1967 Firebird Convertible - Project "LEGACY"

[Firebird-Geek]

To further strengthen the car, I decided to go with DSE (Detroit Speed Engineering) subframe connectors. I liked these for they actually go through the floor of the car to add a more rigidity to the whole car. With a convertible they add even more strength for they also intersect through the floor braces. (you will see this later in the photos)

Being a convertible, I felt even though it is more work, it would be well worth it. Plus I would rather do it now with no interior in the car, than later when I would have to worry about carpet, upholstery and everything else inside the car.

First thing I did was to install the SpeedTech Subframe under the car.

[Firebird-Geek]

Then with help from my step-daughter, we hung plumb-bobs off of suspension points and location holes in the frame to square the subframe to the body.

This actually took MUCH longer than I thought it would, I would say we put almost 2 hours into getting it just right. We got it under and 1/8 of and inch difference between the cross measurements. (I think I read somewhere that GM used up to a 1/4 of an inch tolerance in this area.)

[Firebird-Geek]

Before we start cutting away...



Started to mark off where the connector will go meet up with the subframe...



DSE does give a template you can use to help get a rough idea of where to cut.

I also used a laser level to shoot a line so as to make my mark to line up the back frame rail to the subframe. (You can see the laser line under the paper template if you look close)



Marked off and ready to cut.

[Firebird-Geek]

Here is what I will be installing... DSE Subframe connector kit.

I know some people make these themselves... but trust me, I have enough to do on the car myself, if I can speed up the process a bit, it helps.

[Firebird-Geek]

A few minutes with a cutoff wheel and sawzall and I now have a hole in my new floor.





This project is much easier on coupes, for they do not have to deal with the extra braces the convertibles have... Here you can see I had to notch the front brace, for the connector does not go all the way up into the floor, but rides right underneath in this area.

[Firebird-Geek]

Started to test fit the connector to line up with the subframe...



Plus, see how they fit inside of the car...

[Firebird-Geek]

Once everything is where it should be and they line up correctly... fire up the welder.

[Firebird-Geek]

Now I DID NOT weld the connectors to the subframe... for this will be done once all the weight is in the car... (motor, transmission, interior, glass)...

Normally they have you leave the little "ears" off of the connectors and weld them on when you weld the connector to the subframe. BUT, due to the convertible brace right behind the subframe, I needed to attach the "ears" before I even put the connector into place.

I left the "ears" slightly spaced away from the subframe and will make this connection once the car is pretty much complete. So they are close to the subframe, but NOT connected.

[Firebird-Geek]

You will also notice the rear seat floor braces that convertibles have are missing. This is because this is an AMD coupe floor.



Easy fix for just add the braces in... and it becomes a convertible floor.




This brace also adds even more strength to the connectors for it is another connecting point to the car.




Cross this one off the list and on to the next step...

[Sonar Chief]

Nice work .... what kind of laser level did you use to get the back and the subframe double checked? Thats a really good idea!

I saw the quarter panels on .... for good? just wondering how all the mini tubs came out?

Great work and nice write ups, right behind you .... albeit slower.

NICE LIFT TOO!!!!!!!!!!