welding in subframe connectors

[1fststang]

About to weld in the subframe connectors on my 67 fastback.

The TCP subframe connector ends are pretty thick. Website says 7 gauge but they are about .25' thick. My mig(lincoln 140) setting sheet shows i can go up to 10 gauge on highest setting using gas (mig). I am concerned about getting enough penetration, i know i can switch to flux core and weld up to 5/16" but was hoping to not have to switch over as I really dont car for flux welding. Since i am welding the edge of the subframe connector it should burn in better than if i was not welding on an edge. the factory subframe is on 14ga so i dont want to blow holes in it either.

I am going to try and find some similar metal to test, have 14 ga fact subframe just need some about the thickness of the subframe.

what do you guys think?

[Z06killinSBF]

You'll be fine, the factory stuff after all these years is paper thin.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Please do post some pics and let us know how its going as I will be where you are at very soon.

and, good luck :cheers:

[Coburn_Performance]

Properly prepare the weld joint area and focus the arc on the thicker part and move to the 14 ga. Go as hot as you can as long as you can (before the thermal protection kicks in). I've done this with a 140A machine and it worked just fine. I'm not familiar with where this part is located (Sorry - don't have a Mustang...though I do love that model). If your doing a vertical weld, don't under any circumstance do the weld downhand. It makes nice beads, but weak welds. Uphand is the way to go and stay out of the corner or you'll blow through.

[Bryce]

you could bevel the edge of the SFC, this would help with penetration

[1fststang]

Well i got them in. Took a lot of work to get them to fit properly and finding away to clamp them in was a real pain. I did bevel the edge and set my welder on highest amp setting and went from 025 wire to 030. Welder had plenty of power to weld this. i did get a little anxious and burned a couple holes thru but was able to easily weld them up. will get some pics up of the subframe and x brace install.

[Z06killinSBF]

Ya, that stock metal is THIN! Good job, I need an X brace and jacking rails.

[rustomatic]

That floor sheet metal is a workout to avoid burning through--once you get it, though, you feel like a real sheetmetal-welding stud. I may have gone a bit overboard with mine (I ran sfcs through the floor, along with A and B pillar 2x3 cross-braces), but they are crash-tested and still holding together quite nicely after about 1.5 years...

[1fststang]

well i got the subframe connectors welded in. i beveled the edge to allow better pentration and used the .30 wire on my highest setting. worked real good. Burn through the factory subframe a couple times but easy enought to fix. Then stripped the area and shot some ppg epoxy.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/IMG]

[Todd in Vancouver]

Looks good and it ties the car together nicely. I am impressed how well the little welders are able to work in the home garage. Great job and the car is lookin good