Home brew subframe connectors - pt 2

[Vinnie]

Hey folks,

As some of you may know I am creating my own subframe connectors from a plan I found on this website:
- https://dazecars.com/dazed/sub-frame.html

It's not very hard but after test fitting I reckon all angles need to be 74 degrees (instead of the 70's). I am now testfitting a second time and things are lining up way better. So much so that I can start thinking of how to weld them on to the subframes.

The 2 connectors:



In the rear, this is how the connector is welded to the subframe on the inside of the connector. The cardboard will be replaced with metal and a weld around them will fix it onto the subframe:



On the outside though, it gets a little dodgy? It looks like this:



In the close-up below, I reckon I need to lay a bead inside the yellow line, the subframe metal is half the thickness of the connector though. Any welding tips for that?

Also, in the red line I guess a bead should be put down in between the torque box and the connector. Thing is though, right where the bead would be, there is a lap joint visible. Look:



What would be the best way to go about welding the connector to the subframe? Any tips (on both sides) re much appreciated!

Thanks,

Vincent.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

Where the red circle is on the last photo, why not use some 90 degree angle steel there? That way you do not have to weld over the lap joint. Where the yellow circle is you could do the same thing as in the other side of the subframe where you weld a plate like you are doing on the inside of the subframe, you will need to get a little creative there as there seems to be a "hump" there you will need to deal with.

 

[Hemikiller]

I would use some roll bar gussets to tie it together at the torque box. They're available in a multitude of sizes and material thicknesses.

 

[Vinnie]

Thanks for your ideas guys, is the torque box alright for welding angles or gussets onto it? The angle or gusset would be pulling the torque box skin in a way it doesn't really support, no?

 

[will e]

The ones I bought attach a bit further back, they cure up to meet the subframe. My car isn't near me to take better pictures but here is an older picture. Unfortunately the actual attachment is blocked by the shock but perhaps it will give you an idea? I will be by the car on Tuesday so let me know if you want better pictures.

Here is a link to ones similar to what I used. Same company but these are not for convertibles, it seems they don't make them for convertibles anymore.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...o3_PzHdGEDvtGVQWJFRwitJULEtc24ohoCaDIQAvD_BwE

 

[JT351W]

I did the same thing. Maybe the same site. Here are some pics. I did use 90 degree on the outside with the 1/8 plate welding to the torque box. Plus a straight piece on the inside for reinforcement.

 

[Mister 4x4]

I have the same Global West SFCs as will e - Love 'em!

This is turning out awesome, Vinnie - you do good work! The torque boxes are super-thick, just like the subframes - you should be fine welding directly to them.

 

[tony-muscle]

Looks awesome. Here is a look at my Tinmans when I welded them to the subframe. This may give you an idea.

PS: don't be too critical of the the bead quality since I was learning how to weld - I still am learning!

 

[Vinnie]

Thanks again for all the ideas and photo’s. I had a chat with the designer of my connectors and he reckons they only need welding in the yellow area and not in the red area. The GW’s also connect on a relatively small area so I guess he is right. More welding is not necessarily better…

 

[cjstaci]

If you don't mind going through the floor, this is what I did with my 69 Mustang.

 

[NG8264723]

CJSTACI,
You beat me to it!. Through the floor is the strongest! That is what I did on my fox body. It will do 10's!

 

[jowens1126]

it looks like you are doing a great job. I suppose you are finished by now. Have you watched the Detroit Speed 70 mustang subframe connector video? If your a good welder, that would be a great thing to base a build off of. They did a great job on that. I wish they made a kit like this for the 71-73 cars.