77 Camaro Subframe

[Madhatter0926]

Hey guys,

I'm currently rebuilding a truck that was my dads. It's stripped down to the frame. I don't have a great deal of information about what my dad did to the truck when I was young because he passed away. I do remember him saying he put on a 77 Camaro subframe or something similar. I'm starting to build the frame and I need to know what parts to buy. Is there a way to tell what parts on the subframe are 77 Camaro and what's 65 C10? This is my first complete rebuild.

Also, why convert the subframe to 77 Camaro? Increased handling?

Dustin

[Raked 64]

Lots of smart people on this site. Post a few pictures and I am sure we can help you figure out what parts you need.

[DURG]

70-81 Camaro sub frames are common on 59 and down trucks. I have not seen many on the 60 and up. I would think all of the parts on that sub frame would be used such as ball joints, tie rods, bushings etc. If the Camaro spindles were used, they did have 2 different size outer bearings used through the years. Older were an A2 then at some point they went with bigger A3 outers. Inners should be A6's. I would also expect the idler arm, center link should have remained 77 Camaro too. The brake calipers could also have metric or American banjo bolts too which would require a different rubber brake line. I think 78 to 81 were metric but can't swear to it. Not that it matters in your application but the rear mount location for the frames changed at some point, I think 74.

[DURG]

If a Camaro subframe is run at the right "frame height", it has very good handling characteristics. Also something to think about regarding wheels is your treadwidth compared to stock.

[DURG]

Tons of aftermarket suspension components available for the Gen 2 Camaro clips from folks like RideTech and Detroit Speed as well as many others. Google "second generation f body suspension" should lead you to all kinds of fancy (read expensive) options.

[Madhatter0926]

Thanks for the replies guys. I posted some pictures to see if someone can tell me if I do have a 77 subframe.

Also, do these sway arms look right?

My dad had about 3 cars worth of parts in his garage when he passed. So I'm trying to figure out what he had in the truck when it was running. Thanks for all your help!

Dustin

[DURG]

I can tell you those are not Camaro upper or lower control arms.

[Captainfab]

Those are '73-'87 C10 control arms, spindles and steering linkage.

[Madhatter0926]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Those are '73-'87 C10 control arms, spindles and steering linkage.

Well dang, I'm not sure why I thought it was 77 Camaro. Thanks for telling me. What's the purpose of using control arms and spindles from those years?

Also, these will fit on my 65?

[chevy_mike]

It would be to allow a cheap way to upgrade to disc brakes. Swapping all the same parts over makes for a simple, easy swap. Yes they will fit your '65 but you might have to drill some new holes for the idler arm on the frame, since this designed changed over the years.

[DURG]

Can we see a picture of the frame. The Camaro and the truck frame are not the least bit similar.

[Madhatter0926]

I think I may have figured out what happened. I think my dad used 77 Camaro spindles with 73-87 control arms to convert to disc brakes cheap. The 77 camaro subframe got added into my head at some point. Here are some pics, let me know what you think.

[Madhatter0926]

Here are the pictures.

[jtrichard]

Well the frame is OEM C10 truck FOR SURE... cross-member is Chevy truck others can tell by the pic about what year i bet .....Since dad said something about a 77 i bet the donor was a 77C10 chevy

[Madhatter0926]

Thanks for helping me figure that out guys. Now it's time to buy parts.

Any suggestions on a front end kit? I want to buy drop spindles, rotors, tie rod ends, calipers, bushings, etc. Any advice on where I could buy all everything I need for the front end suspension in one kit?

[TopFuel1966]

Originally Posted by Madhatter0926

Thanks for helping me figure that out guys. Now it's time to buy parts.

Any suggestions on a front end kit? I want to buy drop spindles, rotors, tie rod ends, calipers, bushings, etc. Any advice on where I could buy all everything I need for the front end suspension in one kit?

Early Classic Enterprises
www.earlyclassic.com

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by TopFuel1966

Early Classic Enterprises
www.earlyclassic.com

x2 on that. ECE is top notch! Just remember, you are buying parts for the suspension stuff you have, not the year of the truck.