My Project 56Chevy1300

[55 on bags]

what was your wheelbase truck looking real good

[pgf545]

56, You should be able to get camaro mounts to mount to the frame with no problem . That looks like a 2nd gen frame so if I am not mistaken it uses a rubber mount on the frame and a solid mount on the motor side. So anything from 70-81 should work, but it has been a while since I have worked on those years.

Bernie

[56chevy1300]

Hi 55 on bags! Right now, I don't have a wheelbase!...but I did install the Camaro subframe using the stock axle centerline. Also, the new rear axle will be installed at the stock location. I read somewhere (on this forum) that the stock wheelbase is 114 inches. I was told that some guys move the front axle centerline forward between 1 and 2 inches to center the axle in the wheel housing. But I think mine will look just fine.

Hi Bernie...thanks for the input. I also bought the mounts because I thought I may need some adjustability back-to-front and side-to-side. The stock mount location looked a little low to me and I didn't want firewall clearance problems. Oh, well, since I've got em I'm going to install em. Thanks for the input!

[pgf545]

Hey 56 no problem, I am always looking for the path of least resistance...lol. Sounds like you already have a good plan and I was just asking a dumb question. I put those same mounts on my dad's truck but we went with the MII front end and there wasn't anyway to mount the motor. Good luck.

Bernie

[Coronas56]

Ross is that video from no limit worth the 15.00 shiping?

[Sweet&LowPro55]

I have really enjoyed all the pics.Makes you feel
like your right there watching the progress.
Keep up the good work ,you have a very nice
truck to be very proud of !..I feel like this today >>>

[56chevy1300]

Hi Coronas56! This is my first Camaro subframe install. I based my install on the contents of the video. So far its going pretty good. It takes you through the entire process, from leveling the frame to installing the front frame horns. So, if you want to install a camaro subframe the same way I did, then its worth the money.

However, there seems to be several different ways to install a Camaro subframe -- I have attached a pic, also check out the attached link:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=148978

Hope this helps,

Ross

[56chevy1300]

Hi SweetNLowPro55! Thanks for the comments, I enjoy sharing my progress with you guys. Here are some more pics! I will soon be done with the subframe install.

[Coronas56]

Thanks Ross, I saw that same subframe in ebays listing last month, that Indigo blue truck. I dnloaded the pics of it, I also have a copy Truckins magizine July of 1990 volume 16 No. 7 shows you how to install....... thanks Julian P.S. your trucks lookin good.........

[Coronas56]

Local guy did his 55 with a nova rear steer, blended in like it belonged there, I picked up mine in Texas, was in the weeds, subframe installed but the rails were flush with the the original rails. Had 4 link 9 inch versille rear end, couldnt pass it up, brother in law gave it to me for 500.oo I installed a big window in rear, now that was easy..........the brown truck is my third Big Window Cab...........

[56chevy1300]

Wow, I've never seen a nova clip...looks clean! Is that a custom oil pan?Keep me updated on your build; I went with the camaro because I talked to a guy who had a Mustang II and wanted to install a camaro because he said the Mustang II flexed too much. But it seems there's lots of guys who swear by Mustang II's. Also, my budget isn't that big.

[56chevy1300]

Here's a couple pics from the video. T-101 goes through the subframe and motor install; T-102 goes through install of a 81 Chevy Van steering column and 10 or 12 bolt rear axle.

[dwcsr]

did you use the videos to guide you thru all this? Yours look cleaner that the vid pic's.

[56chevy1300]

Hi dwcsr! I did in fact follow the video. They show you the finished welded project. I went to the next step and spent more time blending in the subframe for a nicer appearance.

[Coronas56]

Ross, the oil pan is stock, he has a big block in his truck. He has 6 cars in his garage, all done top notch. He is only 12 min away, but hate to bother him. Like to know whats in that brain of his and pick it...........He's been doing cars since the 60's.........When you e done with the video sell it to me..........Like the cartoons in the 70's use to say, knowledge is power........Julian

[56chevy1300]

Hi Julian, what I like about his install is that his crossmember is tucked up into the truck. I think my crossmember will sit low, even at ride height. That's what I've been noticing by looking at other Camaro install pics. I think my crossmember is going to sit about 3" off the ground at ride height. I believe the video I have was produced in the early 90's, perhaps a time before the "ultra-low" stance became mainstream. And I want an "ultra-low" stance. Despite that, I'm happy the way my install is turning out, I think it will be a nice appearance. If you have any other pics of camaro/nova installs, post em!

Ross

[Coronas56]

Here is more of what his truck looks like.......He installed square tubing where his rear spring perches are to raise up the rear . He has a lincoln sway bar for the rear end out of a 78.............Ford 9 inch. He just got finished with a 57 convertible, going to sell it, numbers matching car......

[56chevy1300]

Boy, he sure has gone a different route than mainstream...why would he lower the spring perches to raise the truck? In the last pic, what is on the right framerail? Is that a air compressor?...I don't see any air bags (?). I do like the rear sway bar setup. Thanks for the pics

[56chevy1300]

Sorry, I meant left framerail (the gray motor-like object).

[Coronas56]

You know I nerver asked why he raised the frame that way,As far as that motor , I don't know what it's for. You're close to Minnesota, you should come to back to the 50's over 10.000 pre 64 cars and trucks....here are some pics of that............That was 2004, missed the last 2 years, it's held in June 3 days.......Lots of ideas there.

[Coronas56]

More Pics, I have over 800 photos of that car show........The black primered truck had a 59 Impala dash.........

[56chevy1300]

Hi Julian...thanks for the offer, I would love to come down and check out that show. I am planning a trip down to the Brothers Trucks show in July in socal (as long as my wife lets me go!). It looks like the place to be for chevy truck guys.

[Coronas56]

More pics............

[Coronas56]

and more.......

[56chevy1300]

Hi Gary! I did a fair bit of research before I started and decided that mig is the best way to go. I don't know why the frames were riveted, but I don't think you have to worry about cracking. All of my welding was done with a mig welder. I used 0.035" ER70S6 wire and have an Argon/CO2 mix for a cleaner weld. The only disadvantage is the possibility of warpage which can be controled. Also, as you can see in some of my pics is that I have boxed in the frame for added strength.

Please don't take my word as the gospel, talk to some professional welders/fabricators and see what the best method will be for your particular application.

Here is an on-line article I used as part of my research (of mig welding):

http://www.millerwelds.com/education...rticles86.html

Hope this helps and keep me informed on your progress!

Ross