Narrowing a arms on Nova sub

Since I don't have the money and can't seem to find an S-10 frame I think I'll work with what I have. I really would like to narrow the front just a bit(it's not bad but it could be better).

Has anyone narrowed an a arm before? If so how?

Mine's a '79 Nova on a '39 Chevy frame.

Thanks!

 

I wonder if it would be better to move the mounts inboard instead of cutting and welding on the a arm?

 

thats the last thing i would want to do. use narrow wheels, small tires, any thing but messing with the arms .save your money and build a new frame w/mustII you cant make a silk purse from a pigs ear.

 

I just did this to a 38 chevy coupe with 69 subframe, I went with fatmans narrowed A-arms they bolt right on and move the wheels in 1 1/2 inch and with eldorado discs you can move in even more. It changes your turning radius a bit but not bad. My friend did cut the original a-arms and took about an inch out and welded them back together but he is a structural welder and I feel safer with the fatman arms.

 

I have a friend who has narrowed and stepped A-arms on a 55 chevy and a 64 Chevelle wagon with no problems at all. Make a jig to hold the end where they bolt on at the frame side that will stay in its current location, then with the ball joint in place make a bracket that will except the ball joint that allows it to slide back the amount that you want to narrow them, this way everything will stay in the correct location. You can go about 1.5 inches on each side with no problems. You will also have to shorten the drag link this can be done a couple of different ways. Good luck and I hope that you are a good welder ??????

 

...does your sub have disc brakes?...if so you can go with drum brakes on there to gain some clearance on each fender: as drum-brake subs are narrower than disc fronts. Narrower or more negative offset rims will help also, even if you have to have them made special. (I'm talkin steelies here)That's probly the easiest way for you to gain clearance.

 

I only have experience with the rear steer 68-74 Nova sub under mine. The A-arms are narrowed 1 1/2" per side. I later found out that using metric disc brakes can give you the same thing. The drum brake set-up is only 3/8" narrower per side than the disc. Of course after 74 they were all disc brakes anyway. I don't know how much of this holds true with the later subs such as yours.

 

heres a pic with the narrowed a-arms on , big difference

 

I have discs. I plan on steelies, chromed to match some chrome reverse I have for the back. Anyplace I can get some custom made cheap?

 

I also read that using S-10 spindles or Monte Carlo spindles/brakes will narrow it? Any truth to that?

 

The "metric brakes" mentioned were used on 1882 and up "A" and "G" cars, S-10 trucks, and Astro vans.

 

I don't know about where you are,but where i live any welding on steering parts,a-arms etc is a sure fail for safety inspections!I know of one rodder who can't get registration for his ride because of welded (narrowed)center link.It didn't matter even that it was done by a pro rod shop. 2yrs since build,this big $$$ ride still sits awaiting legal battle to commence.

 

simplest thing to do is just narrow the whole clip by cutting a couple inches out of the middle before you put in on the car. I've done that to a couple of them now and they work great. Wheels fit in the wells better, the steering box lines up better and the frame graft fits closer.

 

What did you do about the center link?

 

I did just this on a camaro clip under a 51 chevy sedan. I took inch and half out of center, not alot, but made a world of difference.