56 Panel sub frame question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thomasrut · 09-04-2007, 10:49 PM

HI All,

I’ve been reading so much I’m confused , I'm new too, there is a ton of information here and I’m sure there is lots more to read on the site.
I’m going to start my 56 panel soon so I want to get a Camaro sub frame before winter starts in Alaska, I found a 76 TransAM but I don’t know where to tell him to cut it, sure don’t want it to short. Any help? Is the TreanAM the same at the Camaro? Could I use the rear end or would something else be better?
I have a LT1 out of a 94 Caprice 9C1 cop car that I’m going to put in along with the transmission, I would love to use the frame out of the Cop car but I'm sure it is way to wide.
This site is going to be a big help, some very smart people hang out here.
Tom in Alaska

jds319 · 09-04-2007, 10:53 PM

Just UNBOLT the subframe from the Trans Am. And yes, it will work great (my truck is a 1979 T/A subframe (see the link below)

thomasrut · 09-04-2007, 11:19 PM

So the sub frame is only the front of the car, I never had a car with only half of a frame. I was thinking it was a full frame.
Thanks
Tom

56chevy1300 · 09-05-2007, 01:35 PM

Hi Tom

It seems that there are two popular ways to install a Camaro/Trans Am subframe; 1) notch the truck frame and simply weld the subframe on; 2) cut a section of the truck frame out and replace it with part of the subframe. I went the latter.

Most of the Camaro parts are interchangeable with the Trans Am subframe. The biggest differences between the two are that the Trans Am came with a larger sway bar (mine is 1 1/4 inches) and a close ratio steering box.

The rear end should work but it might depend on the wheel width and backspacing you choose. I went with a 79-81 rear axle with 3.42 gears and 17x8 rims, they fit with a little room to spare.

I have no info on the Caprice frame but I wouldn't be surprised if you could make it work.

Check out my thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256

Hope this helps and good luck!

thomasrut · 09-05-2007, 09:55 PM

Thanks for the info, I know I will need a lot of help.
I hope to get the Panel in the shop just as the snow flyes and start this winter.
Tom in Alaska

09-04-2007, 10:49 PM	#1
thomasrut Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 4	56 Panel sub frame question HI All, I’ve been reading so much I’m confused , I'm new too, there is a ton of information here and I’m sure there is lots more to read on the site. I’m going to start my 56 panel soon so I want to get a Camaro sub frame before winter starts in Alaska, I found a 76 TransAM but I don’t know where to tell him to cut it, sure don’t want it to short. Any help? Is the TreanAM the same at the Camaro? Could I use the rear end or would something else be better? I have a LT1 out of a 94 Caprice 9C1 cop car that I’m going to put in along with the transmission, I would love to use the frame out of the Cop car but I'm sure it is way to wide. This site is going to be a big help, some very smart people hang out here. Tom in Alaska

09-04-2007, 10:53 PM	#2
jds319 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 123	Re: 56 Panel sub frame question Just UNBOLT the subframe from the Trans Am. And yes, it will work great (my truck is a 1979 T/A subframe (see the link below) __________________ 1956 Chevrolet 1500 Task Force 2002 Texas Aggie Project Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212633

09-04-2007, 11:19 PM	#3
thomasrut Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 4	Re: 56 Panel sub frame question So the sub frame is only the front of the car, I never had a car with only half of a frame. I was thinking it was a full frame. Thanks Tom

09-05-2007, 01:35 PM	#4
56chevy1300 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 522	Re: 56 Panel sub frame question Hi Tom It seems that there are two popular ways to install a Camaro/Trans Am subframe; 1) notch the truck frame and simply weld the subframe on; 2) cut a section of the truck frame out and replace it with part of the subframe. I went the latter. Most of the Camaro parts are interchangeable with the Trans Am subframe. The biggest differences between the two are that the Trans Am came with a larger sway bar (mine is 1 1/4 inches) and a close ratio steering box. The rear end should work but it might depend on the wheel width and backspacing you choose. I went with a 79-81 rear axle with 3.42 gears and 17x8 rims, they fit with a little room to spare. I have no info on the Caprice frame but I wouldn't be surprised if you could make it work. Check out my thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220256 Hope this helps and good luck!

09-05-2007, 09:55 PM	#5
thomasrut Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 4	Re: 56 Panel sub frame question Thanks for the info, I know I will need a lot of help. I hope to get the Panel in the shop just as the snow flyes and start this winter. Tom in Alaska



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