Nova clip on 39 chev

[Wrinkles]

I just picked up a 39 Chev 2 door sedan and I am going to use a front clip from a 70 nova ( its what I have ). I was told that in order to get the wheels tucked into the fenders I will have to narrow the clip. If so how much? Suggestions and comments appreciated.[cl

 

[hotrod preacher]

i 'm sure there is someone here who can give you numbers, probably a few that have done this very swap
but i would suggest measure it yourself and go from your own numbers......

reason i say that is b/c i put a camaro clip under my 46 ford truck and it is really a good fit--however i read in a mag article an "expert" claimed that my very combination wouldn't work, (someone had written in and asked him)
accordind to the "expert" it was too wide, frame rails didn't line up one to another, etc.

if i wasn't already done with my swap, i would probably have not attempted it, based on the "experts" faulty information.....


also remember to measure with the wheels you plan on using, as wheel offset can make or break the combo working.....

 

[fuzz]

Very difficult to narrow a subframe and keep correct alignment. However there are companys that make short A arms [ I think Fatman Fabrications may make them] that will bring the wheels inboard so you will have tire to fender clearance...[P

 

[Wrinkles]

nova clip

to Hotrod Preacher; in your case, ignorance is Bliss!! I too have been told it is too wide, however I was told this by some peeps. that never built in their lives. I very seldom listen to Xsperts as they are always right?? Now you putting that clip under a 46 not knowing it wont fit and succeding gives me strength to go on. and to Fuzzes comment. appreciate your tip on shorter a arms, however we are old school here we build ,not bolton in our shop, after all its the journey not the destination. Right?? thanks fellas!!

 

[Pauley044]

it not that bad to do just cut 3 inch out of the middle i just done my 39 last year.

 

[cornfield customs]

just go for it, measure it all out and write it down a few times. then sleep on it. i tend to figure out a lot of problems in my sleep, i wake with the right answer most of the time lol. then cut it up. its only metal, it can be fixed

 

[zzrodder]

Sure, you can narrow the Nova clip, I've done similar to a 78 Merc frame to fit a 47 Packard. Naturally it leads to other mods such a engine mounts, but you would probably have to do that anyway since the engine will likely sit farther back than in the nova. The scariest part is shortening the tie rod - I put a sleeve over it and rosette welded it - super strong. Other than that you will need a shorter sway bar - troll the boneyards - there must be lots of cars that have something compatible.

 

[sneakysnake]

I saw some where they chopped a cross member and made a sliding brace for it. Cut out and push the pieces together all stays straight and square.Might try something like that.

 

[HOT40ROD]

The track width on that clip is 60" if that helps you.