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How can I identify a GM clip?

17K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  496CHEVY3100  
#1 ·
Inherited a 46 Ford frame with what is supposed to be a Chevy front clip. The price was right (Free for some labor). It was under a 46 coupe,but the new owner is going ALL Ford. The frame is boxed and is in good shape, power steering and disc brakes. I would like to freshen it up and use it under another 46, but need to know what it is before buying any parts. Any one help me out? Thanks in advance.:confused:
 
#3 ·
The most commonly used front clip or subframe from GM is from the 67 to 69 Camaro which is virtually identical (some cosmetic changes only) to the 68 to 74 Nova. If you have drum brakes...what size are the drums or if it's a disc brake, what size are the discs. The front drums on these cars where 9 1/2" inside diameter, the rotors where 11 inches across. If the rotors are of the stock variety and or the brake drums are 9 1/2 inches inside diameter, you have a 67 to 69 Camaro or 68 to 74 Nova front subframe. Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, everything is interchangeable and one of the reasons why this subframe was a favorite.

Hope this helps.

Ray
 
#6 · (Edited)
With the front steer it's not a '67-69 "F" or '68-74 "X". With the frame horns configured for bumper cylinders, it's late-'70s at-least. Few used '73-77 "A"s (Chevelle etc)... Here is a pic of a '78 "A" (Malibu) which carried through the '80s and was later re-designated "G". Note the difference at the front of the crossmember and in the upper a-arm mount area...so it's not one of those.

Image


My guess is yours could possibly be a '73-77 Chevelle but much more likely a late-'70s-'81 "F" (Camaro/Firebird) or "X" (Cadillac Seville), same thing. It appears also those are the "tall" spindles, which would confirm that. People like to use those (instead of the Chevelle) because the frame rails go straight back after the crossmember rather than curve right away into a perimeter frame, which makes for some easier fabrication. The downside is width, at about 3" wider than a later-model "A"/"G" or early-"F".