We’ve mentioned before that the increased availability of quality replacement sheet metal for classic cars has enabled many new projects that weren’t particularly feasible before. Some companies are going well beyond the replacement components business and staking out new ground. Dynacorn, for example, has replacement bodies available for a number of classic cars and, more recently, Heidt’s Hot Rod and Muscle Car Parts has released a replacement front sub-frame and suspension for ’62 – ’67 Chevy Novas.

For the folks over at Route 66 Motorsports, near Joliete, IL, that was going to be a big help in their new project car, which will also use the Heidt’s rear 4-link kit for Novas.

Installation of the replacement sub-frame, which comes complete with a short-long arm front suspension and adjustable coil-overs, two-inch dropped spindles, Wilwood brakes, rack and pinion steering and front sway bar, requires removal of the front sheet metal and engine.

This provides access to four main bolts on either side that secure the sub-frame to the rest of the body structure. With these bolts removed, it’s ‘out with the old and in with the new.’

A dual front cross-member aids front end stiffness to ensure maximum handling capability from the new suspension. After that, the Route 66 lads installed a 427 cui LS-engine along with Gearstar 4L70 transmission.

The project is advancing quickly as summer approaches. Paint has been completed and interior work is ongoing. As the first car to use the new Heidt’s bolt-on sub-frame, the ’67 Nova will be featured in company advertising as well as a rolling billboard for all the contributors involved.