[shifty78]

Does anyone know if a 70's nova subframe is the same wheelebase width as a stock 49 Chevy pickup

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by shifty78

Does anyone know if a 70's nova subframe is the same wheelebase width as a stock 49 Chevy pickup

The term you're searching for is track or track width. It is the measurement from the centerline of one tire to the centerline of the other tire on the same axle, either front or rear.

Depending on whom you believe, front track on the Nova will be either 59.0" or 59.8". It is very difficult to find exactly correct track information on the net. The 3100 Series truck front track will be either 56 9/16" or 57 11/16", depending on tire and wheel size used from the factory. Measure center to center between the two front tires on your truck to find your track.

There are other donor vehicles that would work better than the Nova. The early Nova, '62 to '67, would be 56.8". S10 trucks are 54.5". Stock Mustang II is 55.6".

[MARTINSR]

The early Nova doesn't have a sub frame, it is similar to the same vintage Mustang with large spring towers made into the front of the car.

Brian

[MARTINSR]

Shifty, think long and hard before you dive into this. Look at all the numbers, buying a Nova clip and rebuilding it and all ends up costing about the same as if you buy a Mustang II kit that bolts right on that you don't need to cut up the radiator support.

Brian

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

The early Nova doesn't have a sub frame, it is similar to the same vintage Mustang with large spring towers made into the front of the car.

Brian

Thanks Brian, just goes to show you that I've never owned one.

[MARTINSR]

Yep, I had a 64 SS two door hardtop. A VERY nice rust free car. You don't want to know what I did with it, chopped the top and never finished it sending it to the wreckers. This was around 1977

Brian

[raidmagic]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

The early Nova doesn't have a sub frame, it is similar to the same vintage Mustang with large spring towers made into the front of the car.

Brian

He did ask about a "70's Nova" All Novas from 68 and up had subframes.

[NEW INTERIORS]

Originally Posted by raidmagic

He did ask about a "70's Nova" All Novas from 68 and up had subframes.

I agree..
And the hub to hub is 58'' as far as I remember.. And and some case's is the cheaper way to go.. The Nova has rear steering.. I did a Nova in a 58 Chevy truck, Worked out great... And as far as the rad support, That's small things to add.. Not impossible... It's all PART of the FUN of doing one to me..

[MARTINSR]

DEFINETLY go with rear steer!

Brian

[shifty78]

thanks for all your help

[Kustomz]

I installed a nova clip in my 49 Chevy pickup and I have as much in it after rebuilding everything as if I had bought an MII kit. I don't have it finished yet but I'm not real happy with how it turned out and am seriously considering scrapping it and finding another frame.

[NEW INTERIORS]

Originally Posted by Kustomz

I installed a nova clip in my 49 Chevy pickup and I have as much in it after rebuilding everything as if I had bought an MII kit. I don't have it finished yet but I'm not real happy with how it turned out and am seriously considering scrapping it and finding another frame.

Can we see some pictures of it? I have done about several just last year.. And the owners wouldn't trade it for anything.. There is a right way, and a wrong way of doing ''everything''.. I have seen where the ride of a mustang II front end wouldn't even come close to the ride of a camaro or Nova clip DONE RIGHT..


But I HAVE seen MANY TIMES where someone installing a clip wrong.. And screwed it up bad, and didn't want it..So I will say this:If You don't know the right way to install a clip, DON'T DO IT...

And a rebuild kit for a Nova is $270.00
I don't think you can buy ''ANY'' Mustang II kit for that price...

[MARTINSR]

I do picture a 70 Camaro, it drives pretty damn nice! So of course a Chevy pickup with that clip on there "should" drive exactly the same!

The problem is who is and isn't capable of installing that clip to make so that it works the same as it did on the Camaro.

It is easy to someone who can do this stuff in his sleep, a real fabricator. But man there are a LOT of people doing it where it is WAY over their head.

Brian

[MARTINSR]

Originally Posted by raidmagic

He did ask about a "70's Nova" All Novas from 68 and up had subframes.

And he was answered with a post that included "The early Nova, '62 to '67, would be 56.8" I wanted to be be sure it was clear that they didn't have a sub frame because the width looks inviting and I didn't want him spending any time out looking for a "early Nova" sub frame.

Every question answered or post posted isn't for the same knowledge base, we all have a different level of understanding. Not knowing that I like to cover bases.

Brian

[NEW INTERIORS]

Originally Posted by MARTINSR

I do picture a 70 Camaro, it drives pretty damn nice! So of course a Chevy pickup with that clip on there "should" drive exactly the same!

The problem is who is and isn't capable of installing that clip to make so that it works the same as it did on the Camaro.

It is easy to someone who can do this stuff in his sleep, a real fabricator. But man there are a LOT of people doing it where it is WAY over their head.

Brian

The ride is for sure worth it..
And a lot of people can pull it off, They need to take some advice from the ones that no how to pull it off,, It isn't as hard as some may think..

And yes some get in over their heads.. ONLY because they don't do a little home work first.... Make a plan, Then work your plan...