Just got a 49 chevy coupe and I am going to make it a driver and would like to put late model drivetrain under it. What is the best subframe to use? Also I thought I was told once before of a later model rearend that would go right under it without moving spring perches and was also the correct width. Any help or ideas on this project would be greatly appreciated. Thanks AL
Define "late model". Just because you want to make a few upgrades doesn't necessarily mean you have to swap the frame out.
It really depends on your skills and how much $$ you have to shell out. I've seen some with older Chevelle frames under them as well as ones that used the newer metric GM frames. Then there's the ones with the Nova or Camaro sub frames clipped on, which are good if you're on a budget. If you can pick up a wrecked IROC Z28, that'll supply most of your parts in one shot. Personally, if the body was really nice, I'd go with an after market fromt Mustang II style front clip and either a fabricated 4-link rear or a disc brake GM rear and new leaf springs.
Do a search on here. It's been covered countless times. For hanging the rear "Gambino" is all you need to know. Their notch and bar kits are perfect.
I'm using a Jaguar XJ front end and a 78 Camaro rear that bolts upto the standard springs. The standard springs won't take a lot of abuse. I'm about to change mine out for a 4 link setup.
Do a search on 40-53 chevy suspension, subframe, sbc swap etc. This topic has been covered many many many times over in very good detail in old threads.
'49 Chevy is the best for it. There are so many ways to upgrade it without cutting the frame, it's not funny, stock front end with a rack and pinion, stock front end with a '54 steering box, the Jag front end, at least two different Mustang II kits... at least three different kits for upgrading the rearend from just lowering blocks that compensate for the loacator pin hole with shock mounts and a sway bar, to new springs on the stock perches, to a kit that not only gives you new springs but new hangers for them too.
Most of the Nova/Camaro clips are too wide to get fender clearance without using FWD wheels. S10 seems to work better. The Mustang II kits are probably your best bet, They bolt up to the old holes so lineup is a snap, only welding is the tophats, no rebuilding old junk and rack and pinion steering. Money well spent. Buflochp
I agree. I drove a 200 mile round trip Sunday running 75 mph on the highway with my stock front end. Only upgrade is power disc brakes. I'm running an inline 250 with a turbo 350. I drive mine about 5000 miles a year. No problems here. What's your definition of a driver.
I have a 50 sedan on top of a 78 elcamino chassis. The rear floor had to be reconstructed to clear the 4 bar rear suspension. Major conflicts in the grille area. The frame horns end up in the lower splash pan, and the steering box is right there too. On the plus side, disk brakes, power steering, swing brake pedal assembly, and parts available at any parts house nation wide.
Exactly what I went through with my Nova clip....main thing is the clips are too wide...s-10's work...but you still have try to get your fenders,grill,radiator support.etc to bolt up right. I finally hacked off my clip..got another stock frame, and installed a must.II. Was done in a couple hours. Nova clip, months of busted knuckles, cursin' at the car, weeping in my sleep..you get the idea! Heres pics of mine with the Nova clip..and one with the stock frame and Must.II... Nova clip...cant even get your finger in the fenderwell and good luck trying to turn! Heres back to the stock frame with a No Limit IFS.....all kinds of room...and I can turn my wheels! Of coarse you can get different offset wheels, or narrowed control arms($1,000)....but with the money you spend on that..you might as well go for the Must.II.....And your fenders.radiator support, bumpers etc...bolt right into place. Hope this helps in your decision....there are people who have made them work....but never again for me...
FWIW, wheel cylinders, shoes, hardware and hoses for the 51-up Bendix brakes can be bought at any of the major chains, too. The only reason I didn't buy wheel cylinders there is I found them cheaper on eBay. Wheel bearings, who knows, but those don't usually go away without some kind of warning.
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