[inetquestion]

The frame on my 69 camaro isn't usable for a restoration due to rust pitting around the battery box. I was under the impression that a 68-74 nova frame was exactly the same on a 67-69 camaro until yesterday. A local shop that does restorations told me they are close but not 100% the same and I would have a hard time getting the body lines to match up. Can anyone confirm this?

-Inet
http://69camarorestoration.com

 

[z28doug]

I've always heard the 68-74 Nova frame interchanged exactly with the 67-69 Camaro.
Doug

 

[Larger Dave]

They are close but the cowl and radiator core supports are different. This difference is reflected in the mounting points (holes for frame bushings). It can be made to work (whittle on polyurethane bushings or machine aluminum ones); but it involves work.


Larger Dave

 

[BlackoutSteve]

Have you considered repairing the front of the frame you have?
It's just 1/8" sheet that could be formed sectioned very easily..
Anyway, where are you? If you'happen to be in LA, I or a friend of mine could be interested in buying that one you have.

 

[kz1000ltd]

Buy another one from a Camaro and save yourself some work, they are plenitiful and relatively inexpensive, I've seen them sell for as little a hundred bucks in my area..........KZ

 

[inetquestion]

I had considered repairing the one I have, but wasn't sure if it could be made to look as good or better than an original replacement. Thats a very good point though, and I probably should check into this more.

If I decide to buy another one, I'll check the forums on here. I'm located in charlotte nc

 

[inetquestion]

I've begun the search for an original replacement frame for this car this weekend. Originally I thought one from a 68-74 nova would be suitable, but others have said this isn't a 100% direct replacement. There are some subtle differences which require additional work. If it weren't my car I probably woudn't care, but I really dont want to look back and wish I had done something so basic differently once I'm finished. So this leaves me with either repairing the one I have or locating another one. Anyone know what the differences are between the camaro nova frames? I see lots of these at car shows and due to the difference in money each would bring I feel lots of them are incorrectly labeled "camaro" frames regardless of where they came from.

 

[Larger Dave]

Cowl/firewall is more perpendicular on the Nova. Camaro A pillar is more reclined, than the Nova. This means the sheet metal to form and support the Cowl/Firewall has to be different. This difference leads to the mounting holes (body bushings) moving a little. Same for the radiator core support, they mount in a different place because the hood line of the Camaro drops faster than the Nova.


Larger Dave

 

[BlackoutSteve]

Buy another one from a Camaro and save yourself some work, they are plenitiful and relatively inexpensive, I've seen them sell for as little a hundred bucks in my area..........KZ

Yeah I've seen them often on eBay for $50 with A-arms and everything. -Plus shipping..
Ever had shipping a quote for one? That $50 subframe just went up in price by X10!

 

[kz1000ltd]

Yeah I've seen them often on eBay for $50 with A-arms and everything. -Plus shipping..
Ever had shipping a quote for one? That $50 subframe just went up in price by X10!

I hear you, that's why I said in my area!!! I would never pay to have one shipped either, waaaaaay too much money!

 

[BPOS]

I have a Nova subframe in my 69 Vert - everything bolted up perfectly.

 

[radial72]

I installed one in a '68 Camaro. Engine was setback slightly (maybe an 1 1/2 inch), everything else bolted up, it didn't look the same cosmetically, but the sheetmetal bolted up fine.

 

[Gloryhound]

The subframe on my Nova already has the holes drilled for Pontiac engine mounts. With that said and the difference only being holes, I can't see GM stamping a completely different assembly for a minor hole location difference. It is more likely that they would slightly alter the core support than the sub-frame in an attempt to reduce cost. I've seen alot of interchange going on with the front subframes. Also if you go to an aftermarket front subframe their is no diffence in the subframe you will get if you order one for a 67-69 Camaro or a 68-74 Nova. Actually I think ground up sells one and the part number is the same in the Nova catalog as it is in the Camaro. On a side note: Stay away from my Nova parts. You guys do realize you are driving the cost of my Nova suspension parts through the roof?

 

[enio45]

I have one avail located on Savanna GA. let me know if your interested, 69 camaro subframe . send email to eemonti@us.ibm.com