Chevrolet Nova TCI Tubular Front Clip Install

As most Super Chevy readers already know, swapping over to one of today's high-tech front clips in your vintage Bow Tie will offer superior drivability, handling, roadworthiness and braking. We really dig the look of an old-school ride sporting tubular suspension coming at you out on the street.

It seems like everyone is using these front clips to bring the handling of their '60s and '70s muscle cars into the 21st century. One of the main benefits of these tubular front clips is their lighter-than-stock weight. When talking with Sal Solarzano of Total Cost Involved (TCI) at the 2009 Super Chevy Suspension & Handling Challenge, he mentioned TCI's front clip would take 140 pounds off the front end of a car. This got us to thinking: Could one of these front clips benefit someone who wants to go drag racing in his street machine?

For the intended purposes of this '72 Nova SS-that is, an enjoyable big-block street driver and True Street drag competitor-we weren't concerned about autocross or road racing. For our application, we needed 15-inch front skinnies for the track, so we went with 11-inch Wilwood disc brakes up front.

Many drag racers we spoke to felt there would not be enough suspension travel in a tubular front clip that utilized coil-over shocks. But that 140-lb weight loss gnawed at us, especially since we were installing the 669-horse 509 Dart Rat motor we built in our November and December, 2009 issues ("Real Fine 509, Parts 1 and 2). So, in the interest of science and trying to build a modern, well-rounded street/strip machine, we are going to install this TCI front clip in a Nova. Past experience with hot rods that use TCI front clips guarantee that it'll definitely make the Nova an infinitely better street car, and we're going to find out if it will work on the strip, too.

Here's our as-delivered TCI front clip right before the worst winter (most snowfall) the northeast has ever seen (2009-'10). Under the plastic wrap you'll notice the bare metal tubing and the boxes containing all the suspension and brake goodies for assembly. At a friend's shop (Shore Wheels, Tuckerton, NJ), a heavy work load and space restrictions left the unfinished frame and suspension components to sit outside in the snow and ice for over three months. Don't ever let this happen unless you enjoy lots of extra work in rust removal.
Here's our as-delivered TCI front clip right before the worst winter (most snowfall) the n
After uncovering our new subframe, we were horrified to see so much rust was on the bare steel. Even with a pool tarp to cover everything, the...
After uncovering our new subframe, we were horrified to see so much rust was on the bare s
... snow and moisture worked its way underneath. It only took a few hours with a wire-wheel on an electric drill to rid the frame of rust.
... snow and moisture worked its way underneath. It only took a few hours with a wire-whee

We prepped, primed and painted the clip using these Eastwood products to protect the frame from further rust issues. Total Cost Involved recommends powdercoating or painting after checking for frame fitment to the body. We took our chances, against TCI's recommendations, and rid it of rust and painted it before installation....
We prepped, primed and painted the clip using these Eastwood products to protect the frame
Eastwood's PRE was used for proper surface preparation to ensure a clean painting surface. Chassis Black Primer was applied for rust protection and a foundation for the Extreme Chassis Black (Satin) paint. Extreme Chassis Black is resistant to corrosion, chips, scratches, along with being brake fluid and fuel corrosion resistant.
Eastwood's PRE was used for proper surface preparation to ensure a clean painting surface.
Even though the control arms were in boxes, they also suffered from surface rust. After wire-wheeling and wiping them clean with the PRE surface prep, they were treated to Eastwood's Stainless Steel Epoxy catalyst (part A) and topcoat (part B).
Even though the control arms were in boxes, they also suffered from surface rust. After wi

Eastwood's new Mini-Detail Concours HVLP paint gun kit (PN 12250) was used to shoot the control arms with the Stainless Steel Epoxy.
Eastwood's new Mini-Detail Concours HVLP paint gun kit (PN 12250) was used to shoot the co
We brushed the cast iron spindles with the Stainless Steel Epoxy for a super durable finish.
We brushed the cast iron spindles with the Stainless Steel Epoxy for a super durable finis
Assembly and installation was handled by Steve Letts of Shore Wheels on his off-days (Sunday and Monday).
Assembly and installation was handled by Steve Letts of Shore Wheels on his off-days (Sund

Here, Steve hangs the control arms, QA1 coilover shocks and the spindles with the attached Wilwood 11-inch disc brake assembly.
Here, Steve hangs the control arms, QA1 coilover shocks and the spindles with the attached
Be sure to follow TCI's provided instructions to help ease the task.
The rack gets bolted on using the included bolts, lock nuts, spacers and washers. Be sure it is centered (turn the splined shaft to full lock counting how many turns from lock-to-lock and divide that number in half, then turn back half the distance). Next, the tie rod ends go into the spindle steering arms. Since the Nova will see strip action, we elected not to install the antiroll bar.
The rack gets bolted on using the included bolts, lock nuts, spacers and washers. Be sure