Simple Subframe Connector Question

[mitch_04]

So, I haven't purchased subframe connectors before. I have a '79 Z/28 that I'm considering buying them for, but I'm hesitation on 1 thing.

Once you weld in subframe connectors, are you ever able to remove the subframe again?

I'd like to put them in, but I don't plan on doing the bodywork until down the road. If I can't remove the subframe, it would make the bodywork more difficult. I'd rather do weld ins like DSE that connect with the floor than bolt ins, seems more rigid.

[boneheadzz]

I usually buy bolt-in connectors. Sure, they're not as strong as weld in but they are removeable. Some weld ins you might be able to remove but as you can see the DSE's are permanent. I will do weld ins on my Camaro when I get to it but my TA has bolt ons.
Just my .02
Mike

[boneheadzz]

Opps. I reread your post. Yeah To remove the subframe after the connectors are in you'd have to grind off the welds to the frame rails. Kind of a pain. I do alot of welding so its no big deal to me. To others it stinks.

[Mkelcy]

DSE subframe connectors in a '68 Camaro. I sleeved the connectors with 1/2" DOM pipe, to precisely locate the bolts and so the connectors wouldn't collapse when you tightened the 1/2" bolts. The "tabs" are 1/4" thick by about 1-1/2". Welds aren't pretty, but they work.

[mitch_04]

That's a good idea Mike! It'd still have the strength of tying in the floors, but it also could be removed from the subframe.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

I installed mine a couple times, doing the final welds to the sub when I knew it was not coming out ever again prior to completion.

Once your car is done, when do you remove your sub? IMHO, not often unless you have an accident (hopefully never!) and in that case maybe grinding off the welds becomes less significant to the overall repair.

[Mkelcy]

That's a good idea Mike! It'd still have the strength of tying in the floors, but it also could be removed from the subframe.

You want to sleeve the SFCs before installing them, make the tabs and drill out the locating holes while everything's easy to get to, install the SFCs, then when you're happy with the subframe installation, bolt the tabs in and weld them up to the subframe.

[mitch_04]

My plan with the car is to have the drivetrain done, drive it for a while, then do the bodywork. That's why I am concerned with removing them for bodywork. I do think I'll go with the sleeves and tabs, thanks for the advice guys.

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

We offer a subframe connector that has a weld-on machined adapter for the stock subframe. The connector rail then slides over the adapter at the front and bolts into the rear leaf spring pocket. You could weld the connector to the floor easily.

You can find details and options here: http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-529-...onnectors.aspx

[cwylie]

Can the chassis works sub frame connectors be used without the x-brace? I really like the idea but I have a speedtech torque arm setup which Im guessing would not work with the x-brace.

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

Can the chassis works sub frame connectors be used without the x-brace? I really like the idea but I have a speedtech torque arm setup which Im guessing would not work with the x-brace.

For sure! For your '79 you would order these two part numbers.
http://www.cachassisworks.com/p-1411...ear-frame.aspx
http://www.cachassisworks.com/p-1410...subframes.aspx