65 Convert- New subframes, not impressed. (?)

THe convertible has reinforced rockers, floor pan braces, and a tie plate underneth, etc. You may not notice much of a difference on a vert, but you will on a coup or fastback.

There are some other items you can add that will make a good difference.
1). NPD has a deep draw Export brace, it is thicker steel than the cheaper ones, and made a very noticable difference.
2). In '66 Ford installed a bar that runs from the pedal support over to the right side of the dash, This makes a noticable difference as well (in reducing cowl shake). You could either try to find one, or just make it.
3). There is a "Y" brace that will tie the back half of the subframe connectors to the front half. In my experience,... the jury is still out. I *think*, based on your choice of subframes that you would have to fabricate one.

What I noticed on the convertible in the signature below is that the subframes did more to hold the body from buckling, but do nothing for twist. I will say that before installing the Chassis Works setup on this car, jacking up the car would change the door alignment. Now, it doesn't matter which corner or end is in the air, the doors open and close normally.

For sure the export brace made the biggest difference. Big enough that I am now concerned about tearing the cowl, and am going to install the weld in support ("L" bracket that goes upside down under the cowl lip). I beat this car hard on some very rough back roads, to see what was going to bend or break. 1,000 miles of very hard abuse, and not a darned thing changed. I don't have a Monte Carlo bar yet on this car, but will add one just to support the shock towers. Not sure if I'll notice much difference in handling, but will stave off the towers cracking.
Good luck!

I have exactly the same connector lying in my garage ready to be welded onto the car. I was hoping this would improve the stiffness of my car but when I read your story all my hopes are gone......
I already installed a monte caro bar and a export brace but noticed not much difference drom the standard setup.....

OK, then maybe an explanation of what you mean by "stiffness" would help. What does the car do that you don't like?

I have GW subframe connectors and did notice a difference. I really notice it when jacking the car on one corner. The body had a lot of twist before and is much stiffer now.

hunterhicks said:

I mean stiffness in the body, it does not twist, etc. My thought was that the subframe connectors would just make the car, 'better.'

Click to expand...

It sounds like the uni-body on your car is really in excellent condition. I can't tell you that I've ever jacked up a corner on a convertible (and even a lot of coupes and fastbacks) that didn't have flexure. That is *very* cool. It's also why you probably haven't noticed a difference with the subframe connectors. I *think* you would probably have noticed the difference over time with all the power adders. Eventually the car would start to sag.
BTW: sounds like a killer car!

Scott