to sub frame or not to subframe -advise anyone

[jclobue57]

My 57 rode like a tank, and I want to do something about it! I could p urchase all the bells and whistles,air bags disk brakes , rack and pinion, etc. but , Lord , I don't have that kind of money layn around, I just thought it would be less exspensive to put a sub frame on it, which leads me to the question, Does any body out there know what year make or model car I need to be looking for to get the sub frame from? what will fit the best? I would really love some input on the subject, thanks Chad

[tjsdelivery]

Not sure if the time and money of a subframe is gonna get you any farther ahead than some of the basic improvements you can make with what you have?
If it rides as you say, rebuild the frontend (new control arm bushings, shocks, disc brake kit, poormans powersteering,sway bar), new rear springs and shocks, sway bar and it should make quite the improvement

[old school 55]

it's alot of work either way you go. but the camaro sub frame or a nova sub frame seem to be the best candidates. mine is in the process of camaro sub frame from a 76 vintage seems to fit pretty well. others have used different years. im sure youll catch some flack for even thinking of it. good luck though

[D.S.]

That's a lot of fabrication and headaches....
But here is some info http://www.hotrod.com/howto/42838/ The article doesn't get into all the work attaching the front sheet metal back on to the subframe...
Also you will most likely have to rebuild the subframe unless you can find one with new bushings and other hardware already installed...

[NickP]

Chad! Certainly, your time is worth something.................................. I see these routes taken by folks, and few if any give the end result that was perceived in the beginning. Certainly, your time is worth something………………………………………………… Oh, did I say that already? If you are going to expend time, energy, and most importantly………………………………………………………MONEY, then do something to the car that will benefit you and give a positive ending. Chad take the money you might have budgeted and rebuild the suspension, front an rear, new shocks, bushings, springs and an anti roll bar (sway bar) will improve the ride.

If your just bound up and want a new front clip, there are plenty of offerings from folks like Jimmy Myers, AME, Progressive or several others. At least they are engineered specific to the task and the effort will get the results quicker.

Just my 2¢

[henrys57wagon]

The suspension components are basically the same so you are not going to gain any better ride bu replacing the subframe. Adding disc brakes to your frame will not be any more expensive than replacing all the used brake components of a used frame. You may still have to buy a replacement MC, brake lines, hoses. I built my own air bag over leaf rear suspension at no real cost to me. I also built my own R&P system, the Camaro/ Nova is still a steering box. I also bought used Chev, not tri five, headers and modified them to fit the BB clutch linkage. Anyway enough of this, just trying to say changing something is not always better and with a bit of ingenuity you can have a good driving car. PS you do not have to do all the mods at once, get the car drivable and enjoy it and work at your own pace/ money, good day, Henry.