Posted ByKenny on February 27, 2002 at 13:44:16:
In Reply to: sub-framing posted bylenny on February 26, 2002 at 11:32:10:
: planing on doing a 49'chevy pick-up,with a camaro sub,any body got any plans on it,as i have never done one,thanks lenny7_11@webtv.net
Hello-Lenny,I have done this swap in the past, and as most people do a must-II any more I don't do them much now.the last one I did drove well,it was just more work and kinda homely as compared to MustII. they will drive great though.I would reccommendsetting the truck up on 4 HEAVY DUTY stands first. then measure the distance from STOCK-axle centerline to a common point of reference[firewall or hole in frame thats same on both sides]and then determine the point on your subframe that is the closest place to do the splice.thenafter determining this you cut off old frame[measure a dozen times to be positive.ask for advice from expert buddies-HA!]then [leaving the front sheet metal bolted on caryou can jack up your stub and position it in place and trim to mate up to old stock frame portion you left ahead of firewall.leaving the frt clip on allows you toplace sub as high against radiator support as you can. also it shows you where you must sometime trim away inner fender metal and trim radiator support if necessary.remember you want to center the new frame clip as far as wheelbase goes[ frt to rear] and be sure its centered left to right as well]with truck levelled you can check the spindle with an inclinometer/angle guage-to proper caster setting[leaned back a few degrees at top]....the frame rails on that subframe are not exactly alike on right and left-one is offset for steering so cant use them as a guide. triangulate all measurements and be positive before cutting much off or tack welding it in place once its positione you cane use some strap metal to tack into place at frame union and support the frt of subframe with a stand. then remove front sheetmetal and you can build the missing areas in with 1/8"flat steel peices cut to fit. weld up and be sure it welded properly -even if it means paying a professional welder.Good luck