Camaro Front end question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, TN
Camaro Front end question
Hi, I've been using this site for a while for my '65 F100. I am always looking for my dream truck though, a '56. I seem to have found a candidate, but have a question before I drive 2 hours to look at it.
It has a camaro front end, but the wheels still seem to be off-center (too far back in the wheel well) like with the original suspension. What would it entail to center the wheels? If I really want the wheels to be centered (aka I'm OCD), is this truck just not a good idea?
Thoughts appreciated.
Thanks.
It has a camaro front end, but the wheels still seem to be off-center (too far back in the wheel well) like with the original suspension. What would it entail to center the wheels? If I really want the wheels to be centered (aka I'm OCD), is this truck just not a good idea?
Thoughts appreciated.
Thanks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 128
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
Moving the wheels forward is not an option, where they are is where they are going to be but; except for the corrupted purity of non-ford frame swap (just a mater of the degree of guilt, IMO) there is nothing wrong with this frame transplant, if done right. I have one in a GM Sedan Delivery and it rides great (maybe because it’s a little wider, better them M II) and handles (corners) like a sports car.
So, which is more important;
if the wheel thing is going to bug you forever, forget about it,........ it’s not worth it.
If it’s not really that big of a deal and you can live with it (and forget about it) and the rest of the package looks good and is priced right, well there you go! Ethics can be adjustable.
So, which is more important;
if the wheel thing is going to bug you forever, forget about it,........ it’s not worth it.
If it’s not really that big of a deal and you can live with it (and forget about it) and the rest of the package looks good and is priced right, well there you go! Ethics can be adjustable.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 208
From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 932
Likes: 9
From: DFW, TX
It would be very difficult to move the wheel forward on the existing frame. I've done the Camaro clip on my '56 and it's not the easiest suspension swap out there. I do love the ride and handling improvements, disc brakes, power steering, etc.
I'd ask the seller for lots of digital pics of the frame graft and welding to do a "sanity check" before driving 2 hours. I've seen some really poorly done clip jobs that I wouldn't tow down the road, much less try to drive.
If the rest of the truck is to your liking, you might be able to find another frame to use to start over or buy a complete frame from one of the vendors.
Good Luck,
I'd ask the seller for lots of digital pics of the frame graft and welding to do a "sanity check" before driving 2 hours. I've seen some really poorly done clip jobs that I wouldn't tow down the road, much less try to drive.
If the rest of the truck is to your liking, you might be able to find another frame to use to start over or buy a complete frame from one of the vendors.
Good Luck,
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, TN
Thanks so much for the quick responses. I found the truck online and it only has one picture, so the next move is to ask for more pictures. I am sure I will be back for more opinions.
Wish it wasn't 2 hours away....
Wish it wasn't 2 hours away....
Clean & Classy
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 20
From: Riverside CA..
Another option if youy like the truck a lot is to "adjust" the wheel openings. Guys on here have done it and truck magazines have done articles on doing this, but I can't remember the details.
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Cargo Master
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
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From: Alabama
I have a 78 camaro front end under my 53. It was done by the PO and looks great. He took a lot of pain to get it in the right spot. I bought the truck and began a complete resto on it so I have not driven it yet but look forward to it. One draw back is I have different lug patterns front to back but I am running universal rims so its not a big problem. Just have to make sure the spare is universal also.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Middle Gawga
I believe this is done to move the wheel opening forward to give a more "balanced look" and possible performance adjustment. There isn't much room to go aft with the openings and it may make the truck look really nose heavy.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, TN
Tacson, it won't let my account send email. I am north of Nashville, in Cottontown. Right now I'm in my last semester of school out west, but about to cruise back to the southland for good in about a month.
TO THE THREAD:
The owner seemed young (ok, I'm only 25) and didn't know much about the truck, just that he liked it and has driven it for the last year and a half.
I don't want to pay what he is asking, but I want honest opinions on pricing in general.
I know you never know about rust, bondo, or a million other things from just one pic. But initial reactions would be good.
Thanks guys!
ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds
TO THE THREAD:
The owner seemed young (ok, I'm only 25) and didn't know much about the truck, just that he liked it and has driven it for the last year and a half.
I don't want to pay what he is asking, but I want honest opinions on pricing in general.
I know you never know about rust, bondo, or a million other things from just one pic. But initial reactions would be good.
Thanks guys!
ksl.com - KSL Car Classifieds
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,793
Likes: 128
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
It’s what you have been looking for, right? So if you can afford it at this time, buy it. Between $ 5000.00 to 8000.00 is my wild cyber sight-unseen guess. There are some on eBay.
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