I have a 1973 camaro, I bought recently - maybe a mistake - maybe not
anyways
I'm missing the front subframe
I've heard that if i purchase a later year like 1978 I just need to shorten the rear section and drill new holes for the rear body mounts and maybe a different bushing for the radiator support ( I have the original of this)

how correct is this ?

 

I was always under the impression that 1970 1/2 thru 1981 subframes were the same on Camaros.

 

so was I but in investigating further I saw there are different frame schematics for 1970 -1973 than a 1976 and apparently a 1977 has different holes in the front for a difference in the bumper mounts
I did find a couple webpages that someone tried mounting a 1977 frame and it was not a direct fit,
so far from what I understand the 1975?-1981 frame is 3 inches longer and the mounts on the rear are moved back a couple inches also , I think that the 1977 frame would fit a 1973 but the frame needs shortened and or just new holes need drilled.
I also understand there are other differences in the lower control arms hole size and the spindles are different.

this is becoming a major bummer for me since the difference in a used front for a 1977 is much cheaper than a 1970-73


on a lighter note yes I found several 1975 + frames that were close ( less than an hour) and under the $300 mark but I'm going to drive 3 hours to get the one for a 1971 for $400 that I know fits. - unless someone else nearby has a 1970-73 frame etc.


current messes (as my wife would say )
1969 chevelle convertible ( frame up restoration 14 years ago) [needs new paint now]
1971 mg midget
1973 camaro lt - barn find - off road since 1980

 

Yeah that's why there are so many issues for front ends. If you look for aftermarket lowering springs, they don't have any listed for a 79. Same with aftermarket brakes. I had fused together enough parts from both years and I made things work. So, yes you can use different sub frames, but how much work do you have to put into it to make it fit? I would just go with something that would bolt right in. Trust me, pain in the A$$.

 

I've a 70 z28. The sub frame, I believe are the same to 73 and perhaps 74; however, the 70 upper and lower Suspension "A" arms are unique to the 70 and use larger ball joints from a 69 Chevelle. I would not be surprised if the Spindles and Suspension Arm mounting holes are different or of a different size. Only the 70 has the Rubber/Aluminum Bumper Stop mounted on the lower Suspension Arm.

When work on the front end of my 70, I usually end up finding the part that fits from a 69 Chevelle Parts Book rather then say a 71 Camaro Parts Book.