Hot Rods 49 Chevy front end on a 53

Anyone know if a 49 chevy bel air front end will bolt up to a 53 chevy bel air? Thanks

 

Aren't they the same basic body and frame from 49-53? Fisher service manual covers this period. The new 'A' body until another body in '55.

 

Yes.

 

Not done or cheked it, but its said the front end is similar all the way, and on the corvette to -62... but it gonna give you approx. 1" higher ride. (spindle sits higher on the -53, then lower the car)

 

the cross member is slightly different but all the bolt on parts (contarol arms spindles etc. are the same.)

also with a 53 front end you wioll get the bendex brakes witch is a HUGE improvement over the 49 hucks style brakes.

also the uprights are different lowering your car by about 1"-1.5"

it should just bolt in.


on difference is were the engine mounts bolt up. on a 49 if you still have the stock engine will have a fronty mount,were the 53 will be a side mount engine.

so you will need to located and drill out the holes on the subframe for the engine mounts.

 

Clarify...are we talking front sheet metal or suspension crossmember?

 

I was just thinking that. I know that the ifs will bolt right on, but I'm not so sure about the fenders and hood!


Sent from my iPhone using TJJ app

 

I'm guessing he means sheet metal, in which case the answer is no.
(Well, you probably can bolt it on but it won't line up right with the '53 body.)

 

I would like to see a 49 front clip on a 53, so i hope it is what he asked about.
Theres a bitchin 49/51 black/lime coupè with a 53 clip, and ive seen a orange fastback too done the same way. But never a earlier front on a older body.
Intresting fer sure.

 

The sheetmetal will not interchange (not even close), but the suspension parts will swap over for the most part, and as mentioned, the 53-54 brakes are much improved.

 

Sorry I thought he meant suspension

 

sorry, I meant front suspension. Question was answered, thanks for all the input.