. When he said he can do it, that was all I needed to hear. The main reason for doing the swapout is to update the brakes and suspension. Plus I want to upgrade from the 235/3 on the tree to something more economical (if that's even possible with a truck this big...lol). We're going with a 305/350 combo until I get my hands on a 327 or 350. I've always been a big fan of lowriders and have built many of them, so this is my retro-custom street truck with all the classic lines of an early 60's truck with lots of new amenities hidden underneath...

I wasn't implying that it can't be done (we all know ANYTHING can be done... with the right circumnstances

). I was just making aware that the 88 is nothing like its predecessors. The front suspension is part of the vehicles body structure, no subframe there. It may be best to look for an earlier model if you plan on doing a subframe graft. I am yet to see a late 80's camaro strut front end on an early pick-up... maybe you can be the first! Keep us all up to speed on the suspension swap, as it will definitely be different! Good luck, and don't forget to post pics!

62gmc910 · 12-13-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

Just one question.... Why?

What he said x 25
How is a suspensoin system from a light car gonna help a truck, I have circle track raced these trucks and no car junk is gonna help

amueller454 · 12-13-2009, 10:22 PM

i put a subframe from a 79 camaro in my 60 panel and it worked slick. got power steering and disc brakes for only 75 bucks. and it had the mounts ready for my big block and turbo 400

**Captainfab** · 12-14-2009, 01:46 AM

With all the aftermarket support for truck front and rear suspensions, plus with what Porterbuilt makes, this seems like a lot of work for about the same results. That is assuming it works as good as a truck suspension with the increased weight over an F-body. Nonetheless, good luck and post some pics of the install.

*2tons of fun* · 12-14-2009, 02:09 AM

sub frame swps are incredibly common. they give a lower stance while maintaing good geometry and will give a better ride.

they also allow for much more types of wheels to choose from as well as spifier brake bling.

63 & 64 Bowties · 12-14-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

sub frame swps are incredibly common.

....in the 47-59's, not the 60-66's. Why would you want to swap out one of the best suspensions ever put in a truck?

70 Suburban · 12-14-2009, 08:39 AM

I agree.. Why change it.. there is so much you can do to it just with out such a major change. both front a rear work well on our trucs.

amueller454 · 12-15-2009, 06:31 AM

well my 60 had the torsion front suspension. so it was easier and much cheaper for me to swap in the subframe to get power steering and disc brakes like i said and also drop it quite a bit. there are other routes i could have gone but this was simplest for me.

onequickchevy · 12-15-2009, 06:17 PM

What he seems to be missing is that the IROC does not have a "subframe" as we all understand it. It has , well let's call them very thick stamped inner fenders that the front suspension bolts to. It does not have frame stubs like we are all used to seeing. Think early mustang inner fenders with the shock towers sticking up for a visual and you get the idea. This will be a difficult project at best. If you are dead set on an upgrade consider a 81 or down camaro / firebird and break out the welder. A guy around heree had a nasty 55 truck back in the day that was subframed. It was sweet, low and really hauled. Almost swapped my 57 Belair for it.....almost! Anyway good luck with this.

Chris

jchav62 · 12-15-2009, 06:53 PM

I agree, car subframes seem like they would be too narrow. My '62 has a 73-87 p/u subframe on it, gave me all the thing you seem to be looking for, power steering, disc brakes, options to lower it.

Using a unibody IROC type suspension does not seem too practical... not impossible, but weigh out your options before you dive into that.

D.C. · 12-17-2009, 01:45 AM

OK, I did some checking and the donor car is an 85 Iroc. Getting rid of the torsion bar suspension is one of the big reasons I want to do the swap. Getting the disk brakes, power steering, struts and being closer to the ground are all just little happies that really make this appealing to me. Onequick, I guess "subframe" was a bad choice of words, but I kinda assumed everyone knew what I was talking about anyways. jchav, putting a newer frame under the truck was my original intent, then I got to talking to my buddy and that kinda changed...he he... I'll definately post up pics of the progress for everyone to see...

jchav62 · 12-17-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.C.

OK, I did some checking and the donor car is an 85 Iroc. Getting rid of the torsion bar suspension is one of the big reasons I want to do the swap. Getting the disk brakes, power steering, struts and being closer to the ground are all just little happies that really make this appealing to me. Onequick, I guess "subframe" was a bad choice of words, but I kinda assumed everyone knew what I was talking about anyways. jchav, putting a newer frame under the truck was my original intent, then I got to talking to my buddy and that kinda changed...he he... I'll definately post up pics of the progress for everyone to see...

My truck is still on the original frame, only the front suspension, or 'subframe' was changed out to 73-87 ... went from torsion bars to coil springs, with disc brakes and p/s. Very common swap for 60-62 trucks with torsion bar suspension.

'85 camaros are the same as 88's, aren't they?

*LILRED66* · 12-17-2009, 02:06 PM

Very ambitious, to say the least...good luck with your project.

onequickchevy · 12-17-2009, 03:07 PM

I know what you are talking about, I am just saying good luck and hope it goes well. It can be done but take it from someone who has been there. It is very easy to lose interest in an overly ambitious project. I still have a 57 Belair torn apart. Life and kids have prevented me from re assembling itfor the past 10+years. We start in January ( my 10 year old son and I ) working it for his first car. I bought my 63 for two reasons, one I wanted something classic to enjoy again, and two I love the body style.

**Bugeyev8** · 12-17-2009, 05:15 PM

I agree, when I was in HS I has the torsion bars dropped and the rear coils from another car and wide and low profile tires, with my front and rear sway bars no one could touch me on the turns !!

D.C. · 12-21-2009, 03:38 AM

OK, so I have a few pics of my progress....

I'll have more pics in the next week or so...

62gmc910 · 12-21-2009, 02:14 PM

sure seems a shame to cut up a a frame in that good of shape have you looked into one of porterbuilt's drop crossmembers and the asssociated truck front end parts. Seriously Dude I have made a lot of cars look stupid with chev truck suspension

D.C. · 12-23-2009, 08:51 AM

That would be cool, but I have the Camaro in hand. That means free.....Besides, I still have the issue of getting side stantions for the motor since I'm switching from the 235 to a small block...

ravens65 · 12-27-2009, 11:58 AM

I agree w/ the resident experts, plenty of upgrades avalible are for the stock suspension , I know that free parts are hard to pass up but........... you get what you pay for !!! I'm also the first to admit that I spent alot on my chassis, but it handles like a sports car and looks factory. power steering ,4-wheel disks, tubular a-arms,front & rear sway bars and a lowering kit can make these trucks into a true thrill ride . these are all bolt on parts , but we will support you either way ! keep us posted.

12-13-2009, 11:27 AM	#1
D.C. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 8	62 front cap removal OK, so I know it's not that difficult to do, just remove a few bolts and disconnect some wires, but it's something I have not done with this truck yet. What's the best/easiest method to do take the front cap off my truck. If all goes as planned, over my Christmas/New Years vacation we're dropping the front subframe out of an 88 IROC Camaro with all the steering, brakes, suspension components from both ends of the car under my truck with the tilt steering column from the car too. I can't wait to see what it's going to look like when we're finished!! Any suggestions from anyone?

12-13-2009, 11:57 AM	#2
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: 62 front cap removal i would take the fenders hood and grill on one piece. unbolt the fenders from the cab. unbolt the core support mounts and pick it up as an assy. __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

12-13-2009, 12:03 PM	#3
NF65Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 674	Re: 62 front cap removal you sure your demensions will be ok with the new setup? Might be kinda narrow for the truck frame. if all is good, then nice score...take tons of pics for build thread.

12-13-2009, 12:51 PM	#4
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: 62 front cap removal Just one question.... Why? __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

12-13-2009, 01:54 PM	#5
PBFAB.COM Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,981	Re: 62 front cap removal An 88 Iroc doesn't have a subframe. It is a strut front end and the car has a unibody construction. This will make a suspension swap up front extremely challenging. Look into this a bit more before you get ready to start! __________________ www.PorterbuiltFabrication.com Phone: 480-297-2621 E-mail: sales@pbfab.com Find us on FaceBook under Porterbuilt Fabrication Specializing in Chassis and Suspension Components for your Classic Chevrolet Truck. We offer components from the following manufacturers: Porterbuilt Accuair Ridetech (Air Ride Technologies) Air Lift Wilwood Intro Unisteer ECE Gotta Show Air Lift Borgeson CPP Supporting this forum since 2003!

12-13-2009, 03:08 PM	#6
D.C. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 8	Re: 62 front cap removal Well, my buddy that's helping me do all the work used to do nothing but subframing vehicles for a local hotrod shop here for a little over 3 years. I've seen his work and know he knows what he's doing. When he said he can do it, that was all I needed to hear. The main reason for doing the swapout is to update the brakes and suspension. Plus I want to upgrade from the 235/3 on the tree to something more economical (if that's even possible with a truck this big...lol). We're going with a 305/350 combo until I get my hands on a 327 or 350. I've always been a big fan of lowriders and have built many of them, so this is my retro-custom street truck with all the classic lines of an early 60's truck with lots of new amenities hidden underneath...

12-13-2009, 10:22 PM	#9
amueller454 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 149	Re: 62 front cap removal i put a subframe from a 79 camaro in my 60 panel and it worked slick. got power steering and disc brakes for only 75 bucks. and it had the mounts ready for my big block and turbo 400 __________________ 1960 short bed fleetside factory 4x4 1960 panel 454 NV4500 Daily driver 1961 Short Bed BBW Fleetside 5.3 th400 swap in process

12-14-2009, 01:46 AM	#10
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: 62 front cap removal With all the aftermarket support for truck front and rear suspensions, plus with what Porterbuilt makes, this seems like a lot of work for about the same results. That is assuming it works as good as a truck suspension with the increased weight over an F-body. Nonetheless, good luck and post some pics of the install. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

12-14-2009, 02:09 AM	#11
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: 62 front cap removal sub frame swps are incredibly common. they give a lower stance while maintaing good geometry and will give a better ride. they also allow for much more types of wheels to choose from as well as spifier brake bling.

12-14-2009, 08:39 AM	#13
70 Suburban Rods Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bryan, TX Posts: 1,398	Re: 62 front cap removal I agree.. Why change it.. there is so much you can do to it just with out such a major change. both front a rear work well on our trucs. __________________ Just keepin it simple. 1965 C-10 Ext cab build. 350??(Does it count at 2 truck if I had to cut one up?) 1966 C-10 lwb 283 auto 1970 Suburban in pieces 1971 Blazer 4wd....restore someday. all factory CST 1972 Blazer 4wd parts truck still a roller 1972 GMC Sierra Grandee 1998 Chevy ext driver. 2005 F**D the wife drive...(cant fix women)

12-15-2009, 06:31 AM	#14
amueller454 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ogden, Utah Posts: 149	Re: 62 front cap removal well my 60 had the torsion front suspension. so it was easier and much cheaper for me to swap in the subframe to get power steering and disc brakes like i said and also drop it quite a bit. there are other routes i could have gone but this was simplest for me. __________________ 1960 short bed fleetside factory 4x4 1960 panel 454 NV4500 Daily driver 1961 Short Bed BBW Fleetside 5.3 th400 swap in process

12-15-2009, 06:17 PM	#15
onequickchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marianna, Florida Posts: 339	Re: 62 front cap removal What he seems to be missing is that the IROC does not have a "subframe" as we all understand it. It has , well let's call them very thick stamped inner fenders that the front suspension bolts to. It does not have frame stubs like we are all used to seeing. Think early mustang inner fenders with the shock towers sticking up for a visual and you get the idea. This will be a difficult project at best. If you are dead set on an upgrade consider a 81 or down camaro / firebird and break out the welder. A guy around heree had a nasty 55 truck back in the day that was subframed. It was sweet, low and really hauled. Almost swapped my 57 Belair for it.....almost! Anyway good luck with this. Chris

12-15-2009, 06:53 PM	#16
jchav62 1962 C-10 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Las Vegas, New Mexico Posts: 4,978	Re: 62 front cap removal I agree, car subframes seem like they would be too narrow. My '62 has a 73-87 p/u subframe on it, gave me all the thing you seem to be looking for, power steering, disc brakes, options to lower it. Using a unibody IROC type suspension does not seem too practical... not impossible, but weigh out your options before you dive into that. __________________ Joseph Chavez "See the USA in a Chevrolet!!" ......................_____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ 1962 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 327/th350 GV overdrive 1974 C10 Longbed Fleetside 350/th350 "The Trash Truck" 1999 Chevy 2500 OBS, Longbed 5.7/4L80E 4x4 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 4x4 Last edited by jchav62; 12-15-2009 at 06:53 PM.

12-17-2009, 01:45 AM	#17
D.C. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 8	Re: 62 front cap removal OK, I did some checking and the donor car is an 85 Iroc. Getting rid of the torsion bar suspension is one of the big reasons I want to do the swap. Getting the disk brakes, power steering, struts and being closer to the ground are all just little happies that really make this appealing to me. Onequick, I guess "subframe" was a bad choice of words, but I kinda assumed everyone knew what I was talking about anyways. jchav, putting a newer frame under the truck was my original intent, then I got to talking to my buddy and that kinda changed...he he... I'll definately post up pics of the progress for everyone to see...

12-17-2009, 02:06 PM	#19
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: 62 front cap removal Very ambitious, to say the least...good luck with your project.



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12-17-2009, 03:07 PM	#20
onequickchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Marianna, Florida Posts: 339	Re: 62 front cap removal I know what you are talking about, I am just saying good luck and hope it goes well. It can be done but take it from someone who has been there. It is very easy to lose interest in an overly ambitious project. I still have a 57 Belair torn apart. Life and kids have prevented me from re assembling itfor the past 10+years. We start in January ( my 10 year old son and I ) working it for his first car. I bought my 63 for two reasons, one I wanted something classic to enjoy again, and two I love the body style.

12-17-2009, 05:15 PM	#21
Bugeyev8 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Leandro, Ca 94577 Posts: 854	Re: 62 front cap removal I agree, when I was in HS I has the torsion bars dropped and the rear coils from another car and wide and low profile tires, with my front and rear sway bars no one could touch me on the turns !!

12-21-2009, 03:38 AM	#22
D.C. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 8	Re: 62 front cap removal OK, so I have a few pics of my progress.... I'll have more pics in the next week or so... __________________ Treat every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away... Later, Damien

12-21-2009, 02:14 PM	#23
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: 62 front cap removal sure seems a shame to cut up a a frame in that good of shape have you looked into one of porterbuilt's drop crossmembers and the asssociated truck front end parts. Seriously Dude I have made a lot of cars look stupid with chev truck suspension __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck)

12-23-2009, 08:51 AM	#24
D.C. Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 8	Re: 62 front cap removal That would be cool, but I have the Camaro in hand. That means free.....Besides, I still have the issue of getting side stantions for the motor since I'm switching from the 235 to a small block... __________________ Treat every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or play with it, pee on it and walk away... Later, Damien Last edited by D.C.; 12-23-2009 at 08:53 AM.

12-27-2009, 11:58 AM	#25
ravens65 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: clermont florida Posts: 176	Re: 62 front cap removal I agree w/ the resident experts, plenty of upgrades avalible are for the stock suspension , I know that free parts are hard to pass up but........... you get what you pay for !!! I'm also the first to admit that I spent alot on my chassis, but it handles like a sports car and looks factory. power steering ,4-wheel disks, tubular a-arms,front & rear sway bars and a lowering kit can make these trucks into a true thrill ride . these are all bolt on parts , but we will support you either way ! keep us posted. Attached Images __________________ If it has tits or wheels its gonna give you problems!!!

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