The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Newbie question on front clip

I am trying to plan ahead on my 55 second series. I have doing a lot of thinking and I want to add an IFS. I like the idea of a bolt on kits, but am not excited about the cost. So I have been reading a lot about adding a front clip from a donor car.

When someone says that they went to a salvage yard and picked up a front clip, does mean they actually cut the front of the frame off of the donor frame right there in the salvage yard?

I realize this is a VERY basic question, but I am definitely a beginner with time, interest, who is struggling on some of the mechanical issues of this project.

Thanks for any advice.

Ross

Ross - any "clip" you might want to use will be a pretty straight forward frame subassembly that most wreckers would remove for you ..... might even have already on the shelf

but that won't be a bolt on item, nor necessarily cheaper, and if you don't have a pretty good understanding of designing a front end for your truck, including how to remount the rad, which locates and mounts the front sheet metal, you might save yer pennies for the bolt on unit, which doesn't require cutting the entire front off the original frame and welding a new one on

you may be better to get the truck into useable stock condition, we can help with the mechanics ....

Bill

Thanks for the advice Bill.

I like the sounds of that better. I was really nervous about screwing something up.

Do you know if the bolt on kits pretty straight forward?

Thanks again!

Ross

well, they're fairly straight forward in terms of everything being the right shape, width, etc if it's a kit designed for the year, but depends on you if that = easy .... you're looking at changing brake setups and 6 lug to 5 lug, so there are still considerations that affect the entire build up

the best plan is to figure out what you really want in a finished truck and plan it as a package - if you just want an ocassional driver that's out of the ordinary, stock does the trick, if you want something that rides like a car, the modifications can be mild or extreme ... I just like a dependable, easy, workin mans truck

Bill

My wife, YES WIFE, with no mechanical experience but a good mentor (not me) put a bolt on mustang type II front end on a '36 dodge pu. She stripped the frame and boxed it herself. Once mounted, you can get a wheel shop to set all the adjustable stuff.

Me on the other hand, am doing what you were talking about. I am choping the whold front end off a '78 burb and puting it in a '65 C20 with engine, trans and everything.

Hers is finished. I am just starting. Who know if I will ever finish.

the first question is a good one ,
what you need to do that is going to be very much less costly than any kit you buy , you need a 1970 thru 1981 GM front subframe from one of three car's
#1 nova
#2 camaro
#3 firebird
these front subframe's unbolt from the car but will be welded back into your truck this is a very popular thing to do , the truck will drive and handle great !! I would look for a junk nova in a four door subframe is the same but the car and part's on it will be cheaper because of it being a four door , heck a friend of mine bought a 77 four door nova for $300 buck's and drove it home ,,,

Take a look under tech tips on this site. There is a very good article on installing a front clip. When done this way it opens you up to almost any GM front clip. You will also realize it is a lot of work, and requires some fairly good fabrication skills, a welder, and plenty of room. In your case it sounds like bolt on might be the way to go.

John

Thanks to all of you!

All of your advice is very helpful.

My son and I are having a ball working on this truck and all of your advice is taken to heart.

As of right now, I am leaning towards the bolt on kit (the realistic side of me). However, I am still going to read up on using an older gm clip as described by 19673ontree. The other side of me still wants to go for it and have to do some creative work.

Time (and money) will tell.

Thanks again!

Ross

welcome to the site. I am in the process of getting ready to weld in a Camaro subframe on a 1950. If that is the route that you decide to go, I know that I am not the first one to do so, and there are probably a few of us that can help you struggle through it! haha. Take care and enjoy the site.

welcome to the 'bolt... I would hesitate at tackling a clip job without someone who knows what is going on... the IFS kit, however is pretty easy to install... just measure everything about 100 times and ensure that you MARK the centerline of your wheels before you tear it apart.

1st Project. There is no better way than learning and doing it your self. Before you go the "sucker" way, and I meen that with all loving care and kindness. Get your self some books/videos and look on the internet. You will be suprised what you see and can learn. Heck watch a couple Saturdays of Horsepower, 4x4, and Trucks TV shows. Than you will have a better understanding of what is going on. Make your decision from that point.

Kenny B.