66 Chevy II

[topnos]

I haven't been able to find a lot of info on the subject of a 66 Chevy II full frame. Other than the AM Max-G Chassis or the Schwart Chassis, I can't find any other information on anyone that provides or manufactures something like this. I want to be able to accomodate 600-700 HP without a cage if possible. Any idea on how to proceed with this endeavor? I used to know a chassis shop in the Houston are back in my street racing days (Race Car Shop), but it appears they are no longer in business or have moved. Any suggestions on a competent chassis shop in the Houston area?

I have thought about tht TCI front and rear clip, and building off of the parts, but would prefer a solid one piece frame, and not a fabricated bunch of parts.

Any info or suggestios you can provide will be appreciated.

Thanks and continue providing the great information an stories.

[wiedemab]

The two options that you listed are the only "full-frame" options that I'm aware aside from having a completely custom one built. Is there a reason that you are looking away from these options - ie: cost?

One major difference is the fact that the Schwartz chassis bolts in, the AME Max G would require you to cut the floor pan out and remake it along with core support etc. It all depends on what you are looking for. I've not heard anything but good things about either company.

[topnos]

Wiedemab,

I am not really concerned about the cost, rather I am trying to completely research the matter before I begin the 66 Nova transformation. As such, I am looking for any information or input anyone can provide on the matter, so I can make an educated decision on how to proceed.

Thanks for the input and assistance!

[chevyIIpost]

I was in the same boat four plus years ago and AME was not an option. I fabricated a complete frame and X-member. The car was to be completed two years ago. Still in process>>>>! From what I have seen the AME is a great product from a great company. I had some suspension questions last week and Art Morrison himself called me back from a voice mail I left and spent a half hour on the phone with me and I wasn't spending a dime. That frame kit would have saved me a couple of years and would have been a better product. They have several options and the ability and willingness to do custom changes and up grades.

[Sales@Dutchboys]

Why not just run a CA Chassisworks, do some subframe connectors and a rear 4 link.

I wouldnt do a TCI, if your looking for the best front clip for these cars its going to be a Chassisworks....They are a little bit more money then others but it is well worth it. :)


Paul

[wiedemab]

This is just my personal opinion and I don't mean any disrespect to the other options out there, but if I had a Chevy II that I didn't mind cutting up. The AME Max G would be my choice. That being said, it would be out of my current budget for a project. I like the fact that you can call them up and discuss the wheel and tire package and ride height that you want and they will design the chassis for that specific setup. Caveat #2 - The Max G will take a lot more fabrication work, so depending on your capabilities etc. that will weigh in on your decision.

This is a complete custom tube frame built by Ironworks for an early body Chevy II, but you can pretend that you would have the complete frame and skip ahead to the other required work. Taking a look at this build might give you a feel for the amount of fab work required to the body.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=12710&highlight=max


As Paul said, if you would still consider a front clip - the Alston setup would be a good option. Their G-bar would also be a good option for the rear (it is a coilover verson of AirRide's Air Bar). It sounds like you are leaning toward the full frame though - just thought I'd toss these out there.

Just a side bar - you've gotta a love the fact that there are enough great products out there that the decisions are this hard. I'm not very old, but I can remember when you didn't have very many options at all - especially on Chevy II's

Good luck with the choice. I'd call both Schwartz and Art Morisson and talk to them. It may help you with your decision.

[ProdigyCustoms]

As Paul said, if you would still consider a front clip - the Alston setup would be a good option. Their G-bar would also be a good option for the rear (it is a coilover verson of AirRide's Air Bar). It sounds like you are leaning toward the full frame though - just thought I'd toss these out there.


I agree The Morrison is no doubt the cats meow, but extensive surgery. I have not used the Shwartz Chassis so I can not speak onit. I have done a Chris Alton Chevy 2 here, and have 3 customer Chevy 2 projects I am consulting on right now with CA front clips, G bars, or both. I think for a bolt in front clip / rear clip, this is the best solution, I am not aware of any other full chassis.

[DriverzInc]

I agree, CA Chassisworks is a very good alternative, we have sold two set ups now to very satisfied customers, and I'm sure you would greatly approve of their set up. Call us up, or hell, call chassisworks direct if you like, great people to talk with. They'll be more than happy to answer any and all questions.

[novanutcase]

I agree, CA Chassisworks is a very good alternative, we have sold two set ups now to very satisfied customers, and I'm sure you would greatly approve of their set up. Call us up, or hell, call chassisworks direct if you like, great people to talk with. They'll be more than happy to answer any and all questions.

Ask for Mike Weddle. He really knows his stuff!

John

[bigworm]

if he wanted to say... do a mini tub would the g bar rear suspension still work?

[ironworks]

We have one project we are wrapping up that has Chris alston suspension front and rear. The front crossmember from their bolt on clip, and the rear has the Billet triangulated 4 bar. Because we built the chassis per each customers needs, we can set your ride height and so on and maximize you interior space. Building the frame out of tube allows us to position the bar so that it maximizes you space. Take Johns 66, the floor is about 2-3 inches lower then stock. It is about .75 of and inch above the shaved pinch weld on the rocker. I have a customer bringing me a 66 later this week for this treatment. I think morrison has bitchin product, but when you have the main rails spliting the floor in each floor panel your bound to lose some interior room. Novas are small cars already. The work involved in the sheetmetal work is the same no matter what you do for a chassis. With the price of install and of a Max G chassis I think we are very competive. NOT cheaper but you get a different product.

If you look on my website you will see 2 of the major nova projects we have going on. I'm getting ready to start on another 66 with alston suspension and a 62 Nova convertible with C6 corvette suspension. We have quite bit of experience with those cars. If you have further questions call me at the shop (661) 399-8999.

The car I posted has no airbags and nothing hangs below 5"'s. It is set up to run 17x8.5" and 18x12" fikses with BFG tires.

[Blake Foster]

here's a 66 with the AME Max G and no cage that we are building right now, it is alot of work but i would say if the money is not an issue the way to go

[Blake Foster]

a little mor finished, but keep in mind if your wanting to do it EVERYTHING needs to be refabricated

[ccracin]

a little mor finished, but keep in mind if your wanting to do it EVERYTHING needs to be refabricated

Sorry for a small hijack.

Blake,

I see you put the hydraboost under the dash. Have you done this before? I was considering it, but I was worried about noise. Any issues that you know of? Thanks.

[ironworks]

Blake,

Wow I guess I'm not alone is being over taken by the novas. That thing looks awesome. What are you running for wheels? Did you make the rails go out to the rocker in the frame of is that a new Morrison thing? I have never seen that before.

Rodger

[monza]

a little mor finished, but keep in mind if your wanting to do it EVERYTHING needs to be refabricated

WOW that project looks amazing!!:thumbsup:

[Blake Foster]

The Hydro boost under the dash was not by choice just no where else to mount it so the noise will have to drowned out by the 850hp 540 All Aluminum Donavan BBC i guess!!!!
the rails do come out to the rockers, we actually ordered a front clip and a rear clip and then joined them in the middle, the owner is really tall so having the Morrison x and exhaust in through the frame would put the seat too high...........

we are runnint 19/20 forgeline mesh wheels painted the same color as the car.

[bucks69]

Blake that is intense to say the least. Looks Awesome. You need to start your own project thread on that car and include lots of Pics!!:thumbsup: