This is an ad from a local. He does not know much more than what is listed. He bought it as a larger deal. I have a 48 chevy that I am collecting parts for. What do I need to check to see if this is what I want? besides measuring..what year subframes are better or worse? Any distinguishing marks? Seems like a "good" deal. But i am torn, i may not even use a subframe, I may keep stock and only use the rear. What do you guys think. Subframe from GM pony car.Year and model (Camaro/Nova/Firebird) uncertain. Looks like mid to late 70's Sub has disk brakes and master cylinder/vacume can assembly, rear is drum brake 10 bolt.
..go with 68-74 Nova (or clones) sub or first three yrs of Camaro/Firebird with drum brakes, they are a perfect fit for your Chevy.
the early ones that rusty1 mentioned are "rear steer", the steering box sits behind the main crossmember, the tie rods are behind the spindles. The 70-81 camaro/firebird and 75-79 nova/X body clones are "front steer", the box sits ahead of the crossmember, and the tie rods are in front of the spindles. These nova/camaro/X/F body clips all have the frame rails going straight back and down. Similar front steer clips were used on Chevelles and such but they have frame rails that go out to the sides as they drop down behind the crossmember.
The description says disc brakes in the front. Does that rule out the earlier subframe (unless of course someone updated w/ aftermarket) The 70-81 camaro/firebird and 75-79 nova/X body clones are "front steer", the box sits ahead of the crossmember, and the tie rods are in front of the spindles. Will these mentioned still fit as slick as the 68-74 Nova clips? Thanks again!!
Factory discs were available on the earlier rear steer subframes. The front steer subframes are not as nice...they'll work, but the steering box can be in the way of the front sheetmetal/radiator, and they often have big ugly bumper mounting supports that you need to deal with.
to start with i personall would not sub frame any 37-54 chevy car. that said there are really only 2 sub fames. front steer and rear steer. all front steer have disc brakes. most rear steer dont those that do have a add on system that bolts on unlike the front steer that is cast in the spindle. the front steer have some differences in the bumper shock mount area. the cleanest ones are the 70-81 camaro/firebird.
The Nova frame would fit your car the best. You need to narrow the frame 2-3 inches so the wheels clear the fenders. I did a '48 Chevy with a Camaro and ran into problems with the original radiator. I ended up using a narrower '40 chevy radiator. Then I used a nova under one and you need to trim the front crossmember to use the stock radiator support. I started cutting the support off on the bottom and mounting it to the front horns on two pads. I've done close to 10 cars now. Really isn't a bad job. And if done right the subframe looks like it belongs there.
Thanks for all the replies. The main problem I have is the fella that has the "good deal" does not know what subframe he has. He is supposed to go home tonight and inspect to find out atleast where the steering box sits. At this point I am ready to rebuild the front end and call it good. I just need to research more on dropped spindles ,springs, air bag set up. I want to lower it. That is my ultimate goal. And of course power steering so the wife will enjoy it...
The fella wants 150 bucks for the front sub as well as the rear end. I think I will throw some money at it. Bring it home and go from there. The parts are in a smaller town than mine so I gotta travel to pickem up, but for 150 bucks not a bad deal. Heck I have thrown more than that away on stupid things...
Good luck with your project! It seems that unless it was a high-performance vehicle from factory,the rear-steer subs were mostly front drum brake equipped? C. N.O.V.A. (Camaro,Nova,Omega,Ventura,Apolla) I bought a conversion thru a midwest company that was a pretty decent setup.$500. Mostly American made parts too.I'll try and find the co. name and post it. The Nova sub isn't too bad,but secretly I lusted after a MII setup.
THe fella said it is a front steer setup. I don;t want to rework the inner fenderwells. I think I am going to rebuild the front suspension or mustang II.. The car is in way too good of shape to go and cut the frame
If you want air suspension, the FatMan's setup would probably be your best bet. Add up all your parts costs/labor costs trying to make a GM subframe work out, then open up your wallet and let the moths out. You'll be happier in the long run with stuff that was actually made for your car.
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