Hot Rods GMC Sub-frame Use it OR Lose it

Have a 55 GMC pick up. Years ago put together a frame Camaro front clip and Camaro rear. Do I start another project or leave chassis as is and sell the frame?

 

If it is/was done correctly, use it. Saving $ and time. What do want from your truck? A modernized/car like ride?

 

Depends on how it was done and what your expectations for the truck are. Your truck is one of the very few candidates that in my opinion a Camaro clip actually works pretty well in. That said, if it is installed correctly and in the right place it would probably work pretty damn well, and with some of the aftermarket suspension stuff out there geared to the "pro touring" guys can actually be made to handle fairly well.

But if ultimate cosmetics and ultra nice handling and ride are on the table, call ElPollacko at Industrial Chassis and ask when his Dakota kits are going to be ready for your truck... Hell, for that matter, have him build you one of his custom chassis if you can afford it. The difference is not just a bit, it's day and night!!! Trust me on this one, I have driven lots of both.

 

like others have said,,make sure its done right,, square, welds are good, braced to the old frame correctly and if it all OK, use it if it's just gonna be a driver.

l have a 1977 nova clip in my 1948 dodge truck and it rides and drives really good. the guy l had do mine has done over a 1OO sub frame conversions on everthing from 3O's to 6O's vehicles. mine is so good at 7O l can take my hands off the wheel and she goes straight as an arrow.

15OO miles or so since last summer and hasn't missed a beat,

Later

 

I think the proper question is "how deep are your pockets"
Nothing wrong with the set up you described, if done properly.

 

Frame work was done by a great guy and mechanic. A very active knowledgeable hot rodder. Just want a good handling and stopping daily driver Truck is a keeper and would love to drive it a l;ot more and farther

 

I think you just answered your own question.
Get out to the shop and start building.

 

If done properly you won't regret using it

 

is the rear of the truck frame C-notched?

when the sub-frame was done on the dodge it changed the angle on my drive- shaft to 9% up. l C-notched the the rear frame and put the axle on top of the leafs and made wedges to get a 2%-3% down angle on the drive-shaft.

make sure of the angle and check because you will eat U-joints and create a dangerous situation if the drive-shaft falls out. l have seen that happen and it can tear up a lot of stuff real quick.

pics of your'e truck and a build thread would be cool

Later

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148978

 

...here's my 55 I've been workin on, used a 72 Nova sub.

 

As long as it was done right, keep it.

 

i love subframes, dont care what anyone says. they are cheap and easy, and when done right are super practical for any car.

 

i've always thought it was strange, when you drive an old monte carlo, the handling sucks. it's a boat. put that same front end under an old pickup and it drives like a dream. i guess wacking a coil and the lower center of gravity helps. i put a 81 up monte carlo/regal under my 55 second series. DRIVE IT!!

 

I used a '78 Pontiac Trans Am sub frame in my '55 Cadillac...equipped with disc brakes and sway bar...rides like a newer Cadillac now...

To see the complete five and one half year build, go here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329070

R--

 

Arleast its not a s10 frame swap. Have you driven it or did you buy it as a roller?

 

I put the frame together

 

If you did it right it will be a great daily driver that you will really enjoy and find excuses to drive. I've had subframes under my 48 and under my 51 Merc. Both could run down straight roads hands off the wheel for a long stretch as they tracked great. Both got around 100K put on them with the subframes under them including a road trip from Washington State to Central Texas in each.

One might not be the hot lick for a show truck that you expect to win the big indoor show with but it will probably drive circles around those show trucks out on the road.

But the subframe and rear end aren't the issue, how well they were installed is the issue.

 

I'm totally happy with my subframe. It's a 74 Poncho Trans Am so it's a little beefier. Really handled good on a road race coarse with that boxy body 55 Olds................

 

Do it. Your GMC will think it's a Camaro and your dog'll be able to drive.