Stock front Subframe mods?

[QuicSS]

Is there anyhting that I should do to the front subframe while it is out of the car? It is a 68 Camaro and a new subframe isn't in the budget. Any pics would be appreciated.
Thanks
Nicolas

[130fe]

You could always do the G-mod. Search on here, there is a wealth of info on how to improve your ride using a stock subframe.

[LowBuckX]

reweld critical parts finsh weld all seams. Coil over conversion. Notch frame rails for wide rollers.

[68400BIRD]

I just finished welding the frame up. It's amazing how much was missed from the factory. Make sure that your upper control arm mounts are welded solid. They like to get hairline cracks after many years of abuse. I also back welded all of the brackets for the subframe mounts. Like mentioned above do the **** Gulstrand mod while you have it all apart.

[ProdigyCustoms]

The g Mod would be the first thing I would do. if you going to run tubular arms, it is a simple as redrilling a set of cross shaft mounting holes lower.

[QuicSS]

Now when you guys are talking about welding all the seams, does that mean grinding the stock welds down then welding over? or am I just going to be adding weld to the current welds? If grinding is needed, do I need to worry about clamping the frame to prevent seperation. Thanks again

[69LT1Nova]

I would just weld where the factory missed. The welds were super sloppy on some of these subframes. Mine looked pretty darn good, so I just filled in a couple areas that were missed.

I wouldn't grind the welds - they are stronger if left as-is.

[68 LS1 Camaro]

Do you still need to do the G mod if your using ATS tall spindles?

Mike

[QuicSS]

If your going with the tall spindles then no

[QuicSS]

Are people able to get the top of the stock subframe smooth? What goes into doing this? welding plates onto the top or just some sort of filler?

[68400BIRD]

I'm not sure what people are doing. The frame halves meet on the top and bottom and are not very good looking from the factory. With mine all welded up solid they look a lot nicer. I will give the top of the weld a quick grind and then see how it looks.

[Hogshooter]

I welded mine solid after tacking in the areas that were skipped I just skipped around alot to minimize chances of warping. I also cut the a-arm mount and lowered/moved the mount to have the guldstrand mod with stock appearance:) then I ground and smoothed with fiberglass reinforced filler, primed , blocked and base/cleared. You could also just weld and powdercoat or just use some shake-shake it's your ride.

[QuicSS]

Awesome job on that subframe hogshooter, thats what I am going to try to accomplish.

[Andrew McBride]

I re-welded my frame and ground down all the crappy factory welds. Used some filler to smooth it out. A lot of hours of work, but it turned out pretty good I thought.

A larger sway bar would be my suggestion. I am using an addco
1-1/8" bar, and they are pretty reasonable.
Some guys will box the lower stock control arms.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[stewy]

Hey Andrew,
What lower control arms are you using? Are you using stock type springs & shocks? I am going stock on my 68, lowered it and increased spring rate. I would like more suspension travel, so I see different lower control arms in the future!

[Andrew McBride]

The arms I have are from Wysco. They are nice built arms. I am using hotchkis springs. The hotchkis springs I have had 1 coil taken out of them and I am not sure they are going to work, because the lower control arm pocket drops the car without any drop springs. I may have to sell these and go with a stock height springs. I am running monroe sensa-trac shocks. I am a budget builder, so I am doing what I can little by little.

Tie rod adjusters are another thing you can add. I have a set from speedtech and they are very nice pieces.

[stewy]

I could not find them via their website, could you perhaps show me a link?

I am using a set of the DSE tierod adjusters, nice pieces as well.

I just installed the Hotchkis suspension on a customer's 69 camaro, looks great, but a little too much rake for me.

If you need to change the front springs, perhaps you could just get a set referenced on David Pozzi's web site. I am using the 500-550 springs with my small block street car.
http://www.pozziracing.com/camaro_spring_info.htm#SPRINGS