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Folks, I'm considering buying a 1969 Camaro subframe to replace the subframe under my 1969 Firebird vert. The bare Camaro subframe is local and is an easy purchase. But before I make the buy, can you tell me if there ANY differences of any kind between the 69 Camaro and 69 Firebird subframes? I want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. Will ALL my Bird components bolt up properly to the Camaro subframe? Please let me know. Thanks.

Keith

Last edited by Ramblin99; 06/07/12 02:27 AM.
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And I suppose I should ask another question, at the risk of sounding stupid. Is there a difference between the coupe and vert subframes? Or are they interchangeable?

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Direct replacement. No differences.


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
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What Salmon said.

Not that confirmation is needed. smile

Last edited by wovenweb; 06/07/12 10:32 AM.

1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top, auto
1969 GTO Judge coupe, Carousel Red, manual
1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto
1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver), Fire Red, white top, auto
1972 Buick GS Stage 1, Royal Blue, black vinyl top, auto
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Thanks, gentlemen!

Keith

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I put a 67 Camaro complete front disc subframe under my 68 Coupe. It fit perfectly. All I needed was the new hardware. snd 1/3 the cost of repair and rebuild my old one.


Break out another $1000.

I have Champagne taste on a Beer budget!!!!
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The subframe is the same. The steering and motor mounts are different and unique to the Firebird.

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Boater Bill, now I'm confused. Salmon said it will bolt up and everything will bolt to it, just like my Bird subframe. "no differences." But you're saying the motor and power steering mounting points are different? How would I account for that? What I'm asking the learned folks on the forum is....are the 1969 Firebird and Camaro subframes EXACTLY identical in every detail so I can use it without mods. Anyone? I'm picking this thing up tomorrow afternoon, so I sure need your help, and fast. Thanks.

Keith

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TW68, what I'm buying is a completely bare subframe with no suspension, brakes, nothing. Are you saying there is a difference between a drum brake subframe and a disc brake subframe?

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The metal support plates that the motor mounts attach to bolt to the subframe and can be swapped out.

I am not sure about which "steering mounts" Bill is refering to.

There is no difference on the subframes between front disk and front drum.

I know the arrangement of the front "A" arm bump stop is unique for each year so you can't mix and match OEM front control arms and subframes between the years.

I mounted all my '67 steering components and engine mount support plates to a '68 Nova subframe with no issues. I used aftermarket tubular upper and lower control arms which have multiple bump stop mounting locations so they were no problem.


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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The engine mounts Bill is referring to are #15 and #17 on this illustration.

Engine and Transmission Mounts


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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OK, so it looks like I can pull the #15 and #17 mounts from my subframe and bolt them to the Camaro subframe. Right? Anyone else care to weigh in on the steering mount diffences.

Regarding the control arms, wouldn't the 1969 Camaro and 1969 Firebird control arms be identical? I have seen threads about not mixing years, but I would think the same-year parts would be identical, including the bump stop locations. Please help on this too. Thanks.

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I found this thread. It answered all my questions except for the steering mount issue raised by Boater Bill.

https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/ubbth...true#Post203667


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My bad, it is the steering linkage that doesn't swap. Box and idler arm bolt to the same holes. The pitman arm, center link and idler arm are all different between a Camaro and Bird.

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Originally Posted By Boater Bill
My bad, it is the steering linkage that doesn't swap. Box and idler arm bolt to the same holes. The pitman arm, center link and idler arm are all different between a Camaro and Bird.


I also believe that there is a difference in those parts between the years too. Or at least '69 and '67/
'68.

Go get the '69 subframe today. You will be good to go.


2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement
2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered.
2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it)
Old projects, gone but not forgotten:
1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it.
1980 Turbo Trans Am
1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto
1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed
1983 F-150 4x4, built 302
1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
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Thanks everybody for the help. Will hit the road at noon today to go get it. Have a great weekend.


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