I have a 67 Camaro with some rust damage on the subframe to body mounting holes. I bought the plates from Classic Industries. As for completing the repair, I have been given advice to cut the frame and fit the plates into it before welding, or to just weld the plates on top of the frame.
So what is the best way to go?

Bill -

I haven't used those repair plates. I don't know if welding the plates on top would cause any mis-alignment problems. Most likely not because the metal is not very thick. Worse case I suppose you might need a few shims to space the sheet metal back into place.

I used a different approach. I bought some very large and heavy washers from the hardware store (True Value) that had the correct inside diameter holes. I used a holesaw the same size as the outside diameter of the washer and cut a hole in each subframe mount with a piece of wood underneath to locate the center bit of the hole saw. Then I welded the washers in and ground it all smooth. I used this method because it was easy to get the right size space cut into the mount vs. trying to cut a square hole.


Good luck!


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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)

I think that your way is a great idea. Glad I haven't opened the package yet on the subframe repair plates.

By the way, did you gas weld the washers or MIG weld them. Also, what kind of hole saw are we talking about?

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67 RS Convertible Camaro undergoing restoration.
327 engine, 4 speed

I used my trusty old Sears arc welder that I've had for 30 years. MIG would be the way to go if you have access to one. As far as the hole saw is concerned - it was just one of those industrial hole saws that fit over a mandrel center and chucks in your drill. I used my 1/2" Makita drill.

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)

It's not a problem welding the repair plates on top of the subframe. However, save yourself $ and return the kit. I paid about $5 at a scrap metal place for 1/4" plate and made them. I had enough for several cars. I suggest returing the kit. Also, if you do a search you will find much info on this. Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4:10

I welded mine on top of the existing frame, only to have to cut them off, cut a hole and fit them in. The replacement plates combined with the thickness of existing frame (even though it was badly rusted) was to thick for the polygraphite bushings, they would not "compress" only spread out. If I had it to do over I would make them from steel plate or use washers as RockyMtnRacer & RickD suggests.

I'm on my way to get the washers. The issue of welding the plates on top, then taking them off is my worst nightmare. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Rocky, I need a liitle more info on the hole drill bit. Where would one go to find one that is used for metal? All the ones I find are strictly for wood (large teeth).

I used a 1 1/2" bimetal hole saw bought from Lowe's. Home Dpot and any better hardware store has them. They're fairly common.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's

Regarding the hole saw. I suggest you use a piece of plate clamped to the bottom instead of wood (it will keep the pilot drill from walking) or at least turn the drill over after you drill the pilot hole so the shank side is down. This will keep the flutes from cutting up the wood. Take your time. Run the drill very very slow (as slow as it will go)with lots of oil and don't push too hard. Clear the chips often as the #1 problem will be chips packing in the teeth then the metal has nowhere to go..... Just a tip from an old toolmaker.

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1969 Camaro 350 & 1969 Impala SS 427/ 4-speed (restored)

Good advice on the metal plate as a guide. I used an old chunk of hard oak and it held up well but metal would be better. I also bought a metal cutting hole saw from the contractor section at one of the hardware stores. As I remember it the holesaw was a bit small and I used a die grinder to get the fit just right. No big deal if it isn't perfect (as long as the hole is placed correctly) - a good arc weld bead will cover a multitude of sins.

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)