Ridetech Airbar install in a 67 Camaro - Lateral-g Forums

makoshark · #1 03-03-2012, 08:24 AM

I am about to do mini tubs on my Camaro and after some research and long consideration, I decided while I have the frame rails open I'm going to weld in a plate with nuts welded onto it to mount the upper cradle of the Airbar. It made sense to me to install the Airbar before I started the mini tub so I can have all the holes located when I make the mount plate.

I ran into what I believe is a snag though. See pics for what I believe the snag is. The cradle is hitting the trunk pan and pushing it down away from the frame rails. Is this normal? If not, then am I gonna have to notch my trunk pan?

I was hoping to have this installed today and have a good start on the mini tub process by the end of this weekend. Now, I don't believe I can go any further till I know if this is acceptable

makoshark · #2 03-03-2012, 08:48 AM

I did just find on the passenger side frame rail one of the fuel line fitting clamps pushing it out from that side. That side was pushed out further than the drivers, so I'm sure that is why. I still need to know if it pushed up against the trunk pan like it keeping it from meeting the frame rail is acceptable. I could not imagine it being. I sure do not want to have to notch the trunk pan though. It Its the ribs in the sheet metal that gives it strength that is pushing it down

Z06vette · #3 03-03-2012, 08:51 AM

I dont believe you should need to notch the trunk. I have an old airbar and the upper bar is right up agaist the pan. I did have to shave the mounting tabs where the frame rail gets notched because they hung over the edge. In my case it wouldnt have made any difference if the cradle was installed before or after the mini tubs- its still bolts right in. It seems easier to me to have it out of the way of the frame rail while you are working on it. Scott

makoshark · #4 03-03-2012, 09:14 AM

I will remove it when I mini tub it and I can see where you had to notch it a bit from the overhang after the mini tub. However, mine is snug against the trunk pan and it is not allowing the cradle to seat firmly against the frame rail. I do not perceive putting bolts in will pull it up. The trunk pan is interfering with it that much. This completely spoils my entire weekend.

I can't get speedtech on the phone to find out where my ATS coil-over brackets are that I ordered 2 weeks ago through Jegs. Jegs cannot get them on the phone either. So I cannot even work on the subframe

makoshark · #5 03-03-2012, 10:13 AM

I figured it out. Once I got that fuel line clip out of the way it started to pull up better. I just had to drill the holes in the pan for the rear sway bar mount brace bracket and that pulled it up.

One question though, with these rubbing against the body, do they squeak? I really do not like the idea of them rubbing, but that appears to be in the design.