The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Monte Carlo front end?

Some one told me that a Monte Carlo front clip can be used on a 1955 first series AD and that the dimensions were very similar. Does anybody have any apecifics regarding this swap? What year works best, any other pertinent information?

Thanks

This is a major fabrication project and not one to be started lightly. There is a guy here on the Stovebolt who has done it, and I expect he will chime in here and say don't do it.

The '78 to '88 Monte is the one that is considered a good fit for AD trucks. But what that means is that the track width is right to allow the wheels and tires to fit right under the fenders.

The Monte and its g-body cousins are not unibody cars, and actually have full frames. When you say 'clip' in this context you are actually cutting the front of both frames off and grafting the Monte to the AD.

While similar to using a Camaro clip in other applications there are some practical differences that matter. The dimensions of the Monte frame are NOT really similar to those of the AD truck frame. The Monte is much wider and you'll create some structure to match them up.

And of course you have the other issues associated with a clip project, mounting the fenders and grill and all.

Thanks - that all sounds logical!

Old Sub,

Are you looking for Bowtie Max

Peg

I checked both Joe's links to see if there was anything new in either of them.

Funny thing is that the last post in the HAMB thread is from Don Meyer. Don recently decided to replace the clipped frame because it had issues. What makes it funny is that he decided to go Mustang II this time.

Don Meyer\'s project.

Don's decision surprised me because he has often defended clipping as a good approach when the subject comes up. If you read Don's posts on various boards you'll learn he has clipped several cars over the years.

Enjenjo's pictures represent the approach Houston54 used in doing his truck. Last I knew he was using the frame he modified but has been advising others to go the Mustang II route. Search here looking for Monte Carlo or Clip and read the Houston54's posts.

Frank (Enjenjo) is working on a new truck project and doing it differently this time. He is using a Nova clip and building his own frame.

Enjenjo \'50 Truck Frame
Enjenjo Two

Frank's earlier approach is also covered in the Tex Smith book on building Hot Rod Chassis.

Now I should mention that I have a Monte Carlo frame sitting in my shop right now, and plan to put my '54 3100 on it. I'm not clipping, but actually doing a frame swap. The running boards are mocked into place to check measurements and I think I've got the big issues sorted out. This will be a car that looks like a truck when its done, but really usuable as a truck.

There is a guy on the HAMB who says he is doing the same thing, but he has never offered pictures of that part of the project and has yet to respond to any questions I've asked about the swap.

Dale Holt and his kids put a GMC 3/4-ton on a Monte Frame and that project is documented here on the Stovebolt. While the truck looks great from 20 feet (provided traditional patina appeals to you--it does me), they took a somewhat crude approach and up close you can tell. The truck is a regular at some of the shows in my region.

\'Lil Rascals\'

The pictures give a good idea how the IFS sits under the front fenders. The article talks of future plans, but I've been told the truck has since changed hands and the new owner has posted here. I don't recall who it was though...

I forgot about Bowtie Max! His is another approach entirely. He trimmed the IFS from the Monte Carlo frame, trimmed the AD frame to fit, and then attached the two.

My preference is for a lower look in a hot rod truck, but its another to consider.

Give Houston54 a try. He has done this swap also. He's also got some nice step by step pics.

Thanks to all. It seems that this is more than I am able to do but that's why I asked!

this guy used a pacer IFS on his AD truck:

http://www.members.shaw.ca/fatfenders/thetoad.htm

i've done a few of 'em with the 78-87 g-body stuff.
there not as "pretty" as a MII but they drive better.
subframes are a pain in the *** BUT when it's done, you WILL like driving it better

there's some guys using 2wd s-10 chassis that say it's not a bad deal (same basic frt suspension as a g-body) but i haven't tried one myself so i can't say by experiance..
if you're not comfortable doing a clip job, this might be a better way for ya..

JTS2530

go to seattlestreetrods.com they have a bolt\weld on kit than can improve handling and lower the vehicle without cutting up the frame. all you need is an 84-96 corvette suspension.

i did it w\ my 39 and i love it. but i had to make my own brackets.