DSE Subframe Connector Problem

[Bow Tie 67]

I hope I'm wrong, but I believe the movement came from incorrect support while tacking them in. To compound it, if you changed the support or removed the subframe and put in the seat supports that could have created more movement.

The fix, not sure until we find out more info on how she was supported during each process of adding more components.

Are the second set of pics taken with the front support at the subframe or suspension?

[ItDoRun]

The body supports have not changed from picture to picture. The body was supported at the front and rear of the frame rails on jackstands and has not moved. The subframe was placed under the car using the DSE body bushings, aligned, and tightened. I then supported the front of the subframe with a hydraulic jack to take any potential load or flexing out of the equation since the weight of the subframe I thought could flex the floor without the seat pan brackets in. i didn't notice any flexing during the process.

The only thing I can think is that the floor did flex, BUT here's the thing. After I tacked the connectors in place, I removed the subframe. If the floor had flexed with the frame in place wouldn't removing the frame allow it relax back to its natural position? If so, wouldn't the connectors relax with the floor.

I would expect to see a noticeable crease in floor if it truly moved this much.

They'll work like they are, but they're not right. Why is the major question right now.

[War]

Looks to me that the floor flexed with the heat. I dont know what size welder your using or how you cooled the weld while you were welding. I would just cut the weld loose, tack the SFC to the subframe, the weld it up.

[ItDoRun]

Originally Posted by War

Looks to me that the floor flexed with the heat. I dont know what size welder your using or how you cooled the weld while you were welding. I would just cut the weld loose, tack the SFC to the subframe, the weld it up.

I'm using a SP-100T Lincoln. I can't see where the heat did this because both sides moved identical, but at this point anything is possible. Plus, I used small stitch welds and moved around enough allowing the welds to cool.

[ItDoRun]

I talked to Mark at DSE and he pulled Paul in for the discussion. It appears to Paul that the connectors drew upwards from the heat. It doesn't appear to be a problem in terms of function, however he suggested I weld the underside now to help draw it back.

The problem I see is that the connectors are fully welded on the inside of the car and I would think that I need to cut the welds loose to help relieve it so that it would move in the opposite direction.

Maybe I can use something to put tension on it and pull it as it's being welded?????

Any other thoughts?

I see where I messed up now. It's a stupid mistake on my part. I guess i rushed it and didn't stop to think about it drawing as much as it did while welding. What I should have done was welded the some on the top and some on the bottom to minimize the draw. Oh well, lesson learned.

[DRJDVM's '69]

Personally I think I would just cut the SFC free with a cutoff wheel or air body saw and line them up again and re-weld.... the offset heat thing can get really tricky if you dont know what youre doing....it could even make it worse,or just make a bigger weld that you may end up having to cut free and reposition the pieces anyway.

Heat in sheetmetal can move thing alot....... lesson learned....fix it and move on.

[v8s only]

I got the speed tech body mount bushings, and there is a difference between the firewall one and the rear one. The rear is slightly smaller make sure you didn't mix them up before you welded the frame connectors. Hope this helps!

[lil427z]

what you have done is 100% right. go to dse site and take a look at james 69 camaro. hope this helps.
rick k

[ItDoRun]

I should have installed the seat braces first. That would have given the floor pan the additional support it needed during welding.

I'll get it fixed. It's just more time involved and yet another lesson learned.