chevy frame swap

has anyone done a full frame swap on a 51 chevy 2 door before? i have a line on a 72 or 73 nova complete frame for 200 bucks. its a 4 door...........wil it fit without to much cutting...... help.........please.

chad

 

you know a nova doesn't have a full frame right?

 

Novas are a sub frame attached to a unibody. It is a good clip but it is not a full frame.

 

and a little too wide for a '51 chevy

 

..if it's a 72 w/ drum brakes it'll work as a clip job. 73 won't, too wide .

 

78 to 84 elcamino is close on the wheelbase, but even though its the narrowest full frame, its still almost too wide. I put one under a fleetline, and its nice in the rear, but the front is a inch too wide on both sides. The lower you go the more its a problem. Narrowed arms are like 8 bills. Must 2 or narrow a early nova or camero sub. Didnt help you much did I.

 

..I have done one on a 51 Chevy Sedan Delivery using a 77 Olds Cutl***...NEVER AGAIN...The only way to do this swap is if I have a lot of time and very little money...Take a look at www.rb'sautoparts.com You will find bolt in kits front and rear for 49-52 Chevy cars.......I have installed one of the front Must II bolt in kits in my 51 Chevy car.....Very easy to install...I have pics showing both being installed,if you like to see them hankshank3@aol.com Miller

 

Funny **** here Nova frames....
What he could do is use the ElCamino frame mentioned above[Wagon is same too] and just narrow the front crossmember ONLY without narrowing the frame rails themselves......just cut it and pull it together-Weld it and shorten the center steering link a like amount.....
The resulting narrowing/and angle change of each side rail would be fairly insignificant because it will be used in a frame swap anyhow.....

 

the Nova frame is a bolt in..real quick and easy...i'd go for it

 

the one from RB'S are basically the same as 78-87 gm a -body but way overpriced. add disc brakes and r&p steering and use the stock frame. later if you don't like the upgrade then clip it.