The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Pictures are instructions on installing a camaro front clip in a 1954 chevy pick-up

I need some help in installing a camaro clip into a 1954 chevy pick-up.I would like the truck to be as close to orginal height as possible.The more detail the better.Thank you for any photos.
Larry

Do you mean pictures 'or' instructions? Sorry, but you confused me for a bit...

Peak at these:

Sumner This one is a Camaro clip on a '48 GMC.

Frank This is a g-body clip on a '52 (I think) Chevy.

When clipping the most important difference between a Chevy and a GMC is the radiator mount. Sumner changed the whole setup and Frank shows how he recreated it.

Steve: Peak or Peek?

Those links represent the pinnacle of the art. So either would be correct.

Being creative could add to what the links are showing. If someone just wants upgraded parts and ride for a driver truck, the 2nd link appears to be better thought out. In my humble opinion both could stand a little more thought in how the 2 were joined. Using the Camaro clip should make for an easy "blend" to the OEM truck frame due to it`s tube size (3"x3" I think). If your donor is nasty and scaley strip it 1st. Nothing worse than putting rusty old parts on a rusty old frame. I suggest you remove the coil springs and set up the new frame section to finished ride height and make a tube that replaces the shock to hold it there. "Frank" was on the money about the 3/4 forward deal. Take your time and imagine what it would`ve looked like if GM used those parts on that truck.

1 more thing to consider...you could narrow the sub-frame about 2" to create a better merge of the old n new. The trick is the steering center link. Once cut, you need to use a tube with holes for rosette welds to add to the strength of the shortened center link. It needs to be used over the weld in the center and that weld ground, then slide the tube over and weld it in as well. If you don`t have tig capability take it to someone who does. Motor mounts are easy, but be certain to take into account the offset built into he Camaro sub-frame. A 1" offset to the pass-side, or in easy terms engine center is 1/2"to the right. This was done to give the driver more room in the Camaro`s and such during those years as well as more stable weight distribution. The old stuff runs right down the middle. Just some info to consider. I hope it`s helpful. I don`t mean to be critical or negative, just bringing a "dish to pass" at this party. MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE. Then measure it one more time. Good luck with it.

Having installed a G body sub frame on my 54 using most of Frank's methods I can attest that it is very strong and looks good. The front mount for the core support does take a bit of thought as Frank's detail in this area is a bit thin. This is where I diverged. Also, the G body frame will require the bottom the radiator to be kicked forward to clear the steering box.

As to the Camaro/Firebird subframe, I think it is pretty straight forward and there are several sites out there that show it. Do a google on camaro, subframe and you should find most of them. Total Cost (TCI) also sells a video ($35) that documents this swap. I would get the video if I were to do this one.

As for subframe swaps I would suggest you fully consider other options such as an IFS kit. The cost of a kit starts around $1,350 and comes with everything you will need. They are very easy to install and the end result is much more attractive to future buyers. In retrospect I think I would have done an IFS instead but I did not know as much then as I do now.

It is your truck and your money so do what makes you happy.