[Jeffhynes]

I'm looking into adding some strength to my 68 montego. My car is a convertible so I believe it has some extra bracing in the front subframes. I'm interested in making a set of very strong subframe connectors. My goal is to make the chassis stiffer and try to elimanite alot of the cowl flex as it doesnt have a super high power engine or anything. Anyways, I was thinking about two 2x3 or 2x2 straight rails spanning the subframes with possibly a rear art morrison crossmember. In addition, I was thinking about a tubular 'X' brace similar to TCP's http://totalcontrolproducts.com/support/sub/PKG-SFC-01_AT.jpg
Of course I would also either fab up, or buy an export brace and shock tower connectors. My Real question is has anybody else made their own subframe connectors and if so...what works and what doesnt?

 

[F15Falcon]

I've made them for almost any uni-body Ford you can think of, including convertibles. the shape of your floorpan, and how much clearance you have will dictate what they will be made from. The strongest style will be the "thru the floor" connector that will weld to the floor the entire distance that it actually protrudes thru the floor. For that style I like to use 2 x 2 x .120 wall square tubing. On the Mustangs where there is a ground clearance issue, I'll use 1 3/4" x .120 round tubing as I can put some bends in it to let it hug the floorpan. The rear cross member, and any X bracing you install will only strengthen the chassis, just remember that the more bracing that is planned, the smaller and thinner the tubing can be. You don't want to add 300 lbs. of iron down there.

 

[Jeffhynes]

Thanks F15, I was already planning on coming 'through the floor' with the rear cross member. The connectors would come through the floor in the back because the rear subframes dont protrude down below the floor pan as much as the front ones correct? The only problem I have with going through the floor is compromising seating area for the rear passangers. Anyways, I guess Ill just have to get her up on a lift and plan out the strongest design for them using cardboard etc.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Jeffhynes on 3/6/06 9:12am ]</font>

 

[AaronBalto]

I would love to see some pics of these things posted. I'd love to do something along these lines as well but I am having trouble visualizing this.

 

[Jeffhynes]

Im at school in arizona until saturday, but Ill try to get some pics up of the floorpan and what Id like to do (albeit fashioned out of cardboard).

 

[AaronBalto]

That's OK. I once had a Karmann Ghia with cardboard floors. It DID go through Washington DC inspection like that. They look just like the finest steel when you undercoat them. Cardboard and Carbon Fiber have a lot in common. Like they both start with the letter "c."