The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Sub or II

Trying to decide whether to subframe my 53 Chevy pick-up using a Nova as a donor, or to go for a Mustang II hub to hub kit. I know a lot of great trucks have been built both ways, but I'm concerned about the margin for error. It seems that the Mustang II might be the safer choice, but I'd like to hear from those who have already been down that road - especially those who may be able to point out the pitfalls ...
Thanks,
Wade
Anxious but Cautious

Wade, welcome. This topic has been addressed quite a few times by members of this site. Can I suggest you use the search function and review what you find, then perhaps ask specific questions. Members here have trucks built up both ways and there is lots of great info. Good luck and keep posting, we love photos so if you can link us to some of your truck that would be great. www.picturetrail.com is an easy way of doing that.

ken did the Camaro subframe thing on his AD...he also did a pretty good job of explaining some of the pitfalls and things "not to do" (as well as right stuff to do). Hopefully he'll chime in with some input.

You might also want to check the "Tech Tips" section here at Stovebolt-look for Bowtie Max's article on putting a Monte Carlo clip under his AD. Hope this is of some help and a big "WELCOME" to "The 'Bolt."

Regards,
Wannabe

Perhaps you should also consider traditional lowering through springs, dropped axle and smaller diameter front tires.A properly set up beam axle is pretty good, just a thought.

WITH THE MUSTANG II YOU DONT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS REBOLTING SHEETMETAL

I came accross this post on another board, about MII failure a few different cars and trucks: Link
I have no experience with them myself. I'd go with a dropped axle or dropped spindles...
whizzerick

My thinking initially was leaning toward the Mustang II kit - knowing that there have been a fair number of screwed-up sub jobs, I wasn't up for the gamble with mine.
After reading some of the previous posts on the subject, especially the Art Deco subframe thread, my thinking was reinforced and I was almost ready to plunk down some cash for a hub to hub kit.
Whizzerick, the link you provided has caused me to think a little longer on the kit idea, at least until further investigation. Tony's and your suggestion of lowering with springs, dropped axle or dropped spindles is starting to sound like a real possiblity.
Are there disc brake conversion kits for 3/4 ton? The only ones that I had found were for 1/2 ton. What other viable options are there for converting my 8 lugs to 5? Just point me in the right direction.
A Thousand Thanks for the advice.
Wade
Anxious, but in need of more info.

Wade,

Again, a quick search will pull up a description of a 3/4 ton 8-lug disk brake conversion that someone did. I have looked at the web site a couple of times, but didn't dog ear it.

II kits or subs . . . either one can be great or screwed up. Depends on the guy behind the blue wrench, tape measure, welder. Hanging sheet metal isn't a big deal if you have a modicum of farm yard common sense and ability with a welder.

As with anything, if you have lots of time and little money - the sub route is a good option.

I am keeping my straight axle on my burb project. King pins from SSBrake Company and my own 6 lug disk brake conversion kit so that I can retain 16" stock rims. It is a retro rod so to speak.

I personally don't have a problem with using a sub - it does force you to take more responsibility in getting it placed just right because you will not have an instruction book leading you along the way. I have never liked using instructions and always preferred to make my own wake so it was a good solution for me.