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-   -   55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=754164)

inboil 01-08-2018 01:17 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8155202)
77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

did you clip from a donor car?

inboil 01-08-2018 01:45 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8154663)
Talk to Ross Logsdon <ross@premierstreetrod.com> He is the owner of Premier Street Rods, If it can be done, mention my name Jim Walterscheidt and see if he will do it. Both Ross and Butch are excellent!

Just talked to Butch, He will build it minus the dash

Thanks!!!!!

idbeast 01-08-2018 04:21 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by inboil (Post 8155207)
did you clip from a donor car?

Found a clip for sale, and bought it! $150
Saw a 72 clip for sale in WA $250 however I prefer later model ones with the steering linkage in front of the motor cross member.

inboil 01-10-2018 06:28 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
[QUOTE=idbeast;8155202]77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.[/QUO

How close are the frame rails as far as left to right spacing? I have a manual rack and pinion steering that the customer provided but I think I'm gonna sell it and go with the tried and true GM set up. 11" brakes?

W

idbeast 01-10-2018 06:45 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
I'll have to measure later when I get home. Rack and pinion steering linkage doesn't line up with steering column very well. If you look at the bottom of this post you can see my Nova sub frame welded in.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=751443

inboil 01-10-2018 06:58 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8157339)
I'll have to measure later when I get home. Rack and pinion steering linkage doesn't line up with steering column very well. If you look at the bottom of this post you can see my Nova sub frame welded in.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=751443

I know. It's a pair of steering shaft U joints and hiem joints. I', on the lookout for a Gm set up. So the frame rails were close?

W

idbeast 01-12-2018 01:43 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
5 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by inboil (Post 8157347)
I know. It's a pair of steering shaft U joints and hiem joints. I', on the lookout for a Gm set up. So the frame rails were close?

W

The outside of the truck frame is close to the center weld seam of the subframe. I didn't do what a lot of pictures on the internet did, I cut and fitted the subfame to be on the top surface of the truck frame then after welding everything together, I completely boxed everything in, using the truck frame grafted in front for the core support brackets.

inboil 01-13-2018 12:32 AM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8158808)
The outside of the truck frame is close to the center weld seam of the subframe. I didn't do what a lot of pictures on the internet did, I cut and fitted the subfame to be on the top surface of the truck frame then after welding everything together, I completely boxed everything in, using the truck frame grafted in front for the core support brackets.

Very nice. I dont have the clip yet so i do not know which route to take, though I will certainly be grafting in my front frame ends for core support.
What was your total ride height drop? Using the stock Nova springs or did you take a coil out?

William

idbeast 01-14-2018 01:02 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
4 Attachment(s)
I don't remember total ride height drop, but here are a couple pictures of untouched nova spring height.

inboil 01-14-2018 01:54 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8160439)
I don't remember total ride height drop, but here are a couple pictures of untouched nova spring height.

thats low and slick. What did you run in the rear? I'll check the pics.

idbeast 01-14-2018 04:42 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
2 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by inboil (Post 8160502)
thats low and slick. What did you run in the rear? I'll check the pics.

This is how it looked in those pictures.

inboil 01-18-2018 01:38 AM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8155202)
77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

Just found a 73 Nova Hatchback that's being parted out here in WA. I'm waiting to hear back on the clip

inboil 01-18-2018 08:41 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8155202)
77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

Going to look at this Nova Hatchback this weekend. The body is still on the frame. Any idea if Ill be able to cut as far back as needed with the body still on it? Thanks for the help

W

idbeast 01-18-2018 09:27 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
The 73 has the steering linkage behind cross member, just remember it is a little more difficult to run the steering shaft, more angle.
Take the front bumper and all lines off. Then the front sub fame is just bolted to the front chassis with 4 bolts!!!

inboil 01-18-2018 10:03 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8164654)
The 73 has the steering linkage behind cross member, just remember it is a little more difficult to run the steering shaft, more angle.
Take the front bumper and all lines off. Then the front sub fame is just bolted to the front chassis with 4 bolts!!!

Really??

It bolts in?? I thought it was just part of the frame!! Easy.
Yeah, I was hoping for the steering to have more of a direct shot but, these are getting harder to come by so I may have to make the best of it.

idbeast 01-18-2018 10:20 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
2 Attachment(s)
Here is a couple pics of the 74 Camaro frame for you, nova is basically the same thing.

idbeast 01-18-2018 10:28 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
2 months ago there was an unmolested complete 78 nova front sub clip at pic a part in Olympia but it is gone now.

inboil 01-18-2018 11:00 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8164685)
Here is a couple pics of the 74 Camaro frame for you, nova is basically the same thing.

Thanks so much for the illustration and picture. As long as the motor is out I don't think this will be too bad to pull.

inboil 01-18-2018 11:10 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8155202)
77 Nova, same as Camaro and Firebird.

Turns out hes already got the clip out. Only trouble is its drum brakes. That's ok. Spindles and ball joints, bearing, etc are easy to come by. You are running stock spindle height on yours?

inboil 01-19-2018 12:13 AM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8153682)
I went this route with my '56, It wasn't the high quality I expected. Major reworking of everything to meet my perfectionist thinking. If I was you, I'd call Ecklers and make arrangements to have them weld your GMC dash in it instead of a Chevy one!

Actually I think Im gonna pass on the 73. Having the steering behind the cross member and messing around w the spindles and calipers sounds like a can of worms. I will keep looking for a later one. Do you know the cut off year??

Thanks again,
W:ito:

idbeast 01-19-2018 01:04 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
75-81 Camaro or 75-79 Nova
stevesnovasite.com has a short but good write up on the differences!

inboil 01-20-2018 06:45 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by idbeast (Post 8165012)
75-81 Camaro or 75-79 Nova
stevesnovasite.com has a short but good write up on the differences!

Going to look at a 76 Camaro tomorrow. I'm hoping I can pull the clip and load into my truck. Any idea what size the bolt heads are? I'm planning on bringing basic hand tools, cutters, 1/2" socket rail, extensions etc. Anything in particular you can think of? I'd hate to get out there and not be prepared.
Thanks so much for the help. I sure hope I can get it.

idbeast 01-20-2018 07:21 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
I'm thinking 18mm but definitely take both American your metric sockets!

Keep me posted with how it is going!!!

dsraven 01-20-2018 07:26 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Take some ratchet straps and some old wood blocks so it has something to fall on when the bolts are out.
Metric stuff
Standard stuff
Hammer to persuade
Prybar in case
Bin for nuts and bolts?
Grab ps pump and hoses too if possible?
Grab rear sway bar as well if possible?
Strg column?
Rear diff as well

Lots of stuff you could use from a camaro if the parts are cheap.

idbeast 01-25-2018 09:46 PM

Re: 55 GMC vs 55 Chevy differences
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by inboil (Post 8165892)
Going to look at a 76 Camaro tomorrow. I'm hoping I can pull the clip and load into my truck. Any idea what size the bolt heads are? I'm planning on bringing basic hand tools, cutters, 1/2" socket rail, extensions etc. Anything in particular you can think of? I'd hate to get out there and not be prepared.
Thanks so much for the help. I sure hope I can get it.

Haven't heard back about if you got it or not...

here is one for $125 scroll down about 3 posts for Camaro Parts car


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