Topic: Will 80 Subframe fit 72 bumper brackets?

[KellzBird]

I want to swap out the subframe from a 1980 Formula to my worn out 72. Does anyone know if I will run into problems? Visually I can't compare them next to each other right now since they are miles apart.

thanks!

[jphillips3333]

An uneducated guess would be that you'd have no problems.  I'd assume you'd bolt the body back onto the subframe at the same location.  I know there's at least two/three recent projects that were late 78/79 and had the subframe disconnected.  You could search the forum and PM them for some shots of their frame and then get under your car to see if there are any MAJOR differences.  I'd think 78/79 would have to be very similar to the '80 model.

Good luck.

[RENOVATIONS]

I know that '75-'81 are the same....as for'74 and below, I think they are slightly narrower (like by an inch) and the body mounting points are a bit different ...but you should be able to make it work.

[pat]

I know that '75-'81 are the same....as for'74 and below, I think they are slightly narrower (like by an inch) and the body mounting points are a bit different ...but you should be able to make it work.

i think you are right. i also think he will need the braces that go across under the floor boards where the sub frame mounts up

[KellzBird]

I know that '75-'81 are the same....as for'74 and below, I think they are slightly narrower (like by an inch) and the body mounting points are a bit different ...but you should be able to make it work.

that sounds about right, there is a 1976 trans am front end bolted to the 1980 formula body right now so 75-81 would make sense. I'll break out the tape measure, I guess I was thinking the only difference would be the mounting holes for the bumper brackets, I hadn't even thought to check the width.  That would be a bummer, I'll have to check that before wasting my time rebuilding the newer 1980 one, it sure would be nice if I could rebuild this one and slide it under there.

thanks for the info, I guess I need to unbolt it and bring it home anyway.

[transam dave]

I want to swap out the subframe from a 1980 Formula to my worn out 72. Does anyone know if I will run into problems? Visually I can't compare them next to each other right now since they are miles apart.

thanks!

I dont think it will work easily too many mods 70-76 will be a  better choice just my opinion dave.

[79T/Aman]

the only difference between the 70-74 and 75-81 is the rear body bushing location the frame is the same length and the same width ( people get confused because of the trans cross member being different, that is because it is, and bolts to different holes).
What you need to do is drill the frame for 4 trans cross member holes to mach the early frame and drill 2 1/12" for the rear body bushings to mach the early frame, that's it