First Gen Camaro Full Frame

[Vicinity]

I've been doing some research, do they still require a lot of fab to make work with the body? The latest posts I've found are from a few years ago, figured by now someone would have figured out a way to make it "bolt up" (or weld) so to speak?

I really like the idea of working everything out on a separate frame, then mating the body at a later day, on top of the better structure it provides to the body, reducing flex, and so on.

[dhutton]

Art Morrison has a "bolt in" full frame based on their subframe and rear clip as far as I know. You have to remove the rear frame rails and a couple other minor cuts and that is it.

[Vicinity]

Art Morrison has a "bolt in" full frame based on their subframe and rear clip as far as I know. You have to remove the rear frame rails and a couple other minor cuts and that is it.

To be honest, theirs is the one I found the least info on, just one page in their 2010 catalog. How much does their bare frame run, if you might know?

[MoparCar]

Also check out the Roadster Shops awesome frame and Schwartz performance.
Wes

[Rhino]

The problem with a "bolt in" frame that requires zero fabrication is that, by definition, it goes below the stock floor. You'll either dramatically reduce ground clearance, or the car will be riding really high.

[Vicinity]

The problem with a "bolt in" frame that requires zero fabrication is that, by definition, it goes below the stock floor. You'll either dramatically reduce ground clearance, or the car will be riding really high.

I would expect to lose ground clearance at the bottom of the passenger compartment, as there's nothing there to begin with, but wouldn't the front and rear just set where the old frame rails were?

[XLexusTech]

http://www.jakesrodshop.com/Projects...uild.html#grid


owner and builder are members here

[Vicinity]

http://www.jakesrodshop.com/Projects...uild.html#grid


owner and builder are members here

I was looking at that one, it's not quite what I was looking for, it looks like a torque are holds the front and rear frames together, and does not have the rear rails built in.

[67zo6Camaro]

I've been thinking about this idea for some time. A full rolling chassis to mount under the 1st Gen with minimal body pan slicing (similar to what you would do for a frame connector and typical cut-ins for rear suspension) and just the removal of the rear existing rails. Not to many current market options out. I would be interested in fabricating a proto-type mid year 2011 if anyone is interested.

Brett

[hotrdblder]

The problem is if making like a subframe and rear clip with per say subframe connectors, your still gonna need a full cage to stiffen the car properly, so why go into the extra cost of a full frame. From designing, right thru shipping just costs more, about 30-40%, then a boltin subframe, subframe connectors, and a rear susp.
A properly caged bolt in subframe, subframe connectors, and weld in rear susp will be as rigid as a frame your talking about.At 30-40% less
Now if you did a full perimeter 2x4x.120 tube chassis with cage that would be stiffest, however now you need fabricated floors etc to maintain ground clearances etc
fyi, if anything is below 4 inches high, IT WILL hit everything, in any weird driveway entry,speed bump etc, not worth it.

[Vicinity]

The problem is if making like a subframe and rear clip with per say subframe connectors, your still gonna need a full cage to stiffen the car properly, so why go into the extra cost of a full frame. From designing, right thru shipping just costs more, about 30-40%, then a boltin subframe, subframe connectors, and a rear susp.
A properly caged bolt in subframe, subframe connectors, and weld in rear susp will be as rigid as a frame your talking about.At 30-40% less
Now if you did a full perimeter 2x4x.120 tube chassis with cage that would be stiffest, however now you need fabricated floors etc to maintain ground clearances etc
fyi, if anything is below 4 inches high, IT WILL hit everything, in any weird driveway entry,speed bump etc, not worth it.

I noted this, but said my reason was it would be easier to work with the drive train, I'm not really keeping cost in mind. The body of the car would have a 6-10 pt cage installed.

[Vicinity]

I've been thinking about this idea for some time. A full rolling chassis to mount under the 1st Gen with minimal body pan slicing (similar to what you would do for a frame connector and typical cut-ins for rear suspension) and just the removal of the rear existing rails. Not to many current market options out. I would be interested in fabricating a proto-type mid year 2011 if anyone is interested.

Brett

Try and keep me up to date with this if you decide to go along with it, I'd be looking to get into a full frame in a year to two, or at least attempt.

[67zo6Camaro]

No problem Vicinity,

I hear ya loud and clear from a production and logistics standpoint hotrdblder. But this is not my point. Im a small custom shop that likes to think outside the box. My idea of a rolling chassis includes roll gage mounting pads/locations that would allow for the bolt in style gage and/or for the weld in style gage. The idea to take the body off in the future was not the main drive for this idea. It is basically the idea of suspension and chassis set-up proior to final assembly.

I'm sure there will be more opinions of the feasability of this approach, But Im sure there has to be more average joe builders out there that would love to just get over the phase of construction that envolves that structural aspect of the chassis and suspension. Just an idea I had and that's my 3 cents.

Brett.

[Vicinity]

No problem Vicinity,

I hear ya loud and clear from a production and logistics standpoint hotrdblder. But this is not my point. Im a small custom shop that likes to think outside the box. My idea of a rolling chassis includes roll gage mounting pads/locations that would allow for the bolt in style gage and/or for the weld in style gage. The idea to take the body off in the future was not the main drive for this idea. It is basically the idea of suspension and chassis set-up proior to final assembly.

I'm sure there will be more opinions of the feasability of this approach, But Im sure there has to be more average joe builders out there that would love to just get over the phase of construction that envolves that structural aspect of the chassis and suspension. Just an idea I had and that's my 3 cents.

Brett.

This is a very good point. It's not the main point, but to incorporate it, maybe inset mounting points so it's flush, would be a great idea. Definitely not the main drive, though.

[TCI Engineering]

my reason was it would be easier to work with the drive train,

The engine and tranny can be mounted prior to installation on most front clips.



-J

[Bobs 67Camaro]

Looks Great! I presume that is the show kit?

[ProdigyCustoms]

We sell the Morrison front and rear clip welded together as one frame, rolling with hubs on front and axles in rear for right at $10,500.

This frame will replace your rear frame rails, the center section of the frame will penetrate the rear floor 1 1/2", and the front section will bolt into the original subframe holes.

Feel free to call for more information

[TCI Engineering]

Looks Great! I presume that is the show kit?

Yes, that is one of our displays in a full "Show Package" shod with NT05's.

-J

[Vicinity]

We sell the Morrison front and rear clip welded together as one frame, rolling with hubs on front and axles in rear for right at $10,500.

This frame will replace your rear frame rails, the center section of the frame will penetrate the rear floor 1 1/2", and the front section will bolt into the original subframe holes.

Feel free to call for more information

Morrison is what you're using on Unfair, right?

Does that kit include any suspension parts? Arms/shocks, etc? 10 Grand is a hefty price.

[Vicinity]

The engine and tranny can be mounted prior to installation on most front clips.



-J

Yeah, I know, but I'd like everything regarding the drivetrain in a package, including the rear end. Just seems like it would make it much easier to work on. I figured if I'm going to redo the front, I'll get the back done also.

I like that picture, any details?