69 Nova Middle Sub Frame Mount Holes are Rotted Out

[Cars4Kids]

Yes....my hands are still filthy and while we are rehashing this project for kids this was a problem not expected since the body guy said all were just fine....NOT!



The worst part is that the car is painted and all panels are mounted. I was underneath looking to start installing fuel lines and noticed how the bushings were showing cracks. I then looked at ALL of the rear ones and to my disgust they ALL needed replaced. No biggie....I jacked the body up one area at a time and when I got to the passenger side middle mount after removing the bold and useless bushing this afternoon it was then I saw that the hole in the sub frame was oversized from rot.

Again....everything is mounted on the car and the last owner installed traction bars which tie the subframe to the rearend.

Who here has made this repair "easily" and any picts or solutions would be appreciated since this project for kids has suffered far too many setbacks over the last 5 years....this is just another nail in the coffin.

thanks in advance
cars4kids

[Hotwhilz]

If the hole is roted out fairly round, then get you a big flat washer to weld on top after a good surface prep and don't forget to add the same washer to the radiator support for panel alignement
Good luck should be an easy fix, only bad thing is that you have to take the all front end apart :(

[Protournova]

Here are a couple links:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=57661
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=158033

[Cars4Kids]

If the hole is roted out fairly round, then get you a big flat washer to weld on top after a good surface prep and don't forget to add the same washer to the radiator support for panel alignement
Good luck should be an easy fix, only bad thing is that you have to take the all front end apart :(

What is confusing me is why you need to do the weld from the top....why can I not just install it from the bottom? I am so peed right now you cannot imagine. I know I will not need to disassemble the fenders and the front assembly which will set these kids back weeks due to schedules again.

[Hotwhilz]

What is confusing me is why you need to do the weld from the top....why can I not just install it from the bottom? I am so peed right now you cannot imagine. I know I will not need to disassemble the fenders and the front assembly which will set these kids back weeks due to schedules again.

Welding on top don't necesseraly mean weld from the top, you can if you have room weld from the bottom! As far as dissassembly, it will be easier ans more accurate with the subframe off the car.
My 02 cents

[MrQuick]

You can drop the subframe out from the body as long as the body is supported properly, doors do not get opened and its in a spot where it will not have to be moved. Access to a lift rack would be great but not necessary. I have done them in back yards with a floor jack, stands and 2x4's.

Taking good notes and measure reference locations will make it easier to reinstall.

[Tom Welch]

We did this on our 69 Nova, not a big deal to do, surprising to find out about it like you did, but a straight forward fix. No worries dude.

[67rally]

Most of my mounts were rotten. I can't weld, so I brought it to the shop and they were able to weld the new full plates in while the subframe was still on the car, and they welded them in from the bottom.

Here's what they looked like:


And here's a comparison of the old vs new mounts:

[Cars4Kids]

well...here's the update.....I made some custom plates and mounted them from the underneath using a SEM fusing product which is strong than a weld.....and a hell of a ton easier to install. We inserted the mounting bolts and smashed the pieces together and BAM it's repaired.

thanks for all the help.