I know this topic has probably been beat to death, but I am looking for some direction on how to tie the connectors into the rear subframe of a 74&up runabout. I dont want to cut the whole floor up, but I am willing to do a little trimming. I will also be using a caltrac style traction setup. Pictures would be appriciated.
-Robert
I'm toying with the idea of two 52.2" long pieces of 2" square tubbing with a couple of 6° bends in each one. Then the front end would be notched to fit the floor reinforcement and the front sub frame.
Were you going to tie them into the front leaf spring mounts? Or how are you planning on doing the rear of them?
Thanks,
Russ
They bolt and weld directly to the inside of the front rear spring mount. I need to sketch up a diagram and post it later.
Go to the projects section and look for my thread for details and pics. Currently on page 6.
Here are my ideas on the subject. Remember, they're from the top of my head, they're from memory, they're for a late station wagon, and I haven't actually made these yet.
Wish I could draw that well. :-)
Are you planning on running the subframe connectors inside the front subframes or outside? In the vintage mustang world most people do it inside. Not sure if the Pinto subframes lend themselves to that method though.
I think I am going to have to mock up some with wood, like a 2X4 or 2X3. That is easier for me to work with, then once I get them the way I want either make or have some made out of tubing.
Thanks,
Russ
These are partially from the outside and partially welded on the top of the rear subframes. That's why they're notched the way they are.
Doug, thanks for the pictures! Do you mind if I use this idea on my 78 Sedan? I'm considering prepping it for the V8 swap by getting the sub frame modifications done ahead of time while I wait for a nice 302 and 5 speed to come along (and funds to purchase such).
dholvrsn, are you leaving the subframe that's under the front floor? If so, any reason for doing that instead of replacing it with tubing?
The only reason that I'm leaving it there is because it never crossed my mind to remove it.
Ah, I was wondering if there was a different reason. When I make subframe connectors, I want to remove it and replace it with box tubing so I can be sure there's no rust. It's hard to tell with channels like that if it's starting to rust out inside.