62 front cap removal

[D.C.]

OK, so I know it's not that difficult to do, just remove a few bolts and disconnect some wires, but it's something I have not done with this truck yet. What's the best/easiest method to do take the front cap off my truck. If all goes as planned, over my Christmas/New Years vacation we're dropping the front subframe out of an 88 IROC Camaro with all the steering, brakes, suspension components from both ends of the car under my truck with the tilt steering column from the car too. I can't wait to see what it's going to look like when we're finished!! Any suggestions from anyone?

[70 Suburban]

i would take the fenders hood and grill on one piece. unbolt the fenders from the cab. unbolt the core support mounts and pick it up as an assy.

[NF65Fleetside]

you sure your demensions will be ok with the new setup? Might be kinda narrow for the truck frame. if all is good, then nice score...take tons of pics for build thread.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Just one question.... Why?

[PBFAB.COM]

An 88 Iroc doesn't have a subframe. It is a strut front end and the car has a unibody construction. This will make a suspension swap up front extremely challenging. Look into this a bit more before you get ready to start!

[D.C.]

Well, my buddy that's helping me do all the work used to do nothing but subframing vehicles for a local hotrod shop here for a little over 3 years. I've seen his work and know he knows what he's doing. When he said he can do it, that was all I needed to hear. The main reason for doing the swapout is to update the brakes and suspension. Plus I want to upgrade from the 235/3 on the tree to something more economical (if that's even possible with a truck this big...lol). We're going with a 305/350 combo until I get my hands on a 327 or 350. I've always been a big fan of lowriders and have built many of them, so this is my retro-custom street truck with all the classic lines of an early 60's truck with lots of new amenities hidden underneath...

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by D.C.

Well, my buddy that's helping me do all the work used to do nothing but subframing vehicles for a local hotrod shop here for a little over 3 years. I've seen his work and know he knows what he's doing. When he said he can do it, that was all I needed to hear. The main reason for doing the swapout is to update the brakes and suspension. Plus I want to upgrade from the 235/3 on the tree to something more economical (if that's even possible with a truck this big...lol). We're going with a 305/350 combo until I get my hands on a 327 or 350. I've always been a big fan of lowriders and have built many of them, so this is my retro-custom street truck with all the classic lines of an early 60's truck with lots of new amenities hidden underneath...

I wasn't implying that it can't be done (we all know ANYTHING can be done... with the right circumnstances ). I was just making aware that the 88 is nothing like its predecessors. The front suspension is part of the vehicles body structure, no subframe there. It may be best to look for an earlier model if you plan on doing a subframe graft. I am yet to see a late 80's camaro strut front end on an early pick-up... maybe you can be the first! Keep us all up to speed on the suspension swap, as it will definitely be different! Good luck, and don't forget to post pics!

[62gmc910]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

Just one question.... Why?

What he said x 25
How is a suspensoin system from a light car gonna help a truck, I have circle track raced these trucks and no car junk is gonna help

[amueller454]

i put a subframe from a 79 camaro in my 60 panel and it worked slick. got power steering and disc brakes for only 75 bucks. and it had the mounts ready for my big block and turbo 400

[Captainfab]

With all the aftermarket support for truck front and rear suspensions, plus with what Porterbuilt makes, this seems like a lot of work for about the same results. That is assuming it works as good as a truck suspension with the increased weight over an F-body. Nonetheless, good luck and post some pics of the install.

[2tons of fun]

sub frame swps are incredibly common. they give a lower stance while maintaing good geometry and will give a better ride.

they also allow for much more types of wheels to choose from as well as spifier brake bling.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by 2tons of fun

sub frame swps are incredibly common.

....in the 47-59's, not the 60-66's. Why would you want to swap out one of the best suspensions ever put in a truck?

[70 Suburban]

I agree.. Why change it.. there is so much you can do to it just with out such a major change. both front a rear work well on our trucs.

[amueller454]

well my 60 had the torsion front suspension. so it was easier and much cheaper for me to swap in the subframe to get power steering and disc brakes like i said and also drop it quite a bit. there are other routes i could have gone but this was simplest for me.

[onequickchevy]

What he seems to be missing is that the IROC does not have a "subframe" as we all understand it. It has , well let's call them very thick stamped inner fenders that the front suspension bolts to. It does not have frame stubs like we are all used to seeing. Think early mustang inner fenders with the shock towers sticking up for a visual and you get the idea. This will be a difficult project at best. If you are dead set on an upgrade consider a 81 or down camaro / firebird and break out the welder. A guy around heree had a nasty 55 truck back in the day that was subframed. It was sweet, low and really hauled. Almost swapped my 57 Belair for it.....almost! Anyway good luck with this.

Chris

[jchav62]

I agree, car subframes seem like they would be too narrow. My '62 has a 73-87 p/u subframe on it, gave me all the thing you seem to be looking for, power steering, disc brakes, options to lower it.

Using a unibody IROC type suspension does not seem too practical... not impossible, but weigh out your options before you dive into that.

[D.C.]

OK, I did some checking and the donor car is an 85 Iroc. Getting rid of the torsion bar suspension is one of the big reasons I want to do the swap. Getting the disk brakes, power steering, struts and being closer to the ground are all just little happies that really make this appealing to me. Onequick, I guess "subframe" was a bad choice of words, but I kinda assumed everyone knew what I was talking about anyways. jchav, putting a newer frame under the truck was my original intent, then I got to talking to my buddy and that kinda changed...he he... I'll definately post up pics of the progress for everyone to see...

[jchav62]

Originally Posted by D.C.

OK, I did some checking and the donor car is an 85 Iroc. Getting rid of the torsion bar suspension is one of the big reasons I want to do the swap. Getting the disk brakes, power steering, struts and being closer to the ground are all just little happies that really make this appealing to me. Onequick, I guess "subframe" was a bad choice of words, but I kinda assumed everyone knew what I was talking about anyways. jchav, putting a newer frame under the truck was my original intent, then I got to talking to my buddy and that kinda changed...he he... I'll definately post up pics of the progress for everyone to see...

My truck is still on the original frame, only the front suspension, or 'subframe' was changed out to 73-87 ... went from torsion bars to coil springs, with disc brakes and p/s. Very common swap for 60-62 trucks with torsion bar suspension.

'85 camaros are the same as 88's, aren't they?

[LILRED66]

Very ambitious, to say the least...good luck with your project.

[onequickchevy]

I know what you are talking about, I am just saying good luck and hope it goes well. It can be done but take it from someone who has been there. It is very easy to lose interest in an overly ambitious project. I still have a 57 Belair torn apart. Life and kids have prevented me from re assembling itfor the past 10+years. We start in January ( my 10 year old son and I ) working it for his first car. I bought my 63 for two reasons, one I wanted something classic to enjoy again, and two I love the body style.

[Bugeyev8]

I agree, when I was in HS I has the torsion bars dropped and the rear coils from another car and wide and low profile tires, with my front and rear sway bars no one could touch me on the turns !!

[D.C.]

OK, so I have a few pics of my progress....




I'll have more pics in the next week or so...

[62gmc910]

sure seems a shame to cut up a a frame in that good of shape have you looked into one of porterbuilt's drop crossmembers and the asssociated truck front end parts. Seriously Dude I have made a lot of cars look stupid with chev truck suspension

[D.C.]

That would be cool, but I have the Camaro in hand. That means free.....Besides, I still have the issue of getting side stantions for the motor since I'm switching from the 235 to a small block...

[ravens65]

I agree w/ the resident experts, plenty of upgrades avalible are for the stock suspension , I know that free parts are hard to pass up but........... you get what you pay for !!! I'm also the first to admit that I spent alot on my chassis, but it handles like a sports car and looks factory. power steering ,4-wheel disks, tubular a-arms,front & rear sway bars and a lowering kit can make these trucks into a true thrill ride . these are all bolt on parts , but we will support you either way ! keep us posted.