camaro subframe

I am in the process of installing a camaro subframe on my 56.  Does anyone have any advice for me ie welding, fitment, alignment, etc.?  Thanks!

Ross  

Ross,

I have a '59 Apache and installed a subframe from a '76 camero.
I did this over 10 years ago but may be able to find the article I used, I can scan it and e-mail it to you if you want.

The project came out great and lowered the truck at least 6"

Joe  

yup, i got a 56 gmc and in the process of putting a camaro clip in the front and 4 link in rear.  Get a generation II camaro clip.  I picked up a 73 camaro clip for $250 at the junk yard.  While you at it, mind as well pick up the rear end from the same car too.  Here's my Truck..
I'm putting air bag all around/4 link rear...

http://www.layitlow.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=240003&hl=1956&st=0

Bizz  

rossnorton:
I am in the process of installing a camaro subframe on my 56.  Does anyone have any advice for me ie welding, fitment, alignment, etc.?  Thanks!

Ross

There is a video available from CPP!

www.classicperform.com

But why cut your frame OFF? There are so many great IFS units out there!

The one I prefer is made by Gary Martz.  Because you don't have to chop the inner fenders up to clear A-arms.

Martz designed his 55-59 IFS to sit outside of the frame rail so the inner fender stay original!

And he is a Race car chassis engineer who knows his stuff!  And uses 1/4 plate for his parts!

http://www.martzchassis.net


My 2-cents worth  55-59 Nut Case  

i put a 81  camaro clip  under my 56  try and get all the parts you need from one  car and do one end at a time you want to make sure it trails  right make sure all your measurments  and correct  mig welds  look the best but stick welds are the strongest i also had to lift  my motor about 3 inches  with the front sheet metal removed  if you take your time  and it should take you a day to do it  

I did a '57 chevy..... nolimit has a video or follow this guys work....http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148978  

We have done this on at least 5 trucks now using the same process. 1st thing to do if you have not started is to make a jig using the two bolt holes for your hood springs and go down to the rad support. This way everything will line up when you bolt all the panels back on. Then when you cut the frame cut it back far enough to get clear headers for a SB chevy or what ever you plan on using.
the camaro clip is wider so you will have use gussets and the angle can get in the way of the headers.
From there it is easy if your measure and measure again.
One note if you dont run narrow spindles you will have to find wheels with a crazy offset or a 6" wide wheel up front.
A arms can benarrowed pretty easy or you can buy them from Heidts or Fatman.
Here is the jig...took about 3 minutes to mock it up

You can find more pictures here
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v281/iceburgh/1953%20truck/  

hello my name is henry i have a 56 gmc that i have purchased a sub frame from a 76 camero ,  would you please send me the article also, thank you very much, henry.crader@creativecom.com.

thank you very much  

Iceburgh,
Great share!  

When you install the new camaro sub frame, what place (point) do you use for the leveling from front to back and side to side? thanks for your time! TC  

Welcome to the forums waybad.  

Camero subframes are now old enough you would be best advised to rebuild every component on them.
Other than that. they're a great alternative.
The hard part to me is the front frame horns to radiator support.
You'd do well to mount the front clip[several times] supported in a way that you can fabricate the radiator support/bumper mounts to align correctly.prefferably with the front clip in place.
Use extra boxing plates where the camero and truck come together.
TRIANGULATE your measurements, as this proves true square.
build from a perfectly level slab.  

thanks mpayne ,,,
I just bought a 55 2nd series chevy,, and have always wanted one since learning to drive on my fathers! now that I have one, I see no reason not to update it to the future drive trains,, I have been reading a lot on here,, Thanks for a great site!
TC  

NP.  

use 78 camaro clip its all a little beefer wheel bearings breaks sway bar