Those of you who run a full frame under your 1st gen Camaro

[compos mentis]

Looking to buy a '69 and seriously considering the full frame option.

So I'm very interested in the reasons those of you who run one decided to go that route and how you feel about the results.

My previous experience in F-bodies was owning a stock 455 '74 Trans-Am.

Thanks.

[thetoystore]

i built a full frame for a customers car just for the added strength and cool factor. pluss i had to replace all the floor pans anyways and he wanted a super low ride height (5in from ground) so for me it was just easier. and its so damn cool

[kamaroman68]

Sorry I didnt have a chance to reply to your pm. Anyways I bought the max g full frame for full frame strength (my opinion). I chose or choose to make this body fully removable from the frame by removing the body mount bolts. This has however proven to be more of a pita than i expected. I originally had the idea to use channeling over the side framerails and then build a new floor welded to the channeling. I ended up not being happy with my original work so I cut it all back out. I am now working on my new design which is actually much easier but will likely result in a bit less headroom in the car. The frame is awesome! I love every aspect of it. In all truth be told I am not a fabricator and that may be contributing to some of my fun. The body has to be mounted to the chassis by this winter so i really need to get my butt in gear. I am waiting for the weather here to warm up as I need to get some epoxy primer on some panels (rockers). I need it to be around 70 before i can start. Chris

[compos mentis]

Thanks for the info.

Sure makes the build more interesting, huh?! :help:

Any pics you want to post?

[hiwayman]

hey there hiwayman here i have the max-g under my 69camaro been driving for 2years just drive on the streets dont no about performance on a track there pics some were on the site

[compos mentis]

Darrin,

I saw some pics of yours.

Very nice stance... wow!

Everything's working good I hope now.

[hiwayman]

hey yea runs and drives sweet never had it bottom out or scrapes etc the roof is about 42in off the ground

[compos mentis]

Thanks Darrin for the info.

[jb@ridetech]

There is always this option.....
http://www.projectawdcamaro.com (http://www.projectawdcamaro.com/chassis.html)

[compos mentis]

Jason,

Thanks for the link, I checked it out.

There are projects and then there are projects...wow.

[silver69camaro]

Our Camaro could technically be called a full frame, with 2x4 front and rear clips tied in with subframe connectors welded to the floorpan. The resulting stiffness over stock is mind boggling. I forget how flimsy these cars are, even with weld-in connectors!

[compos mentis]

Our Camaro could technically be called a full frame, with 2x4 front and rear clips tied in with subframe connectors welded to the floorpan. The resulting stiffness over stock is mind boggling. I forget how flimsy these cars are, even with weld-in connectors!

Any links to a particular car you have in mind Matt?

[silver69camaro]

Any links to a particular car you have in mind Matt?

All the photos can be seen in this gallery:
http://www.artmorrison.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=Camaro-FrontClip

[compos mentis]

Thanks Matt, I'm looking at it now.

Found this build you supplied the frame for...wow.

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/classic-muscle/8039-69-camaro-build.html

[cluxford]

I have an AME front clip with custom new 2x4 rear frame rails (and 4 link), tied together with welded in subframe connectors.

Rigidity tests show a better than 45% INCREASE in torsional rigidity.

And this was so much easier than a full frame.

Although I wish I had gone a full frame so I would have channelled it and had it sitting on the deck, but the financial controller is already on my case with the $$$ going into this build

It will still have a 4" ride height

[JEFFTATE]

What about the Jeff Schwartz Chassis ??

http://www.schwartzperformance.com/

http://www.gmachinechassis.com/

[dhutton]

What about the Jeff Schwartz Chassis ??

http://www.schwartzperformance.com/

http://www.gmachinechassis.com/

Here's one:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=20149&highlight=schwartz+chassis+camaro

You don't have to channel the floor but then you don't get the low ride height which is one of the main reasons to go with a full frame as far as I know.

Don

[compos mentis]

Thanks for the links Jeff and Don.

New at this of course, but it seems there are few full frame builds on the road from either AME and Jeff Schwartz or others but many more are now in progress.

I'm still needing more info before I decide to go full frame or not.

[winfield69]

I have a Schwartz marketed chassis under my wife's 67. The body on my car was pristine and most of the rear end options involve some level of cutting to the body. The "bolt-on" full frame seemed like the perfect integrated solution that would leave the body intact. I have not found anyone who is furtehr along in the process than I am.

You should not expect a simple bolt-in installation. There is some fabrication involved with mounting the back half of the car. You will either have to cut the car or cut the frame. In addition, you can not get anything lower than a stock ride height without some major surgery to car, frame or both. I did not want the slammed look, so it was not too much of a problem. I still don't quite have the rear where I want it and that will require some additional work to rear axle brackets.

I have had the car on the road for 50-75 miles. Setting up the suspension is an ongoing trial and error process hindered by me working out of the country most of this year. I had to take apart the front end to repair leaks in the steering rack last time I was home. I should have it back together in 2-4 weeks and can give you more of an update.

These are some pics from a year ago when we were installing the exhaust. It is all back together now (or was until I pulled the steering rack and front coilovers).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/americanracecomponents/sets/72157605474471659/

[compos mentis]

Thanks for the info Scott.

Serious project you've been dealing with.

I checked out your pics and look forward to your updates.