The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop front clip replacement on 1953 chevy truck

i was told that i could use a 1974 nova front clip on my 53. i understand that the nova clip unbolts. Sounds stupid, but has the new clip got to be welded to the frame after removing the truck suspenion or can it be bolted on. can someone share with me what has to be done. i got a friend that builds street rods and was wanting another opinion. Also the nova rear end that i have what has to be done to install it. Im trying to do as much as i can. I do know that the nova has a front steering box- closest to the front of the truck

yes the nova frame needs to be welded on. after you cut the frame of your truck. i would think of another option like mustang2 or somthing. if you dont have extensive welding and fabing skilss i would not try it. the subframe swap in my opion is not the way to go. the rear end swap is easy enough. make sure you get the right width axle perches and move you rear axle back about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches to center your tires in the rear fenders. im not bagging on the subframe but i have tried it when i was younger and with little exerince. and i had to learn how to weld and fab before i was able to fix my major f up. have fun with your truck and do what makes you happy with it

im more electrical than mechanical. My mechanic friend says that i could problaly replace the rearend my self, but really dont know. Tell me about the perches and why to move it back 1-1/2 to 1-3//4 inches

most perches are to wide for the ad springs. i cant remember right off hand the widths are. you move the rear end back to center your tires in the wheel well. if you look at your truck notice how the rear tires are sitting forward and not centered? that is why you move the rear axle back.hope that helps at least a little

Stock truck doesn't have the wheels centered in the fender. Moving it back will center the wheel in the fender. It is an apperance issue.
Put a dropped axle from Sid, 3 inch will do and add disk brake kit. Good luck! Smitty

Instead of clipping, there are cross members for both Mustang front suspension and GM Metric (G-body, S-10, etc) front suspension.

Scott

A second reason for moving the rear backward is that the '47 to '54 trucks have the pin in the spring forward of what should be the axle centerline. If you don't adjust for that when you change axles you'll find the axle even further forward in the fenders than the stock arrangement.

There is a kit available for this conversion that most likely would set you up for success.

One comment regarding the Nova clip versus Mustang II approach is that while fabrication skills are more important doing the clip approach, welding skills are required for most Mustang II setups also. With few exceptions those crossmembers must be welded in.

anyway you go you will need to be able to weld or have someone who can. I have used Camaro clips many times as well as Nova, Monte Carlo and Mustang II all required welding and /or fab work.
Guess you should start out with how much you want to spend and then look for something that is a weld in or a subframe is cheaper but will need fab work

as for the rear, the spring perches can always be cut off and rewelded in right place anyway correct? Here's an example for doing the offset to center the wheels.
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=Scan1_0001-1.jpg

Like Smitty's said, the drop axle is much easier but will run around $400 + new king pins and other front end parts while you're at it. Just trying to clarify for ya.