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camaro clip on 1940 chevrolet frame

8K views 9 replies 9 participants last post by  zonk 
#1 ·
I am new to street rodding and would like some advice on how to install a 1981 camaro front clip to my 1940 chevrolet frame.I would really like to know if someone has installed one before. thanks,Kevin
 
#2 ·
:D

There has been 20 views of this question and NO one has a response.


At the risk of offending you..........if you have to ask..........you are most likely NOT up to the job......:rolleyes:


Most of the clips I see on these Chevrolets are butcher jobs. They are

1) too wide
2) sit too high
3) have dangerous welds or poor execution
4) has way too many steering joints
5) the sheet metal does not fit (radiator support problems)
6) list could go on, and on, and on........

With that said.....it can be done........

A lot of rodders just purchase a Mustang II kit. I am NOT a big fan of these kits in most cars because of the weight involved.........but a 40 Chevrolet is light enough (IMHO) that a Mustang II is a better choice than a clip for the 1st timer. It is easier for a novice to correctly install and get to sit right. The sheet metal hangs back on easier too.

IF you are talented enough to weld at a very good level, can figure and plan ahead, and most of the time NARROW a clip ...........They are stronger (A arms, spindles, and brakes with no kits). Most clips still require you to fab motor mounts, radiator supports and steering linkage.

Just my opinion.....


:thumbup:
 
#3 ·
deuce is right; most jobs come short of good quality and workmanship. but if you want to do it yourself i can give you some details that will take the guess work out of the job. alot of doing things right especially the first time is having the right attiude-no comprimise on workmanship and information. i'm a self taught person in many skills, not that others haven't helped along
and for that i am grateful like Kevin 45 a user on this bulletin. i'd like to see you do a first class job if you choose to do this your self. thanks; scot
 
#4 ·
CAMARO CLIP

The camaro clip is going to be wide. I've done a bunch of them, the hot ticket is the S-10 frame. Or you can use the 78 to 87 GM A-body (Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Regal ) I've got some pictures if you need to see something. I Like to set my clips up at ride height with the engine and tranny in. It is more of a pain to do it that way because,tacking it is a ***** then take the engine out so you will know how the car or truck will sit when it's done, because all of the weight is on the suspension. in a couple of weeks i'm starting a 64 International P/U let me know if you need help. LOU
 
#6 ·
Deuce said:
....A lot of rodders just purchase a Mustang II kit. I am NOT a big fan of these kits in most cars because of the weight involved.........but a 40 Chevrolet is light enough (IMHO) that a Mustang II is a better choice than a clip for the 1st timer. It is easier for a novice to correctly install and get to sit right. The sheet metal hangs back on easier too.
I completely agree with the exception of the strength. It's been my experience that the Mustang II IFS is more than strong enough even for big block applications in street rods.

** Providing stock components and strut rods are used.

Centerline
 
#7 ·
The Camaro I think is to wide. Trucks are kinda wide but the 40 was still kinda narrow. The cab is what is bugging me on that one. The tape measure would have to come out for that one. I would measure up an S-10 also to be safe. The mustang 2 is a good front end if you want to go with something that is pretty easy to install. They do work on street rods. The thing that I have found on the aftermarket front ends is the material is thin they are prone to cracking on heavy car with big engines. I just got a dodge dokota frame I plan to make patterns of the front end and build them. Think about it bigger brakes, drop spindles, rack, tube control arms. Now If I could figure out how to post pictures on this site I will post the rig I'm currenty building a 57 Fairlane with a winston cup car front end with 78 t-bird spindles.
 
#8 ·
There is an after market company that makes bolt in MustangII frontend kits. I can't remeber off the top of my head who it was, but I was looking at one for a 41 Chevy I had a few years ago. That would be better than cutting the frame! On these kits all you had to do was drill out the rivets on the cross member and bolt in the new one. I will try to find the catalog I had for this company.
 
#9 ·
Centerline said:
I completely agree with the exception of the strength. It's been my experience that the Mustang II IFS is more than strong enough even for big block applications in street rods.

** Providing stock components and strut rods are used.

Centerline
I agree except for the after-market MII units. They simply don't have the engineering/testing behind them that the MII does. I use the stock MII x-member with stock strut rods and stock strut rod mounts. Have done several and they are still going strong. As most board members know by now, I wouldn't consider anything but a stock MII. I do like the clip approach on the right application ('50s pickups for sure) but they are just too big for pre-war frames.
 
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