Subframe Connector Questions

[mr.bubbles]

Ok, I'm sure to most people these questions will be pretty dumb but, oh well, I've gotta learn somehow.

Anyways, I will be getting my car painted in a month or so and I want to get subframe connectors for it. I want to get them installed before I get the car painted because it is going on a rotissarary (poor spelling I know) and having the underneath painted. I'm thinking it would be easier to install the subframe connectors and paint over them instead of having to go back and grind off all the fresh paint to weld them.

So, my first question is: Do I have the right Idea here? If so I have a couple other questions that I'm not gonna bother typing if I'm not going about it the right way

Hopefully this is the right section, if not, please move it.

 

[Darkwriter77]

Sounds like you've got the right idea. Just make sure that you have the vehicle's weight sitting evenly on all four tires when you have the subs welded. Best way to do this is to take it to a shop that has a drive-on lift. Otherwise, you're likely to have the things welded in place with the frame tweaked, which can make things unpleasant (doors sticking or not wanting to close/open, and whatnot).

 

[Fox8950]

If it were my car I'd put them on before paint but just my opinion

 

[fastford91]

the 2 above suggestions are right! just tie them both together! and your golden! make sure your car has its weight on all four tires! before welded in! preferably on a hoist! then weld them in while the car is under full load on all four tires! then send out for paint! James

 

[mr.bubbles]

Ok, now that I know that I can ask my other two questions.

First of all the car is allready stripped down some, It has the interior engine and transmission out allready. So, will it be okay to put them in without the full weight of the car on the tires.

And second, I'm not completely sure exactly where the subframes connectors go. I gues I've never really been under the car to try and figure it out. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't but I just wanted to be 100% sure that the subframe connectors don't block anything. I can still get the exhaust and everything back in the car with the subframe connectors in right?

 

[91 HATCH]

they block nothing only moving lines around

 

[SuperStang83]

Putting them on before is a good idea. You NEED the full weight of the car on the suspension!

 

[SuperStang83]

Putting them on before is a good idea. You NEED the full weight of the car on the suspension!

 

[bloopbloob]

Ok, now that I know that I can ask my other two questions.

First of all the car is allready stripped down some, It has the interior engine and transmission out allready. So, will it be okay to put them in without the full weight of the car on the tires.

And second, I'm not completely sure exactly where the subframes connectors go. I gues I've never really been under the car to try and figure it out. I'm pretty sure they wouldn't but I just wanted to be 100% sure that the subframe connectors don't block anything. I can still get the exhaust and everything back in the car with the subframe connectors in right?

you need the car to be sitting on its tires, in the condition it will be driven , and level. a drive on lift is the best way to do this. any other way can seriously tweak the way you car rides and handles. so no, it wouldn't be ok without the engine and tranny in. also, The sfc' s won't be in the way of anything.

one more point, what is the concern about the paint? is this a show car or something like that? they only need to be stitch welded on, a couple inches of weld every foot or so, so you're really just grinding a little paint off the sfc's and chassis, then just paint over them once you're done........

 

[Fast63]

yeah, don't put them in till the engine and interior and everything else is back in the car.

 

[jrichker]

See http://www.maximummotorsports.com and select the instructions section that shows you how and where the subframes fit. It is a Maximum Motorsports subframe, but the installtion is typical for all 5.0 Mustang subframe installations. You will need the Adobe Acrobat viewer which is also a free download – http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

 

[mr.bubbles]

Ok thanks everyone. I guess the subframe connectors will have to wait for a while.