CRG Discussion Forum

Model Specific Discussions => Trans-Am Camaros => Topic started by: mikebaronehouston on February 14, 2020, 03:30:02 AM

Title: Removable front end common?
Post by: mikebaronehouston on February 14, 2020, 03:30:02 AM

There is a fantastic picture of the First Gen Titus Firebird with the entire front clip on the ground.  It was all assembled and apparently lifted off of the car in one (heavy?) piece.

I can't find the darn picture.  I know - no pictures and it never happened...

Does anyone have any documentation on this or other Trans-Am cars? 

Any pictures or can comment how the core support tied into the frame and how it was attached?

Any thoughts if this was done on any Second Gen cars?

Thanks,

Mike

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: SMKZ28 on February 14, 2020, 02:13:59 PM

Is this the picture?  If so, it can be found in Reply #33 on page three of the following thread: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=7815.30

Jon Mello posted it and said. "Here's another article on the Jerry Titus Firebirds. This one is from my May '69 issue of Motorcade magazine."

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: group/7 on February 14, 2020, 02:28:28 PM

here's a couple I have in my files. The first two are at the shop in I think ? Tarzana, California. the bottom one could be at Star Dust Raceway, they did some pre season testing there.

Mike

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: group/7 on February 14, 2020, 02:36:34 PM

Gordon Johncock tried to remove the front clip another way at St. Jovite in '69  ;)

Mike

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: mikebaronehouston on February 14, 2020, 08:16:59 PM

Many thanks.

The photo with the guy working on the engine is the one I am familiar with.  Although I have seen better results than the tire wall...

In shop picture, the left car looks like they extended the frame.

Rabbit hole - on the black car, the cage also attaches to the frame in front of the A arms.  Interesting.  I read the rules long ago to be behind the A-arms only.  Was there a change after '68 or did I miss it?

On the black car, it looks like the horns were worked a bit.

What I am not seeing is how it tied into the core support.  Stock there is a bushing on a second gen.  I have aluminum spacers.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Mike

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: mikebaronehouston on February 15, 2020, 04:54:25 PM

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss309/1967z28/TG05.jpg

Here is a clue to how the front end attached.  From the same string.

Mike

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: Jon Mello on February 16, 2020, 01:20:33 AM

Yes, that clue should tell you what you need to know.  Hole in core support slips over that tube section and held in place by a hair pin or similar.

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: KurtS on February 16, 2020, 09:15:51 PM

I'd think that was just a locator pin and they still bolted the rad support down.

Title: Re: Removable front end common?
Post by: mikebaronehouston on February 28, 2020, 11:30:08 PM

Sorry to pick this up so late.  Been busy.

What has me is that the core support bolts below the frame on a stock configuration.

The locating tube is above the frame.  If that is a locating tube.

I could see an intermediate bracket above the frame to connect to the core support, however, would that interfere with an oil cooler or the larger Corvette radiators?

The mystery continues...