Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

warden · 04-05-2011, 09:11 PM

Ok, we've taken delivery of our project truck and looks like we may have to put a new front end on this puppy! So question is: "what front ends, from donor cars/trucks or new builds have people had good success with?". I'm leaning toward putting a camaro front end with 2" Z, which will slam it. But not completely sold on ride. Anyone have experience and pic's to share? Thanks!

Kid · 04-05-2011, 10:23 PM

do a search, there's lots of info on this, folks have had success with camaro's, G body (78 to 87), as well as S-10 frames. I used a 84 grand prix (G body) & it worked very well, & rides great. Then theres the standard mustang 2 kit's, they don't require as much fab work. I used to question the strength, but there are alot of them on the road so they must be ok.

tmoble · 04-05-2011, 10:44 PM

The Second Gen Camaro front is wonderful, but it's really too wide for an early truck. I'd look at one of the many Mustang II based solutions.

Indian113 · 04-06-2011, 08:19 AM

If youi can get the camaro frontend cheap enough you can buy narrowed Aarms and have less money in it than a MII. IMOP

blitz'd · 04-06-2011, 09:23 AM

Re-build parts are expensive for those camaro clips. Unless you find one with decent bushings, ball joints, brakes, etc MII would be in the same ball park but less time consuming.

jimig1 · 04-06-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitz'd

Re-build parts are expensive for those camaro clips. Unless you find one with decent bushings, ball joints, brakes, etc MII would be in the same ball park but less time consuming.

I have found that to be true it is just slightly more to go with a MII and they seem to be an easier install

quigman · 04-06-2011, 11:38 PM

I have done the camaro clip before and will not do it again. The cost savings was minimal and not worth it in the end. The MII is the way to go, all your sheet metal will line up and you will be done in a weekend. The front clip route takes a ton more time to rebuild, install and your measurements better be right or your sheet metal is off. Take your time and save you money and buy the right part the first time. THE CHEAP WAY RARELY WORKS OUT.

04-05-2011, 09:11 PM	#1
warden Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Clemente, CA Posts: 70	Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? Ok, we've taken delivery of our project truck and looks like we may have to put a new front end on this puppy! So question is: "what front ends, from donor cars/trucks or new builds have people had good success with?". I'm leaning toward putting a camaro front end with 2" Z, which will slam it. But not completely sold on ride. Anyone have experience and pic's to share? Thanks!

04-05-2011, 10:23 PM	#2
Kid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 702	Re: Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? do a search, there's lots of info on this, folks have had success with camaro's, G body (78 to 87), as well as S-10 frames. I used a 84 grand prix (G body) & it worked very well, & rides great. Then theres the standard mustang 2 kit's, they don't require as much fab work. I used to question the strength, but there are alot of them on the road so they must be ok. __________________ The kid Build threads: 51 Jimmy http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=154951 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219902 http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 68 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=50348

04-05-2011, 10:44 PM	#3
tmoble Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Glendale, Az Posts: 1,062	Re: Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? The Second Gen Camaro front is wonderful, but it's really too wide for an early truck. I'd look at one of the many Mustang II based solutions. Last edited by tmoble; 04-05-2011 at 10:53 PM.

04-06-2011, 08:19 AM	#4
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? If youi can get the camaro frontend cheap enough you can buy narrowed Aarms and have less money in it than a MII. IMOP

04-06-2011, 09:23 AM	#5
blitz'd vintage car junkie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Posts: 217	Re: Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? Re-build parts are expensive for those camaro clips. Unless you find one with decent bushings, ball joints, brakes, etc MII would be in the same ball park but less time consuming. __________________ 1950 chevy truck, s10 swap, bagged, v8, 18s My build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392761

04-06-2011, 11:38 PM	#7
quigman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 30	Re: Grafted Front ends for 53 GMC 1/2 Truck? I have done the camaro clip before and will not do it again. The cost savings was minimal and not worth it in the end. The MII is the way to go, all your sheet metal will line up and you will be done in a weekend. The front clip route takes a ton more time to rebuild, install and your measurements better be right or your sheet metal is off. Take your time and save you money and buy the right part the first time. THE CHEAP WAY RARELY WORKS OUT.



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