DSE Sub Frame Connector Installation - 1971 Firebird

[mklinger]

In the middle of installing the DSE sub frame connectors and have what I think is a bit of a dilemma around the rear frame. The gaps are really wide. On the inside of the car the connectors fit perfectly. Has anyone run into this issue? Is this just a matter of filling with a lot of weld?

[Goosesdad]

I think you can improve those gaps with a little more notching of the floor. I'm away from the computer that has photos of my recent install but you can look at my build thread for some of those pics. I did end up with a gap of approx 1/4" at the back of the connector where it meets the rear of the footwell for the backseat, inside. I think the gap where you are showing in your pics was much closer to 0 - 1/16". Again, just suggesting there might be more room for some additional massaging of where the connector meets the floor pan. I would be glad to dump all of my pics into dropbox for you, just send me a PM with your email address.

[MtotheIKEo]

I just welded mine in and had some similar gaps. Have you clamped the floor to the frame rail flange and welded it already? I know doing that let me pull the connector rearward a little further and closed up some of the gaps. I did have a decent gap inside the car along the top of the connector to the floor, and a couple of the corners underneath. If it was 1/8" or less I just welded it. If it was larger I used a 1/8" thick piece of flat stock as a backing plate and ran multiple passes.

[mklinger]

I think I am going to remove some material here to get it tighter to the frame. I am absolutely tight on the interior so I can afford a gap there to weld up. This should effectively raise the SFC into a better position.