New Thunderbird

[Duke W.]

Re: New Thunderbird

Duke------


Just like the original Camaro was built on a Chevy II platform.

...never heard that before. The Camaro/Firebird was the F-body, semi-unitized up to the cowl with a "half frame" for all the front end components (engine, suspension, and body parts). Was that generation Nova (X-body) the same architecture, and did they share components like front suspension, brakes, and rear axle?

[Joe L.]

Re: New Thunderbird

We have a lot to thank the early Thunderbird for. If Ford had not overreacted and jumped into the two seat market, the Corvette would have probably withered on the vine after the sales debacle of 54.

i.e. the Corvette was saved by the competition from Ford.

Paul------


Absolutely correct. Without the Thunderbird, I highly doubt the Corvette would have survived.

[Joe L.]

Re: New Thunderbird

...never heard that before. The Camaro/Firebird was the F-body, semi-unitized up to the cowl with a "half frame" for all the front end components (engine, suspension, and body parts). Was that generation Nova (X-body) the same architecture, and did they share components like front suspension, brakes, and rear axle?

Duke-------


I've never really studied the Chevy II versus Camaro chassis components. Comparing part numbers would be of no real use anyway as there could have been slight differences in finished part numbers with the basic part being the same. I expect the same was true for Falcon versus Mustang. In any event, true or not, I've understood for years that the Camaro was developed from the basic Chevy II platform architecture.