Front clips tips.

........a section of the site that covers aftermarket clip installs,tips etc. Seems like many of us are going through the same things over and over.. would be nice to organize all of this info in one shot. I'll bet the same questions have been asked more than a few times? I know the search function is available but this would make finding ANY info regarding a front clip sooo much easier.

Here is an example:

For Heidts clips the following are parts that work:
headers :
- brand A part no#
- brand B part no#

Oil pans:
- brand A part no#

Comments:
you will need to notch this, adjust this etc etc etc

For Chassisworks clips
headers :
- brand A part no#
- brand B part no#

Oil pans:
- brand A part no#



I've started this area for the posting of tips and recommendations for aftermarket front clips and parts that will work with them. Which headers, oil pans, and such things as that. Post away.



Here's a good thread on TCI downtube fitment: http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30549


Dan (please keep it technical) ;)

For Chassisworks clips
headers :
- Chassiworks makes their own. Get their headers
- The Standard oil pan type 'SBC' should work. I have a deep pan from Miledon and can get the part number.

For Chassisworks clips
headers :
- Chassiworks makes their own. Get their headers
- The Standard oil pan type 'SBC' should work. I have a deep pan from Miledon and can get the part number.

In a pinch, a Hooker 2243 Super Comp 1 3/4",SBC, will work with minor denting & automatic trans

I have a heidts ft clip and am running hooker super comp fenderwell headers a stock clip, They fit very well. I dont have inner fenders but I think it wouldnt be hard to fit them!. and standard sbc deep sump pan lots of clearance.

Home made front clip. Using diagrams from Hedits super ride.

check out the progress as we weld up everything.
www.homepage.mac.apple.com/akawamura88

I have a Heidt's front clip on my '66. Let me know if you need pics. of info. boost1591@allvantage.com

And I would like a front clip too...but I am going to have to do it one piece at a time.

SOOOoooo.....just let me ask this. How much is the average TOTAL AMOUNT SPENT on a new high tech front clip with all of the goodies to finish it.
$3000, $4000? more? I gotta save up for this one. And build a V8?

James

my clip was $3108.00

Heidt's clip, drop spindles, stainless hoses, big rotors, cross-drilled and slotted, p/b unit & valve with a manual rack... including the improved inner fenders.

tax & delivery included

[edit] this was about 2 years ago, prices may have changed

Purchased a TCI coil-spring front clip last year with ps, sway bar, dropped spindles and Wilwood discs. Painted and assembled it this summer. So far don't have any info on tire/wheel sizes, as the front fenders are not on the car. The wheels and tire in this pic are borrowed from a friend (235/60x15). The package went together well. Some minor grinding on the pass side firewall tube to align it to the frame rail, but no big deal. I would suggest replacing lower frame mounting bolts (1/2-20 x 1 3/4 lg) and lower shock mounting bolts (7/16-14x 7 lg) with grade 8 hardware. Otherwise I'm satisified. If I had to do it again, I'd go with the coil-over front - easier to assemble and adjust. One other word of caution, the last time I checked, the TCI 1st gen inner fender panels did not mount cleanly under the fender lip. This may have been corrected by TCI, but I'm not sure.

Here's a link to a TCI install we did earlier this year on a 62. The headers from TCI are carbon copies of a set from S&S, only more expensive. :rolleyes:

http://www.southcoastrides.com/62novaconvert.htm

Great pics Rich, I was wondering what you guys did to secure the bottom of the steering column, and where you picked up the tabs for the brake hoses. Also any idea what width and backspacing was used on the front wheels? Thanks haven't seen any action on this thread in awhile..

Great pics Rich, I was wondering what you guys did to secure the bottom of the steering column, and where you picked up the tabs for the brake hoses. Also any idea what width and backspacing was used on the front wheels? Thanks haven't seen any action on this thread in awhile..
Lower steering column can be secured many different ways - some much cleaner than others. Since I recently painted my firewall and I don't want to repaint, I will cut a flat plate to fit inside the firewall, then hole-saw a large enough opening for the lower column to fit through, bend the plate to fit the floor/firewall intersection, and finally bolt it to the inside of the firewall using the 2 original bolt holes. I plan on adding a third mount hole on the top portion of the opening. Then make a small L-bracket that will mount to a tapped hole that will be added to the Ididit column. The other leg of that L-bracket will be mounted to the new column/firewall bracket. You can also purchase lower mount brackets from Ididit or Flaming River, and maybe Chassisworks. I bought the mount tabs for the brake hoses with the brake line kit I purchased from TCI. It included 3/16" dia tubing, male and female fittings and all the mount tabs and clips to fully plumb the entire car.

Great pics Rich, I was wondering what you guys did to secure the bottom of the steering column, and where you picked up the tabs for the brake hoses. Also any idea what width and backspacing was used on the front wheels? Thanks haven't seen any action on this thread in awhile..

We bolt a piece of 3/4" strap steel that has been bent to a 90 on the floor, thru one of the existing bolt holes and clamp it to the column. This gives support, but will allow the column to move toward the firewall in case of an accident. If you look closely you can see it in this picture. It is all covered by the carpet when complete. If you are modifying the firewall a piece of 2 1/2" exhaust pipe makes for a pretty clean install.

We get the tabs with the stainless steel hose kit from

http://www.tsmmfg.com/

Not sure what those wheel sizes were, but they were an ill fit from the original frontend. A 7" rim with 4" of backspace works well tho.

http://www.southcoastrides.com/Derr/de70.JPG

http://www.southcoastrides.com/Earl36/e396.JPG

Just wondering if someone could tell me the compressed and extended length of the coilovers on a Heidts of TCI type clip.
Also what's the height of a stock mustang II spindle...ball joint flange to flange?

rich how did you secure the tabs for the brake hoses on the frame? from hard line to flex line?

rich how did you secure the tabs for the brake hoses on the frame? from hard line to flex line?


Normally I will weld them on. We were working with a powdercoated clip on this one, so we drilled and tapped the frame 1/4x20, and installed button heads to hold the clip.

QA1 coilovers,85 vette spindles/aframes. This frame seems to be made excellent. The only issue I have at this point is the part of the frame (3 inch square tube) that runs from about the firewall back has to sit at an angle. Kind of hangs down in the front due to the spacer the Nova/Ventura runs that the 1st gen camaros don't. I used dropped body mounts but that didnt really fix the problem. The front still hangs down too far. Wayne put the original 350 mount system in and I used S&P adaptor plates to instal a 99 LS1. Pan has been cut back about 2 inches but appears that the original pan would fit without the notch.

seems like everyone is doing something different with headers but my situation was a bit different. Here was my setup with my big block


Stock front clip
Hooker super comp fenderwell headers (collectors shortened 3")
14" tires/wheels

I then switched to
Checkered racing clip
2" drop spindles
tranny raised 1"
15" tires/wheels

at this point the headers hit the tires.

I just received the Chassisworks big block headers ($730.00 shipped) and other than the flanges each needing trimmed because they hit the head bolts (hard to believe something this well engineered didn't have this factored in) anyway the headers fit well (THANK GOD !!) but are a real pain to install - I had to raise the front of the car up 2 feet and then drop the starter and remove my midplate between the tranny and the engine. But they do fit!

They may go in easier with Chassisworks clip - this was with the checkered clip.

PROS:
- Gorgeous headers, very clean and neat welds, very nice finish, killer THICK flanges - worth the money (never thought I would say that , until i got em)
- They fit

CONS: (my situation)
- Header flanges have to be trimmed to clear head bolts - sucks
- have to drop the starter and if midplate installed had to be removed
- Headers must come in from under the car because of their tube arrangement - especially on the drivers side.

Well i spoke with Techguy (Mike Waddle) from Chassiworks and he reminded me that there is directions with the headers that point out the issues with some heads and the use of bolts and options for getting around this problem. Either change the header bolts to arp 12pt or trim the header flanges.

Directions though - do real men ever read directions?? hahahaha boy do i feel stupid.... :eek:

i have the same tci front end on my 65 and im about at the same point that you are but i was wondering which headers you were going to use? i like the tci ones that they make but they are so expensive and i thought that you might have an idea. Looks great so far! S and S headers fit,by trimming the pass side gusset slightly.Also TCI provides an optional header now.

Is any body running a chassisworks front clip sb with afr heads and have a problem with chassisworks headers hitting the frame on the drivers side. there telling me its because i'm useing afr heads.

ME! LOL I used the TCI clip. I used it on my 62. The inner fenders didnt fit,so I modified the fender rails to fit the inners.Got tons of pic,s or just check out my signature link that Kracon put up for me. (http://www.mokandragway.com/fd_photos/fd_11_06_05_41.jpg)
I just put the same tci front end on my 65 and i went to put the inter fenders on with the outer fenders and the inter fenders are about 3 inches to short from the top holes to the top holes of the outer fenders. how did you modify yours to fit?

S and S headers fit,by trimming the pass side gusset slightly.Also TCI provides an optional header now.
Which are thoes optional headers you are talking about i couldnt find any from tci do you have the part #?

I just put the same tci front end on my 65 and i went to put the inter fenders on with the outer fenders and the inter fenders are about 3 inches to short from the top holes to the top holes of the outer fenders. how did you modify yours to fit?

You must have the original inner panel design from TCI. Another member here states that he just spoke with TCI and they claim to have redesigned the inner panel to fit the 1st gen fenders. I'd suggest calling them yourself to confirm this. I think yoiu may have to purchase or fab a new set to fit correctly. I'm not sure that the panels you have can be modified to look good.

I finished the "Bills II" conversion and mounted a bearing to the existing[removable ]fire wall plate and fabricated an aliminum sleeve to go inside the column.I have a drawing if you want it.

Another photo to show how the angle of the bearing was maintained to the column angle.See the piece welded to the removable firewall piece under shaft.

Any chassisworks guys?

Alternatives to their brake setups?(Dont want to spend $800 on wilwood setup when I can get a intermediate GM setup for a 1/4 of the price)
Also, any complete kits for the front suspension?(Dont see it listed on their site)
I already have the frame...

http://www.cachassisworks.com/download/catalog_cac_vol14_71-105.pdf

Remember, most OEM style brakes require a power booster & proportioning
valve to work correctly.......the 12" rotor kit with Wilwood calipers only requires a 1967 drum non power M/C. that 12" kit also weighs about 1/2 as much as an OEM

http://www.cachassisworks.com/download/catalog_cac_vol14_71-105.pdf

Remember, most OEM style brakes require a power booster & proportioning
valve to work correctly.......the 12" rotor kit with Wilwood calipers only requires a 1967 drum non power M/C. that 12" kit also weighs about 1/2 as much as an OEM
I just really dont want to spend $800 on 12" brakes...
(I know, "you get what you pay for") But it still seems excessive to me for brakes that arent all that much better than stock anyway.(Not stock early nova brakes, but stock brakes you can buy from the factory currently)

ignoring the advantages & disadvantages, what do you find a new 12" rotor brake kit for on the open market, complete with required master cylinder, booster, & all hardware ?

ignoring the advantages & disadvantages, what do you find a new 12" rotor brake kit for on the open market, complete with required master cylinder, booster, & all hardware ?
I can get LS1 rotors/calipers for $200 or less(Problem is not knowing the correct bearings to use, and if theyll fit the spindles, and brackets would need to be fabbed if you cant use the stock ls1 brackets and find a way to bolt them to the other spindles), im not running a power master cylinder anyway, wilwood or not...
Looking on chassisworks' site I dont see any of the kits that come with a master/booster either...Just rotors, calipers, hardware...(from the above link it didnt state them coming in the kit)

make sure you do your research on running brakes designed for power assist
off a non power m/c......it's usually not as simple as just deciding not to put a booster on.

the Chassisworks kits do not come with a booster or mc. they work with out a booster....we suggest a M/C from a 1967 Nova non-power drum brake car.

I just wanted to add that bbc hooker supercomps will work with a heidts clip ,but only with 145 tires or smaller.

Home made front clip. Using diagrams from Hedits super ride.

check out the progress as we weld up everything.
www.homepage.mac.apple.com/akawamura88

Link doesn't work for me. :(

I bought a chassisworks and i love it, tight fit, costly but nice.

just finished my heidts kit nice piece,pricy but again good and nice people to deal with.My question to all those that have installed them regardless of manufacturer what is everyone doing with their stock clips.There are alot in the parts section and it looks to me that you cant give em away.maybe we need a discussion on turning them into flower boxes or barbeques.I dunno !

i sold mine on e-bay:)

Ididit tilt steering column p/n 1120640010 with TCI coated headers p/n 928-9000-06 and Heidts steering shaft kit p/n SC-246. This combination produced about 1/2 in clearance between the header and steering shaft on my TCI front clip.

sorry
http://homepage.mac.com/akawamura88/Menu6.html

Any ideas on headers? I got a homemade front clip, looks like Hedit's. Any headers that will fit right in on a SBC ? thanks

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/SPRAYIT67/Picture113.jpg

:beer: sorry
http://homepage.mac.com/akawamura88/Menu6.html

Any ideas on headers? I got a homemade front clip, looks like Hedit's. Any headers that will fit right in on a SBC ? thanks
:chev: :chev:

Wher the heck do you mount your battery?

Here's a good writeup on the TCI setup and install by Tom Griffen:

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40980

www.checkerd racing.com thats the frame i got

Hey Guys
has anyone used a checkered racing front clip??? They seem like nice kits and there very reasonable compaired to other kits. If anyone that has could get back to me that would be sweet
thanks

I have a company that I get a couple of different style front end convertions for these types of front ends. They do make a front clip like others make, but I have installed a crossmember kit on the stock frame rails. I did that install on a 64 a couple of years ago and have had no problems with it. It can be installed with out having to completely remove the inner fenders thus removing the need for the extra bracing bar from the firewall to the front clip. I will post so pics of it late today.

There have been a few posts about people having problems installing coil springs, including myself. It appears like the coils are wayyyy too long to fit and I had a heck of a time trying to get a coil spring compressor to work. Here is a picture of a coil spring compressor that works great. Just thought this might help out someone who was in the same boat as me. http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r92/ryanknowsall/64Nova/SpringCompressor.jpg

Thats the one that I used. Worked great.

Tony

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1962_67_Chevy_Nova/228235400.htm

Has anyone used this subframe, how well does it fit, any modifications needed, anyone have a detail build up page on this kit, is there a better one for that kind of money? I don't have a problem with modifications, I have once done a junkyard cut custom front-end on a 59 ford f100, and a I know how that turned out. It really turned out decent for what it was used for, and that was 1/4 at a time only for the most part. Its not something I would jump on the freeway with. Any help or idea's on this would be great.:confused::yes::confused:

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1962_67_Chevy_Nova/228235400.htm

Has anyone used this subframe, how well does it fit, any modifications needed, anyone have a detail build up page on this kit, is there a better one for that kind of money? I don't have a problem with modifications, I have once done a junkyard cut custom front-end on a 59 ford f100, and a I know how that turned out. It really turned out decent for what it was used for, and that was 1/4 at a time only for the most part. Its not something I would jump on the freeway with. Any help or idea's on this would be great.:confused::yes::confused:

I'm guessing no...

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1962_67_Chevy_Nova/228235400.htm

Has anyone used this subframe, how well does it fit, any modifications needed, anyone have a detail build up page on this kit, is there a better one for that kind of money? I don't have a problem with modifications, I have once done a junkyard cut custom front-end on a 59 ford f100, and a I know how that turned out. It really turned out decent for what it was used for, and that was 1/4 at a time only for the most part. Its not something I would jump on the freeway with. Any help or idea's on this would be great.:confused::yes::confused:

I think this is a TCI clip.

I have been considering building a stout inline six, either a 250 or tall 292, for my ride. After the rebuild, I want to take the opportunity to upgrade the front end, so I don't have to worry about alignment issues anymore. I was wondering if anyone knows if the engine mounts on either the TCI or Heidts front clip will work for the inline six.

I have been considering building a stout inline six, either a 250 or tall 292, for my ride. After the rebuild, I want to take the opportunity to upgrade the front end, so I don't have to worry about alignment issues anymore. I was wondering if anyone knows if the engine mounts on either the TCI or Heidts front clip will work for the inline six.

I believe both of those clips are designed with a V8 in mind, I think you should call them and see if they have a straight 6 option with their clips. If they don't the next solution for you would be the CPP Mini Subframe Built on Kit (http://www.classicperform.com/NewProducts/2006/NewFiles/NovaSubFrame.htm). If your only going to have a sixer in it that kit is all your going to need.

And I would like a front clip too...but I am going to have to do it one piece at a time.

SOOOoooo.....just let me ask this. How much is the average TOTAL AMOUNT SPENT on a new high tech front clip with all of the goodies to finish it.
$3000, $4000? more? I gotta save up for this one. And build a V8?

James

they are having a sale:D:D:D:D

Has anyone had any luck fitting headers on an LS in a Chassisworks front clip?
I realize Lemons makes a set specific for this application, just trying to save a few hundred dollars.

Looking to run an LS1 in my 67. Which clips work best? Would love to get away with stock, but really would prefer to run full length headers. I'm all ears.:yes:

Well no reply to the previous question so here it goes again. For good ground clearance with the TCI drop spindle clip what oil pan and trans pans give the maximum oil content. Engine-6qt, 7qt etc. Trans ?? pictures would really help. Thanks

TCI makes different kinds of clips. They make a Mustang II style and their own custom design IFS. They both use different parts so when you ask the question "list items for TCI clips" you have to specify which one.

The Mustang II clips are all basically the same regardless of manufacturer and with some minor modifications can all use most of the same parts.

OK, Mustang II. Thanks

i recently purchased a 67 nova ss and here it is :eek::eek::eek::eek:
http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy274/howhigh045/DSC_0369.jpg
http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/yy274/howhigh045/DSC_0371.jpg
i know it needs a lot of work but don't worry i'm committed:D:D:D
when i bought this car i was so happy and my friend doesn't understand why:bored::bored::bored:

anyway..

the first thing i want to do is install a TCI 1962-67 Nova Mustang II Independent Front Suspension Subframe Unit with narrowed rail design. which will include the wilwood brakes so i can save on shipping.:)

i saw one on EBAY. its going to cost me 3,250USD for the kit, which also includes the 12" wilwood brakes, inner fenders, engine rubber mounts, power steering rack, dropped spindles, stainless brake hoses, front sway bars.

its from total cost involved. free shipping within continental USA. i'll have it shipped to california then to philippines.

i wanted to get the front clip from USA because if i finish the car with an original mustang 2 front end that will cost me roughly 1,300USD here in Phils., i might end up doing upgrades to it later on. i just want to save some money.

if anyone has a better idea, or knows a better deal please don't hesitate to tell me thanks.