Subframe Connector Install (pics galore)

[4pnt6]

I had some cheapo HPM subframes that I installed years ago when my car was considered new. I've outgrown their capabilities and decided I needed something more beefy. I made the switch to the Global West subframe connectors with their jacking rail option. Here they are going on. Sorry for the crappy pics they are dark and from my iphone.

First, I got the car up on blocks so that the suspension had the weight of the car on it.


Old connectors removed.

[4pnt6]

After the old connectors were removed I decided to detail the underneath of my car. There was a lot of factory overspray everywhere. This stuff is pretty easy to remove with some acetone and a lot of elbow grease.

before


after





Next I prepped the stock subframes. I strengthened them a little with some plate and painted them.

[4pnt6]

Here are the connectors tacked in.



I guess I was too busy to get some pics of the jacking rail pieces but here they are welded in. Lots of gussets.



I added some pieces of plate between the jacking rails and the pinch weld on the rocker panel so that the xmas tree clips would still hold the side skirts. Originaly the jacking rails are supposed to butt right up to the pinch weld. This would block the holes for the side skirt clips.

[4pnt6]

Here they are removed, all welded and prepped for paint.







all painted

[4pnt6]

Welded back in for good.

[turbostang]

Beautiful work!

There's only one thing that kinda scares me - the close proximity of the fuel lines to the driveshaft, especially considering it's a 5 or 6 speed.

Otherwise, damn, that's a lot of scrubbing!

[4pnt6]

Yeah it looks scary in the pic. I had em real loose where I could move em around. Looks better when they are secured. I also put in a driveshaft loop.

My arms were tired as hell from scrubbing!

[shumpertdavid]

Nice work as usual, I ran my fuel lines similar to yours, except they go up the tunnel next to the trans bell housing and into the back of the rails.

[4pnt6]

Thanks David!

[Danny46]

Thats a hell of a meticulous job for subframes. Wish my undercarriage looked that fresh haha. Very cool man

[DriveWayBuilt]

Looks good!

[02greyGT]

Looks great. Want to do mine lol.

[bpawl]

I can't imagine doing all that laying on the ground, your a madman. Good job

[OrangeChevyII]

Great job

[AMJ]

those look awesome