1949 Project....What to do??

[Jesse49chevy]

I bought a 49 Chevy pu. Its my dream truck and its taken me over 20 years to finally get one. Now that I have it, I dont know where to start. It is in rough shape, it has the original in line 6. I want to update the suspension, but like anyone else, I have to pinch pennies. I have an opportunity to buy a 72 Nova, it is running, it has a 305, automatic trans, A/C. and 17" 5 spoke wheels, Am i able to use the front suspension? the rear end? I need a little guidance, I am a good hand, I can do just about anything, but I have never done this so, just need some advise from some experienced people.
My goal with this truck? make it a daily driver with a nice mean stance, upgrade the frame, and keep the rest simple but nice.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

My first thought; do you really want to destroy a running 72 Nova to get parts?

[rcbildr]

I would be inclined to set the nova aside as another project. I think you would want a car that's a couple years newer. IIRC the 72 nova subframe is the same as a 67-69 camaro, most of the camaro frames I've seen used are 73 and newer. IIRC the 72 frame would probably have drum brakes too, and the steering box might not be in the ideal location. It's up by the fire wall and the newer frames have it down by the crossmember.
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[Kabwe]

Actually that 1972 Nova Clip would fit nicely in a 1949 Advanced Design and the rearend should be a 8.5 which is a decent rearend. However, I do agree with 63 & 64 Bowties, Do you really want to gut a running 1972 Nova? It would make for a nice project some day.

Here is the same Nova Clip I've done for a buddy.

[Jesse49chevy]

The only reason I am considering the Nova is because 1. I can get it for 1500.00 2. its a working car, so i can get the engine, trans, brake booster, master cylinder, steering column, and maybe even use the rear end, and did i mention that it has some nice old style 5 spoke 17" wheels? 3. i can use the front end suspension.
Oh, and its a 4 door Nova, so no hot rodding it out...
KAWBE; that is a nice truck you built for your friend, am i mistaken or is that steering box behind the cross member? I have had several people tell me that i must make sure that the steering box is in front of it?

[Amorget]

The 72 Nova will have the "front steer" steering box, which is basically the same as the 67-69 F-bodies.

A running 305 is barely worth more then a non-running 305. You are paying 1,500 for probably less then 1,000 in usable parts if you just bought separately, imho. I paid 150 for my Nova front subframe and 500 for a running 350/700R4 setup, along with all the wiring, driveshaft, etc.

[Jesse49chevy]

AMORGET: great point.. i appreciate the info. What other subframes can i use? ive been to my local junk yards here in Houston and Novas are extinct. Ive seen Regals, Malibus, El Caminos and obviously a boat load of S-10 trucks. Any advise on what I can use, ive also seen a bunch of Camaros but not sure what year I should be looking for.

[Kabwe]

OH since its a 4-door I say chop chop.lol You are right completely right to use that as a donor.

[Amorget]

My understanding is that the front steer clips fit better in the AD then the rear steer clips (70-81 F-body and 74-79 *may not be right on the exact year for the Nova*). The early clips are a little narrower, this fitting better... but that is only things I've read, no first hand experience as I am working on a 56 and just recently got into these trucks.

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Jesse49chevy

I have had several people tell me that i must make sure that the steering box is in front of it?

You've had several people tell you wrong.lol
Yes it is a rear steer, as was noted early the 67-69 camaro is also. The yellow truck drives like a dream, it was a 700r4 with a 383 stroker engine, headers for a 67-69 camaro and it works fine.

Personally I did not like camaro clips on 47-55 trucks they are too wide in my opinion. Do they work? Yes and as far as ride they still ride beautiful just to wide in my opinion. I also like the 78-88 Monte Carlo, Regals, Cutless ifs. I done those those also. They also are not as wide as the 71-81 Camaro thats why it is my choice if I'm clipping a car. This is just my opinion and it does not mean anything.

If it were my truck I would take $795 of that 1500 and buy flat out Engineering's crossmember and use the rest to purchase the vette components. But that's just me.

Nothing is wrong with clipping but if you have a frame that's in nice condition there are way too many options today. When I first got into these trucks clipping was the only option and it works well and still does but today we have options. I'm different from most my rodder buddys I embrace technology.lol Fuel injection and pcm and all of that stuff does not scare me off. My brothers they wont touch it.lol

I tried to get that guy with the yellow truck to go with a aftermarket clip but he wanted the tried and tested GM clip so I did it.

[sabre67]

I dont want to hijack this post, but what would be my best choice of clip for a 55 2nd series truck? front or rear steer??

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by sabre67

I dont want to hijack this post, but what would be my best choice of clip for a 55 2nd series truck? front or rear steer??

It depends on what you want out of your truck. A camaro will work fine and many people use it and are very satisfied. You will have a world of deference in ride quality. Also the aftermarket is plentiful. I just prefer the marlo carlo over the camaro because of track width but the camaro is way more commonly used. There is no right or wrong here just a personal preference.

That is if your going to clip.

[Jesse49chevy]

KABWE: I appreciate all of the info you have shared, and yes your opinion matters as i can tell you are a man with experience in this topic. I will take all of it into consideration when deciding what I will do with my truck. Ultimately i am confident it will end up a nice ride.

[Jesse49chevy]

If I go with a mustang II crossmember, what cars suspension could I use?
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[solidaxel]

Mustang ll, Bobcat, Pinto, use a T-bird Rack & Pinion and Bilstine shocks good to go, or just check out Scotts Hot Rod suspension !

[Jesse49chevy]

Excited!!!! just bought a 73 Camaro front clip, complete with disc brakes, steering box... so that is the direction im going... think i got a good deal, $150.00
so any suggestions on what to look for before i go crazy and cut up a good chassis?

[Jesse49chevy]

ill be honest, i dont know diddley squat about gears and ratios, so if im going with a 350 engine, can anyone suggest what type or rear axle i should look for? Obviously I want to pick it up at a local salvage yard, so can anyone tell me what vehicle i should strip one out of?

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Actually that 1972 Nova Clip would fit nicely in a 1949 Advanced Design and the rearend should be a 8.5 which is a decent rearend. However, I do agree with 63 & 64 Bowties, Do you really want to gut a running 1972 Nova? It would make for a nice project some day.

Here is the same Nova Clip I've done for a buddy.

kabwe keep posting pics of that truck now and then. I really like the stance!

[swanny11]

For my 49 project we are using a 96 i believe caprice cop car frame and engine. the engine was knocking so we are getting that fixed and so far it has been coming out pretty nicly. lots of welding and making new mounts for everything but it will be a very smoothe ride!i need to get off my butt and show you guys some pics!

[Amorget]

Originally Posted by Jesse49chevy

ill be honest, i dont know diddley squat about gears and ratios, so if im going with a 350 engine, can anyone suggest what type or rear axle i should look for? Obviously I want to pick it up at a local salvage yard, so can anyone tell me what vehicle i should strip one out of?

350 engine, but what transmission?

[booger1949]

i stuck a 81 malibu clip under my truck, its the rite width, i also have a 49 chevy

[sabre67]

What year of Camaro clip am i looking for my 55 2nd series truck guys? Thanks Are newer ones better?

[Denee007]

Hi Jessie! Welcome! Im also in Houston!
Though I pondered the notion of a front clip, I'm glad I kept my 59 stock. I've also found that its difficult to be a penny pincher, it will still be pricey with untold hours working on it! I just wonder why one, has to have a front clip? For me, if I should ever be fortunate enough to get it roadworthy, it will be driven to nifty50ee's, to moms, and an occasional night out for some tea! Lol. Just about all the trucks where I go have front clips
Anyway, have fun here; great people!!! ; )
Dne'
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[jackson]

Originally Posted by booger1949

i stuck a 81 malibu clip under my truck, its the rite width, i also have a 49 chevy

what did you do with the core support/steering box and sheet metal alignment

[Jesse49chevy]

Amorget: i have an opportunity to buy a LT1 with a 700R transmission. so wondering what rear end i could use, keep in mind this will be a daily driver, or weekend cruiser, but not looking to race or leave my tires on the black top.