No Frame Bushings On a First Gen?

[robertjra]

I have seen some people removing the frame bushings on the first gen. Have any of you done this or know any one that has. i would love to get your imput.

[a67]

I noted that where the bushings ride on the sub frame were rotted out a bit. So made up four steel 'pads' that were welded on to the frame. The body rests directly on these pads. The front bushings by the radiator were replaced with stock rubber (cut down).

The steel pads were made thinner then stock rubber bushings. This was done to move the sub frame and body closer together. Note that the steering column mounts on the firewall & dash needs to be adjusted to do this.

Bob

[Randy67]

You can put the subframe directly to the body. You will need to come up with something to help locate the bolt in the subframe, might be easier to use drop bushings (I did this on my 2nd gen, 1/2" drop bushings). On mine, the subframe is almost touching the floor in spots, mainly at the toe board area. To eliminate the bushings would require some floor mods, probably the same for the first gen. In addition to what Bob said, you will lose hood and trans to tunnel clearance, possible driveshaft to floor contact, header clearance and probably a few other things.

[exwestracer]

The trans tunnel is definitely an issue. I've done this on several 2nd gen and Nova race cars; and dropping the body on the sub, especially in combination with setting the engine back, makes things really tight for the trans. On the Novas, there are a couple of spots where you have to ding the floor to allow the subframe to sit tight against the body. I made billet aluminum step bushings that had a step the same thickness as the frame, so they were flush on top. I imagine you can buy them somewhere now. I also welded braces to the subframe behind the UCA mounts that bolted to the firewall at the outer pinch welds (no inner fenders on the ones I built). That stiffens the front end up A LOT.

[Nessumsar]

I am running no bushings on my Nova, and the th350 is getting very friendly with the trans tunnel. I did not have any other clearance issues, although you might want to make sure your exhaust will clear. You will also need to loosen the bulkhead where the steering shaft goes through the firewall as it's position will change.

I noticed a major increase in front-end stiffness doing this.

[robertjra]

thanks sounds like a lot of trans and engine fitment problems but the lower look and performance sounds like it is worth it my car is just a shell right now so if i put the frame on with out any bushings i can cut and "move" some metal around and thin do the paint and under spray

[robertjra]

do any of you have pics of the frame on the body

[johnny68]

blake (speed tech) has done this on his car but his is highly modified myself i have 1/2 drop mounts
john