The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Nova front frame

My new project truck is a 55 1st series GMC . I am going to put the front frame from a 69 Nova on it. Has anyone done this ?
The trucks drives OK now but i dont like the hydromatic transmission. I want to install the motor and trans from the nova in my truck too . Is there a place to see one done ? I have a welder.
I also want power steering .

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude, when you say 55 1st series, you mean New Design, like Chevy Advance Design? Nova subframe will be TOOOOOO WIDE for this type of truck! Use a Mustang II IFS. Much better fit.

Oh yeah, if you just have to have a subframe, please use later Camaro/Nova (mid-late seventies. They have the steering linkages in front of the suspension, not behind them like on the 69 you have. They also come with disc brakes-if you're gonna go to the trouble of making it turn better, you want it to STOP better too, don't you? Last but not least, always measure carefully, and if you have any doubts of your own welding skills, please consult a professional welder/fabricator for advice and assistance-we all want to see you keep coming back to the 'Bolt, the more here, the merrier!

Wannabe

69-74 also came with discs, plus it's narrower than the front steer. It'll work fine a buddy has on under his truck and it's on the ground pretty hard with no tire clearance problem. But as Wannabe said get someone who has experience to do it or at least help you do it.

Like wannabe said: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

If there is any way possible that your budget will allow you to install a Mustang 2 setup and retain your old frame, DO IT!!!

I put a '79 Nova clip in my '52 chevy and I basically hate it. It rides fine but, tire clearance has been a problem. Plus, you lose your front motor/body mount. Making a new one on your nova clip will suck big time. Mine still isn't right and I am contemplating building a whole new frame for it instead of trying to fix the old one. :mad:

If you are very experienced with custom fabricating stuff and have tons of cool metal working tools then by all means do a Nova sub. But if you are a novice with few tools go MII. Please!! Good kits can be spendy but for ease in the long run they are worth it.

I hope this helps you to make the best decision for you. Both ways will work but, as you can tell i have a very strong opinion on this issue!