Camaro/Firebird sub frames

[GhostTown]

I'm hoping to get the truth about Camaro/Firebird sub frame use on the front of Advance Design trucks.

I read and I read and I read and I continuously see contradictions concerning width. One person will say they are two wide.... PERIOD. The next will say use 78 through 85, another says only first generation Camaro clips, then only use second generation clips, or don't use second generation clips but anything else.... bah!!

I would like to see it hashed out by those who know, or have had problems.

I have a '79 Firebird clip on my truck. We measured it and it was the same width as the stock front end before we put it on. That has been 5 years ago now, so I can't go back and double check. Anyway, it seems to fit just fine. I've had to steer it from one place to another during this build process with the stock Firebird wheels on it as you see below, and it hasn't rubbed yet.

Does it look wrong? Hell, I don't know.

[Kabwe]

Its really not about if it looks wrong or not. The problem is the 2nd gen Camaro/Firebird clip is too wide and your wheel choices will be more limited. Most of the Advanced Design truck that I installed clips on used the 1 Gen Camaro and the 68-74 Nova because they are not as wide. I also did a 78-88 Monte Carlo clip on one and it was fine because its even more narrow than the Nova or Camaro. I just fixed a botched 70 Nova clip and done a thread and you can see it at
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445185

I hope I helped shed some light.

[Indian113]

I used a 74 Nova, my wheels are 15x6-with a 4" back spacing

[blitz'd]

Mine had stock camaro wheels on it and rubbed when pulling into driveways. Here is a picture before, you can see how narrow my tires were and how wavy my left fender is from the tire rubbing.

[GhostTown]

So.... I may need to look into a different spindle then.

[GhostTown]

Or a positive offset wheel (I was doing a steel wheel any way).........

[GhostTown]

Or cutting the F-Bird clip in the middle and narrowing it........

[GhostTown]

Or pushing the thing into the river and starting over with a new frame......

[Indian113]

No, spindles won't change width. You can buy narrowed A arms- they are pricy but will narrow your front end. Checkout summit or fatmans they have the A arms.

[GhostTown]

Nothing but bad reviews on Fatman arms from the Camaro guys. I'll look into other a-arm products from the Camaro/F-bird perspective though. Thanks for the tip.

[Kabwe]

Heidts make them also. But man they are pricey.


http://www.heidts.com/67_69_camaro_t...trol_arms.html

Originally Posted by GhostTown

Or pushing the thing into the river and starting over with a new frame......

You don't need a new frame if you don't like it, or the a arms are too expensive for you. You could always put deal with your wheel choices or pug another clip on your existing frame. The link I gave you in my first post I reuse the same clip but I could have easily installed another clip. Actually it would have been easier.

[Indian113]

Thats why I bought the positive offset wheels,some times money talks

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Indian113

Thats why I bought the positive offset wheels,some times money talks

It always talks to me my friend, sometimes I talk back, but most often I just shut up.lol

[GhostTown]

The frame will be powder coated next week, so I'm pretty much all in at this point. I'm paying to have this thing "finished" now, so it's pretty much out of my control.

The Heidt's stuff looks like the best option if I run into a problem. Hell, I'm into the air ride stuff $3 grand at this point, what's another thousand to make sure it doesn't tear it's self apart?

I'm excited as hell to see the paint finished, and then pull out of the drive way and see the tires blow the fenders apart. CRAP!

I guess that is how you learn in the end.

[Indian113]

I don't know how much of a problem your going to have when you lay frame,you can order steel wheels from Vintique with the back set of choice.

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by GhostTown

T

The Heidt's stuff looks like the best option if I run into a problem. Hell, I'm into the air ride stuff $3 grand at this point, what's another thousand to make sure it doesn't tear it's self apart?

That is the best way to look at it. I look it that way myself. I'm in so deep at this point if another thousand or so makes it that much better its cool with me. I just don't like say that about other peoples projects because they may see things differently.lol . As long as its right and you enjoy it that's all that matters.

[Indian113]

my problem is I'm on the "other side of 60" so I have a limited budget and every dollar counts as well as time. I try to do things the best I can and make Da-- sure its SAFE first. I'm in awe at the work some of you guys do on this site,actually jealous is the word

[GhostTown]

You want to know what puts me into an even better mood? I just found out my 350 engine is a 305!!!!!!!

Block casting 14093627!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blitz'd]

I had the same battle several months ago man, I feel you. I wasnt happy with the way the camaro clip was done originally anyway on my truck. I was not going to pay for those narrowed arms much less all the parts to rebuild that camaro clip (ouch), I wasnt confident enough in my ability to do a different clip either, then I found a S10 frame for almost nothing. In fact I sold my old clipped frame to a local guy and got enough buy a blazer disc brake rear axle.

[GhostTown]

It's too late for that now.

[72Mountaineer]

If you think it fits just fine, what is the problem? Are you trying to have someone else change your mind about your truck? Drive it.

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by 72Mountaineer

If you think it fits just fine, what is the problem? Are you trying to have someone else change your mind about your truck? Drive it.

I thought it fit just fine with the 14 wheel and 215 tire that the truck was sitting on during mock up. I have no clue what is going to happen when the entire truck is put together (weight), it's riding low on bags, and has a 235 tire on it.

Just thought I'd get others who have experience with the situation to directly comment on what might happen. I'm frustrated enough with other mistakes made during this learning process. I would really hate learn that what I have is wrong by damaging newly painted front fenders.

I'm in no hurry. I'll run what I have........... when it's right.

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

You will be fine with the proper offset wheels........Don

[GhostTown]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Heidts make them also. But man they are pricey.


http://www.heidts.com/67_69_camaro_t...trol_arms.html

I keep going back to this link. I think it's probably the BEST way to go. I just need to call them and find out if the factory Firebird sway bar will still be usable with those arms. Also, it looks like going with Shockwaves was a lucky gamble on my part considering the situation. Hopefully this thing will handle great in the end. I'm sure it will get good gas mileage due to my newly found engine displacement.

Thanks for all of your input.

[GhostTown]

I just ordered the Heidt's control arms.

I'm having the worst luck with ordering stuff lately 'cuz everything expensive I need is on back order. I won't get them until March 11th.