I just spent an hour or so talking to Wayne Due about possible custom front clips or even a full frame for A-bodies. As some of you might be aware,Wayne builds some beautiful stuff for 1st Gen Camaros. He told me that they would be starting on a full frame for a customer's 70 Chevelle that would incorporate full C4 Corvette suspension components;IFS and IRS. Wayne also said he is considering the idea of building some A-body front frame clips using C4 components. If this sounds like something you would be interested in,my suggestion would be to contact Wayne through his website at http://www.waynedue.com/ and let him know your thoughts. C4 Corvette suspension parts are not expensive due to the huge number of cars built and they work superbly.

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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
Clint's 69 Elky (http://www.dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm)
Clint's 91 Callaway ZR-1 (http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/members/usazr1/purple-9.jpg)

[This message has been edited by Clint44 (edited 02-20-2003).]

Sheesh,not even one comment.

I bought a front sub for my 69 F-Body from Wayne and it is a beautifull piece of work. It cost me a bundle and it was only a front sub. I shudder at the thought of how much a FULL frame with IRS would cost me to put on my Chevelle! Not that I wouldn't be ecstatic to have it(are you listening Lotto committee) but I can't get to happy about the possibility he'll come out with something for the Chevelle which I probably won't be able to afford. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif

[This message has been edited by Jagarang (edited 02-20-2003).]

I would be interested if it was priced right.

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Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 4bbl & 2004r

Jag,I doubt I could justify a full frame w/C4 Corvette IFS & IRS at $10K but a front clip is definitely in my budget. Considering what a full front set-up from Global West costs,Wayne's proposed clip is right there,costwise.

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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
Clint's 69 Elky (http://www.dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm)
Clint's 91 Callaway ZR-1 (http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/members/usazr1/purple-9.jpg)

I've seen complete front suspensions for ealy C-4's at swap meets for around $300. That's a-arms, spindles, brakes, rack etc. So as long as you can supply your own parts, the price shouldn't be to bad.

What is ment by "front clip" for a chevelle (assuming it would weld into the frame, but how much of the frame would need to be removed)?

Where did that 10,000$ figure come from? is that what he estimated, or just a guesstimate based on the camaro front clip?

As I said, I would be more than willing to invest some money making my chevelle handle better, but only if it made a big difference. I would also need to hear some feedback from others before I threw down anything near 10K.

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Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 4bbl & 2004r

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cperrell:
[B]What is ment by "front clip" for a chevelle (assuming it would weld into the frame, but how much of the frame would need to be removed)?
Where did that 10,000$ figure come from? is that what he estimated, or just a guesstimate based on the camaro front clip?
As I said, I would be more than willing to invest some money making my chevelle handle better, but only if it made a big difference. I would also need to hear some feedback from others before I threw down anything near 10K.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
As I said earlier,a complete new frame with C4 components would be in the $10K range,according to Wayne. I'm only interested in a weld-on front clip that he estimated would be around $3K. My car already has a narrowed rear frame section,bigger wheel tubs,narrowed 9",four link,and coilovers so one of Wayne's front clips w/C4 stuff would be a good way to go,for me. Wayne has not decided exactly where the frame cut-off point would be but my guess would just under the firewall.



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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
Clint's 69 Elky (http://www.dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm)
Clint's 91 Callaway ZR-1 (http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/members/usazr1/purple-9.jpg)

Gawd! What a G-machine that could be!

I'm getting chills here just thinking about it.

I'm definitely interested, but for 10K I think there's a lot of other stuff I could do to the Chevelle. Not an unfair price if it comes out as nice as you say, but just out of my reach.

K

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64 2 Door 400SB/TH350
Chevello Page (http://users.rcn.com/chevello)
"You laugh because I am different. I laugh because you are all the same."
TC Member #1155

Call me crazy, but I have been tossing around the idea of a mid engine A body. Hmmm....

Andrew

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Project GatTagO (http://groups.msn.com/projectgattago)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by andrewb70:
Call me crazy, but I have been tossing around the idea of a mid engine A body. Hmmm....

Andrew

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, you're not the only one... but I've been tossing around an idea about a mid engine AWD A-body http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Wayne Due makes really nice stuff, but I've heard that his Camaro front subframes have a bit of a bumpsteer problem due to the location of the rack. Hopefully he'll address the issue.

Still, I'm drooling over the idea of full C4 IFS/IRS under my Chevelle on a trick looking frame. If it comes out, and it's done right, I might just do it...

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My 1969 Chevelle (http://home.attbi.com/~procharged69/)

[This message has been edited by Gokou (edited 02-23-2003).]

One thing I hope he addresses in the full and front only frame (and which would go a long way to helping me justify getting one) is addressing the frame flex issues. Having a stiffer frame would be as important to me as the suspension upgrade.

My frame flex is so bad, it feels like a giant leaf spring, but I have not been able to find any cracks or damage (other than a little frame sag).

hopefully he will splice the front frame behind the door hinges.

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Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 4bbl & 2004r

I think Wayne has fixed the bumpsteer issues. He inherited the design from Art Rassmusen (sp). The guy that painted my car was working on a 1st gen camaro and the guy had sent his subframe back to Wayne to get it upgraded. So I think the bumpsteer issue is history.

Frame flex is crazy in our cars. If I jack up my car behind the front wheels, the gap between my Endura bumper and the quarter panels grows by a 1/4 of an inch. Its horrible.

I think a midengine Chevelle or GTO would be very cool. You could really strangthen the front of the frame, add a cage and stiffen the rear with some kind of cradle around the transaxle. Dreaming......

Andrew

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Project GatTagO (http://groups.msn.com/projectgattago)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Clint44:
I just spent an hour or so talking to Wayne Due about possible custom front clips or even a full frame for A-bodies. As some of you might be aware,Wayne builds some beautiful stuff for 1st Gen Camaros. He told me that they would be starting on a full frame for a customer's 70 Chevelle that would incorporate full C4 Corvette suspension components;IFS and IRS. Wayne also said he is considering the idea of building some A-body front frame clips using C4 components. If this sounds like something you would be interested in,my suggestion would be to contact Wayne through his website at http://www.waynedue.com/ and let him know your thoughts. C4 Corvette suspension parts are not expensive due to the huge number of cars built and they work superbly.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's not that far out of line ($10,000.00), if you think about what you get.

Modern Technology
IFS/IRS
All New Parts (?)
No Cracks, Sagging, Twisted Frame

Add it up in your head as to what it would cost you to do this, and you might be suprised at the cost(s).

Just Our 2 cents worth.




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Team Members Forever #341

Richard, Judy, MAXX2

'69 Elke (Frame Off); GM HO 350/330-Mildly Ported Vortec Heads-Manley Severe Duty SS 2.02/1.60 Valves, Comp Cams Full Roller Package (Magnum)-Custom Grind CS 3315/3316 HR112-.510/.520 Lift, Edelbrock Air-Gap W/750 Performer Manual Choke-Performer 100 HP NOS, March Pulleys, 4L60 (Non Computer) W/Lokar Shifter, 12 Bolt Posi., Full Aluminum Bed With Full Tubs, Aluminum Firewall, Custom Aluminum Dash/Gauge Bezel.

Are Chevelle frames fully boxed like an El Camino frame? If not,could you full-length box them and gain a bunch of torsional rigidity?
Wayne said his front clip would attach under the firewall or further back. Early C4's used 12" brakes in front and later models used 13" rotors in front. Parts are plentiful and pretty cheap,too.

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Clint Hooper
ACES #1650
Wichita Falls,Tx
Clint's 69 Elky (http://www.dalesplace.com/misc/friends/clint_hooper.htm)
Clint's 91 Callaway ZR-1 (http://personal.tmlp.com/scorp/vette/images/members/usazr1/purple-9.jpg)

Clint, Chevelle frames aren't boxed unless it's a wagon, convertible, or el camino.

Yes you can box the frame. Check out RJ's page (http://www.buffnet.net/~airrj/Frame%20modifications.html).

I think $3K is reasonable for a weld-on front frame. I usually think of the "front clip" as the body panels forward of the doors.

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My Web Site (http://www.landry-family.com) (updated 01-04-03)

"Long Live Freedom!"

Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #4556
'68 El Camino

Sorry for using the wrong terminology,CJ. Around here,we use the term in street rod circles for changing out the front frame section.

$10K sounds reasonable but Waynes front sub assembly for F-Bodies was around $6000 back when I bought mine. I'm not sure he could market a full frame C4 setup of $10. Don't forget that I am more than happy with the front-subframe on my Firebird. The bumpsteer issues were solved for this unit before I purchaced and Wayne does make beautifull art, is a nice guy, and will work with you to make you exactly what you want. ALL PRAISE! $10K might be a bargain with the quality products he offeres and the dream of 4 wheel disk brakes, IRS, and C4 components. Its hard, if not impossible to due a full overhaul with aftermarket pieces for the front(2000) and a Currie, Moser or other aftermarket rearend(2500). Not to mention adding a full trick aftermarket brake package(3000). Then LABOR if you dont have the place, tools, and/or know how to get it all in! To think that you could just bolt your body onto a trick frame is dreamy! My wallet is what I'm complaining about. :( I think I'll ask my boss for a raise!

That is so cool. I'm all for anything that gets more 'exposure' for Chevelles as cars to have... and this should inspire others to create other stuff for 'em.

With that said, the price is so far out of my reach that I can only drool about people that CAN afford stuff like this.

Still good to hear about though. When y'all order one, I want lots and lots of pics smile.gif

Originally posted by cjlandry:
Clint, Chevelle frames aren't boxed unless it's a wagon, convertible, or el camino.

wagon frames are not boxed! just wanted to correct that. el camino frames are identical to wagon but they are boxed. ;)