Is this a proper procedure for frame connectors?

[BA.]

There's a gent in my area that I was going to have weld in the DSE wheel tubs and DSE sub-frame connectors into my 69 Camaro.

He mentioned very briefly that he has (in the past) installed sub-frame connectors by first removing the floor pan, then welding the connectors into place, then (somehow?) ensuring a proper cut-out of the pan as he welds it back into place.

Is this a normal way to do the procedure? Is it a really good idea, or a really lame idea?


He is a welder by trade, so it would seem that he should know what he's doing more than I would! :) It just seems weird to me.

[67LS1T56]

If you look Detroit Speed & Engineering web site you can see how they installed. It might make better sense to you.
http://www.detroitspeed.com/

[mikey]

I would leave the floor in place. Seems kinda backwards to me not to mention a bunch more work. I haven't put a floor in a Camaro yet but I have done quite a few at work (I'm a bodyman)and they are no fun to do. Why cut out a perfectly good panel for no reason? Besides I know several bodymen that can't weld worth a crap and some welders that can't fix cars for crap. This is not a personal attack just based on my own experience.

[Matt@RFR]

I'll echo Mikey here. I've been in the trade for awhile, and have met some really stupid welders/fabricators/machinists. This guy seems to fit in that category.

[87SS]

find another welder... fast

[speedster]

Cut it with the floor plans in place, it is easier to align a longitudinal tube than it is to align the whole floor pan. Not to mention he is probably making at least three times as much money for the same required effort. You should call Kyle or Stacey at DSE (704) 662-3272 first IMO.

[CAMAROBOY69]

I will back up what they said above. Find someone else. Cutting out an entire floor is rediculous just to put in sub frame connectors. :smashcomp
View this thread of the step by step process to install the DSE sub frame connctors. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7917&highlight=frame+connector

[BA.]

Hey guys, thanks for confirming my suspicions that this was really a more complicated way to get the subframe connectors installed, without any true benefits.

thanks for the link also CB69.

[CarlC]

There's a bunch of pics on my website as well.

Your welder has sniffed too many fumes.

[zbugger]

...He mentioned very briefly that he has (in the past) installed sub-frame connectors by first removing the floor pan, then welding the connectors into place, then (somehow?) ensuring a proper cut-out of the pan as he welds it back into place...

Well now that's just silly.


He is a welder by trade, so it would seem that he should know what he's doing more than I would! :) It just seems weird to me.

I think he might be a good welder, but fabrication skills, he lacks. Possibly some brain cells as well.

[Mean 69]

Have to stress an important point here. Make CERTAIN that the car is loaded on the suspension pickup points before doing any welding. You would be surprised at how much a uni-body flexes on jackstands, etc. Even before that, make CERTAIN that the front subframe is square to the car (this is needed as you need to replace the rubber bushings anyway, someone competent will be able to do this without problem, if not you will have some funky alignment issues).

Those welders, I'll tell you. They are the only ones that think a co-worker catching on fire is funny. Must be something to do with their welding helmets being too tight or something. If you think it is tough to have one do a job for you, try working with one. Sheesh!

M

[Matt@RFR]

:).