dse subframe template

[cudaman]

69 camaro coupe

I just installed dse subframe connectors and had problems with the template. I measured three times before cutting (both sides) and once the cuts were made, they were off by about 1/2" to the inside. I'm pretty sure I used the template correctly. I ended up with a 1/2" gap between the connector and the floor on the inside after cutting more floor to line everything up. Anybody else have a similar problem? I'm wondering if something is off on my car, although I can't believe it would cause the problem on both sides. I guess I'll have to weld in strips to fill the gap. Any better ideas?

[baz67]

Yep, mine were to wide as well. I just used some of my old floorpan to fill it in.

[TitoJones]

I had an issues until I realized that the measurement off the pinch weld is not the same at the front and the rear.

Tyler

[cudaman]

I measured correctly. One end is 4-3/4 and the other 5" to the pinch weld. Also, my subframe was too wide on the driver's side. The brackets/connector was not wide enough and didn't touch any metal at the end of the subframe. I had to make some shims to fit under the brackets before welding. Nothing looks altered there and the problem didn't exist on the passenger side. The driver's side does look slightly flared, as though it was built this way (factory subframe). Is that like that from the factory? Although the connectors themselves are very nice pieces and fit nicely once installed, I'm somewhat disappointed with this experience. I did everything the directions and template say to do, measured and cut very precisely, and still have huge gaps in my now hacked-up floor pan. If I knew the results would be like this, I think I would have installed bolt-ons and then welded them in. Much cleaner and quicker. DSE seems to be very competent and I have faith in their products. I'm just puzzled as to why this happened. I can't think of how I might have messed this up.

[TitoJones]

Every car is different. The factory didn't hold real close tolerances 38 years ago, so anything is possible. I'd make up a set of thin filler panels to close the gap, then grind the welds down smooth.

Tyler

[Patrick]

FWIW I had the same gaps.

[restomodbird69]

mine went in with no troubles.guess i was lucky.

[silver69camaro]

Every car is different. The factory didn't hold real close tolerances 38 years ago, so anything is possible.
Tyler

That's right, old GM drawings can show tolerances of up to 3/16, and can be 3/8" off in squareness.

[cudaman]

Upon further measurement, the gaps are closer to 1/4-3/8. I just cut some strips and filled it in. The 10 hr estimate for install time increased greatly after that, however. I do feel better that other skilled fabricators had similar issues. Maybe it wasn't my fault after all............well, maybe it was. Thanks to everyone.

[cudaman]

I forgot to mention that I went for a shakedown ride after the sfc's, Hotchkis 2" drop springs, Bilstein's, and GW uppers, del-a-lum all around, and solid body mounts were installed. The difference is truly astonishing. No bumpsteer, no complaining over bumps, no rattles. It feels much like a modern car. The only upgrade that I had already installed was an IROC box, which made a world of difference in its own right. It's hard to say which of these had the greatest impact, since they all went on at once, but so far I think it's going to be worth the money. All of the solid bushings are waaaaayyy smoother than the rubber. I really would have a hard time going back now. It's like having ice cream for the first time. I need new bushings for the rear springs now. I imagine that will make a noticeable difference as well. Yes?

Only two complaints now. The car now sits just a bit too low for my taste, but maybe it'll grow on me. Secondly, I now need a new exhaust that tucks better under the car. It drags at the drop of a hat. Any suggestions on headers nice-fitting headers?

[Jinks]

sounds sweet.. sorry i dont have any ideas on the headers other than maybe some block huggers, then run the rest of your exhaust up tight to your floor.

it shouldnt matter to much if you do a somewhat messy job with the floor as your carpet will cover it back up. Obviously you dont want it to look like a hack job though

sounds like a nice setup!

[BA.]

Just figured that I would chime in that I believe mine was off by 1/8th - 3/16" as well.

For future readers of this thread though, I did do something that alleviated having to use a filler piece.

I did my cutting INSIDE of the template outline so that my original cut was a little too narrow, then I could repeatedly test fit the frame connector and grind away where necessary.

End result: Extremely tight fit between SFC and floorpan.