What is the best subframe to use for my 58?

I was just wondering if anyone has info on what subframe fits betters on a 58 Apache? I have access to a 73 camaro and a 78 nova. also any info on an install would be greatly appreciated! references points especially.

thanks

 

Seems like there was an article years ago about the 81-86 C10 having a frame that was just about the right width. That article was in a Truckin' magazine (or a relative thereof) and I only remember as I had a 59 Apache/454 at the time with a dropped axle/disc brakes but wanted to upgrade. Never did it....but I'm sure if you poke around the Chev/GMC truck forums you'll find your answer (and more).

dj

 

front steer clip, camaro

 

I think Lux Blue has a thread on this.

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148978&highlight=subframing+your

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148978&highlight=clip+one+day

 

Thanks! Does anyone have anything on the Nova? Only reason for asking is the camaro all I have is the subframe, I have both the frame and rearend for the Nova. Everyone keeps saying to keep them together and dont mix if you dont have to.

 

Tony, I followed the way Lux Blue explains in his post... He did the homework and it made the swap easy... The front steer frame of the Camaro is a better choice...

 

...aren't those two virtually the same clips?

 

I think so other than the core support / bumper area.I helped a guy bolt a 70 Nova front clip under a wrecked 67 Camaro a long time ago and it bolted up ...

 

I disagree with the front steering clip, The early clips from 68-72 novas camaros and venturas had rear steer and make for a cleaner looking install when done. You wont have all that steering linkage going out across the frame and getting in the way of exhaust and stuff. It is all preference I know. I have used the rear steer clip on mine and others with great results. The steering will look tight at first but it is easily done with 2 joint instead of 3 and a support. Your gonna cut the column any way or use a new one so you can move it slightly if you need too. Mine is in the stock location and works fine. Also the track width of the 73 and later are slightly wider I believe, and if you are not careful you will have tire clearance issues with the fenders depending on how low you go with cutting coils or dropped spindles.

 

A while back there was a thread here about Jag XJ6 front end swaps...you should do a search on that and read it..sounds really good to me..the parts (and a donor XJ6) are dirt cheap, you get disc brakes, rack and pinion steering in one shot...the other thread talked mostly about Ford trucks like 1949-56 or so...I dont know if the '58 Chevy is wider or if it is feasible...

 

I also like the earlier 68-74 Nova/clone clips, (same as 67-9 Camaro/Firebird)...but they are gettin harder to locate around the midwest.
I still have enuf of em for what I want to do tho.
...here's a 72 Nova clip in a 55 Chevy p.u....I only needed one steering u-joint, just angled the column over to the driver's side a bit. (used a 64 Malibu column)