The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1949 Subframe Options/Resources?

I have a 1949 1/2 ton that I've been working on since I was 14. Unfortunately, I've spent more time fixing someone else's mistakes as I bought it already clipped. I'm getting ready to do the last big job: installing a new subframe.

Currently it has a 76 front clip, and as some may know, it's very wide. Plus, the genius who put it on before didn't bother to center it (it's off by1/4") and didn't put the right spacers in. My truck has airbag suspension, and to get BARELY adequate turning clearance for the 18" wheels I have to put 120 PSI in the bags: it rides like a tank!

So I'm looking at a new front clip, and from what I've gathered, it sounds like the Nova II (66-67) front subframe has the narrowest track width of 56.8", while the 67-69 Camaro and 68-72 Nova have a track width of 59.1". My 76 Camaro clip has a track width of 61.3", so either clip would be a big improvement (yay for 8" wide wheels!).

I have two questions: can someone point me to some RELIABLE sites with track width measurements for GM clips? I've done some searching and come up with conflicting results. Also, any other subframe suggestions?

ANY help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ryan

66-67 nova ain't gonna work at all(real unibody)
78-87 monte/malibu front frame section is 58" , 2wd s-10 is 54(i believe)

You should find what you need on this site.
http://50chevy.freeservers.com/Subframe.htm

Having gone down this route I would recommend a rear steer first gen camaro or an early nova subframe.

I could not tell you who did the work , but my 52 5 window has a clip out of a early 70's 2 wheel drive Chevy pickup, they narrowed it an it works great ....i can send you pics of my front clip an how the set-up is done for the power steering .
I cannot post pics here yet ...but if ya send me a private message with your e-mail ill send ya some pics.

SW Radial,
do you mind sending me the pictures aswell?

Stock AD track width is 59 3/4" so i'm thinging something close to that is your best bet.

Good Luck.

My truck has a 72 Nova,which is rear steer.Tires on front are 215/65-15.The truck sits very low,the tires will rub at times.As for the rear steer,the colum runs at a slight angle to the steering box

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm going to use a 78-86 Monte Carlo subframe...but I have a couple of questions.

1) Is there any difference between a v6 and v8 car beyond the motor mounts?

2) Will my suspension and brake parts from my 1976 Camaro work on the Monte Carlo? My brakes (calipers, rotors, pads, etc) have less than 100 miles on them, so it would be nice to reuse them.

If anyone can answer these questions, point me in the right direction, or has some suggestions, let me know! Thanks,

Ryan

Yes. Spring rates are different. You probably want the V-8 springs and there was a sport option that included a swap bar and stiffer springs. I'd look for of those if you have choices.

Its possible to swap the rotors, but it is not a direct swap. I've seen write-ups on how to do it, but don't recall the details. The advantage is the brakes are a little bigger on the Camaro if I remember correctly.

Check enjenjo for details on the clip job. If you poke around I think the same guy has details on the brake swap too, but I've never saved that link.

I used the G body subframe on my project and you can see pics using the link in my signature. There are several significant issues with going this route. If you can fabricate then you can be successful but expect to have major steering box/radiator/core support clearance issues and on having a fun time finding headers that will fit. It is a good swap but you will have to work at it. All subframe swaps are a compromise. You will not get everything you want from any of them.

Houston54,

Your truck is looking great...nice work! I'm not worried about the fabrication as my family friend backhalfed my truck so I have complete faith in his abilities. I have a couple questions for you.

1) Have you test fitted your radiator yet? It doesn't look like it would fit with that notch you had to make for the steering box (my truck isn't here so I can't look to see how that large of a notch would effect clearance issues.)

2) How far did you lower the sway bar and does it hang lower than the crossmember?

1. The core support has been modified to kick the bottom of the radiator forward to clear the steering box. This also requires trimming the back of the 54 grill for clearance. May not be an issue for the 49.

2. Sway bar was mounted using custom drop mounts and different link bars. Total drop is about 2.5 inches and does not extend below the cross member.

One other issue you will have is fuel pump clearance. I had to notch the cross-member to provide clearance. This could be alleviated by mounting the engine higher in the frame but that creates other issues which are more perplexing.

The only headers I could find that would fit my application were Hedman rear swept shorties and I had to modify the right side to tuck in away from the frame rail.

If you have any other questions I will try to help. Still would suggest the rear steer as a better option to prevent the radiator interference issues. The only negative to it is the header/steering box clearance but a set of headers for a 1st gen camaro would probably work well.

hey, want another option?
take a peek under a 2000 ish 2wd tundra.
58" wide,rear steer rack, cleaner looking than a gm sub, looks almost MII but will handle the weight. ferd wheel bolt pattern too.
they're kinda rare around here(everybody thinks they need 4wd for some reason)

I worked on a '53 PU with a friend a few years back and we used the whole front suspension out of a '65 Chev PU(gotta keep it in house) It took exactly a 1/4" shim on either side to fit right in with no fender rubbing.

Thanks Houston54. It sounds like the Monte Carlo unit might be a lot of work for the little amount of width benefit it provides (.6" narrower than the following). I'm thinking a rear steer subframe out of a 68-72 nova/67-69 camaro might be the best bet. For those that have used this subfame...

1) Do you have pictures of your engine bay/steering linkage?

2) Again, will my brakes and/or spindles work on this subfame (from 76 Camaro)?

3) Beyond motor mounts, spring rates, and a sway bar, there is no difference between a 6 cylinder and V8 subframe correct?

4) Are there any other major issues I should anticipate before deciding to go this route?

Again, any feedback is GREATLY appreciated!