49 5 window frame mod/swap questions...

[ChiefRocka]

What's up guys ...

I have a childhood friend of mine that has a 49 truck sitting for almost 20 yrs, and is gonna want to build it soon.

Plans are to run current patina on truck, SBC, and lay the truck out.

Along with the truck, he has a 78 Camaro front clip.

He's set on running that clip. I told him go with aftermarket, or even S-10...

But, he's a stubborn ol greenhorn ...

Plans are to run a steelwheel, with a fat white wall...with a standard offset look.

Not sure if the track of the 'maro clip will be right for that truck.

Typically the clips are positioned under truck frame, right ??

We want to lay frame/fenders with this truck ...

Ideas ? Thoughts ?

I can fab...just need to be prepared......besides, I'mma 60-66 guy !!

[let it loose]

I'm doing a '49 five window myself. I had a '54 with a 1978 Camaro sub-frame done by the previous owner. It was positioned underneath the truck frame as you mentioned. Personally I would like to try the S-10 frame but I'm sure others have good ideas for you.

[G&R's57GMC]

Speedway has a bolt in IFS for that truck.

[mr48chev]

I'd convince him to sell the Camaro stub and go S-10 or aftermarket crossmember. I'm not a fan of the laying frame nonsense anymore than S-10 frame swaps but in this case it simplifies things so much that it would be the way to go. Front and rear kits and or front and rear setup info is so easily available for the S-10 Chassis Where getting everything right with that Camaro stub is going to be an effort and it still may not turn out as he expects.

On the other hand he could buy a complete MII setup that was already engineered for bags and had the bags with it and you wouldn't be up to your elbows in fabricating a bagged setup for what ever chassis he does use.

[parkwood]

I will go along with Mr48 and go with an after market Mll front end with bags if he wants to go low... check out my build and you can see how nice a Mll front end can go in.. plus then you don't have to make mounts for the fenders and the whole front end..

[ChiefRocka]

Right on fellas, thanks for the info ...

I will pass this info on to him, and report back

[mr48chev]

I have had two vehicles that were subframed, both my 48 at one time and my 51 Mercury coupe that I had for 32 years. While both drove great getting the front end sheet metal to fit and getting it fastened down right was a real challenge. For me on the 48 it was fit/trim/fit/trim on the inner fenders and other pieces to get it to set right on the subframe and get the hood lined up right and then it was a day's work to get the bumper fitted right.

Add to that I ended up doing a complete rebuild on both subframes under both rigs. That included all of the bushings, ball joints and several tie rod ends plus I had to swap out the steering box on one as it had been sitting out exposed to the elements for some time before I acquired it. Add to that I switched both from drum brakes to disk brakes. The financial cost to me wasn't that bad at the time as I had a good discount at the parts house and I had access to wrecking yards with friendly prices but The cost of a rebuild kit for a Camaro Subframe, steering box and replacement brake pieces may run into several hundred dollars if he needed much of it. He needs to throw that into the equation before he starts doing any swapping.

[rcrahn]

Review this with him John....think you'll like this approach

http://www.welderseries.com/blog/mus...ication-chart/

[ChiefRocka]

I totally agree with you all.

He's looking at 100+ hrs for the Camaro clip swap....

I'm sure he will agree with me !

[Bubba54]

I have a 79 camaro sub frame on my 54. I think they are just a bit wide for the 47-54 trucks. I narrowed the stock a-arms 1 inch on both sides for better tire fit.



If doing it again, I would go s-10 or mustang II on stock frame.

Good luck on the build.

[parkwood]

Originally Posted by Bubba54

I have a 79 camaro sub frame on my 54. I think they are just a bit wide for the 47-54 trucks. I narrowed the stock a-arms 1 inch on both sides for better tire fit.

Attachment 1107839

If doing it again, I would go s-10 or mustang II on stock frame.

Good luck on the build.

I must say that took some balls to cut and weld the a-arms... did you lose any turning radius?

[Bubba54]

Originally Posted by parkwood

I must say that took some balls to cut and weld the a-arms... did you lose any turning radius?

I tig welded the a-arms about ten years ago. I havent drove it alot but they seem to have held up fine. The truck rides nice and i can turn the wheel all the way, without any tire interference.

[mknittle]

Fatman fabrication sells 1" narrowed tube arms but not cheap. around $600

[65Ch3v3LL3]

I can't say I'm a fan of any of these options. The S-10 requires some work to get the body mounted and more than likely you will need to rebuild the front end and do brakes anyhow. The Camaro clip really doesn't fit the truck and if he wants to lay frame then the subframe is going to hit first. The Mustang II front end is really not the best geometry out there either but the best of all the above choices. The Roadster Shop has a new weld in front independent suspension that has good camber curve, no bump steer, uses new Corvette spindles so you have a ton of brake options. It's really nice and well designed.