Camaro subframe differences in years? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dunce79 · 01-21-2015, 10:26 AM

I have a 73 firebird subframe that I bought when I got my truck in Sept. Finally got around to going to use it and the darn passenger rail is bent so I'm looking for other options. Guess I'd like to find just the frame and use all my components (brakes, arms ect).

What are the differences in the various years subframes? Is it correct that 70-73 is one style and then from 74 up is another. Can 73 suspension ect work on a later model sub?

Thx

72Mountaineer · 01-21-2015, 10:35 AM

These folks will know, Firebirds and Camaros are the same. www.nastyz28.com.

Rude Dude · 01-21-2015, 11:43 AM

Which part of rail is bent? post a pic possibly still useable

dunce79 · 01-21-2015, 01:29 PM

Hit behind the passenger a-arms, frame is dented in there and that rail bends outward. Not sure if more of the frame is effected or not. I just dropped it off at my body shop and they are going to have a look.

**mr48chev** · 01-22-2015, 12:56 AM

I'm thinking that the big difference in the front steer Firebird Subframes is the front end of the subframe where the bumper brackets mount. The earlier ones having bolt holes for the bumper brackets to bolt to and the later ones having the sockets in the end of the frame rails for the energy absorbing shocks to fit in and the four bolt tabs for them. I think steering box mount and A frame mounts are the same.

I'm not sure about the spindles and brake rotors but the 71/72 may be different than the 73 and up. The change over on Chevelle style (size) spindles and rotors being with 73 year model.

If your A arms and the rest of the suspension and steering is good you might be able to pick up a subframe that someone has stripped the suspension pieces off for a low cost and go from there.

Rude Dude · 01-22-2015, 07:39 AM

Measure in a X pattern from to exacts point if it is within an 1/8 of inch use it. If your worries about looks weld a piece of metal like rebar to damage area to extend down, heat the area with torch and hammer the rebar in opposite direction of dent to pull it out.

OrrieG · 01-22-2015, 02:02 PM

Local guy uses 74-80 Camaro and Firebirds for his clip installs, has done a bunch, I assume parts interchange for those years with the Z, IROC and Firebirds having better parts (bigger brakes, disc rearend, posi etc.). He is trying to talk me into a slammed 59 GMC to contrast with my 4wd when it is done....

Speedbumpauto · 01-22-2015, 03:56 PM

Many of us cut a lot of the tail(s) off the subframe anyway. I leave more than most and I cut mine right in front of the trans mount scallop. When you X measure, measure from the front shock mount hole (or other) to the end of what you will actually use for the graft. Might be a pretty small amount and there is some wiggle room when you get to the cutting and welding, as long as it ends up square.

01-21-2015, 10:26 AM	#1
dunce79 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Fremont, NE Posts: 154	Camaro subframe differences in years? I have a 73 firebird subframe that I bought when I got my truck in Sept. Finally got around to going to use it and the darn passenger rail is bent so I'm looking for other options. Guess I'd like to find just the frame and use all my components (brakes, arms ect). What are the differences in the various years subframes? Is it correct that 70-73 is one style and then from 74 up is another. Can 73 suspension ect work on a later model sub? Thx

01-21-2015, 10:35 AM	#2
72Mountaineer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Where Mountaineers are free Posts: 406	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? These folks will know, Firebirds and Camaros are the same. www.nastyz28.com.

01-21-2015, 11:43 AM	#3
Rude Dude Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 1,188	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? Which part of rail is bent? post a pic possibly still useable __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=436442

01-21-2015, 01:29 PM	#4
dunce79 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Fremont, NE Posts: 154	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? Hit behind the passenger a-arms, frame is dented in there and that rail bends outward. Not sure if more of the frame is effected or not. I just dropped it off at my body shop and they are going to have a look.

01-22-2015, 12:56 AM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,719	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? I'm thinking that the big difference in the front steer Firebird Subframes is the front end of the subframe where the bumper brackets mount. The earlier ones having bolt holes for the bumper brackets to bolt to and the later ones having the sockets in the end of the frame rails for the energy absorbing shocks to fit in and the four bolt tabs for them. I think steering box mount and A frame mounts are the same. I'm not sure about the spindles and brake rotors but the 71/72 may be different than the 73 and up. The change over on Chevelle style (size) spindles and rotors being with 73 year model. If your A arms and the rest of the suspension and steering is good you might be able to pick up a subframe that someone has stripped the suspension pieces off for a low cost and go from there. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

01-22-2015, 07:39 AM	#6
Rude Dude Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 1,188	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? Measure in a X pattern from to exacts point if it is within an 1/8 of inch use it. If your worries about looks weld a piece of metal like rebar to damage area to extend down, heat the area with torch and hammer the rebar in opposite direction of dent to pull it out. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=436442

01-22-2015, 02:02 PM	#7
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? Local guy uses 74-80 Camaro and Firebirds for his clip installs, has done a bunch, I assume parts interchange for those years with the Z, IROC and Firebirds having better parts (bigger brakes, disc rearend, posi etc.). He is trying to talk me into a slammed 59 GMC to contrast with my 4wd when it is done.... __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-22-2015, 03:56 PM	#8
Speedbumpauto Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 917	Re: Camaro subframe differences in years? Many of us cut a lot of the tail(s) off the subframe anyway. I leave more than most and I cut mine right in front of the trans mount scallop. When you X measure, measure from the front shock mount hole (or other) to the end of what you will actually use for the graft. Might be a pretty small amount and there is some wiggle room when you get to the cutting and welding, as long as it ends up square.



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