Is there a secret to lining up the front subframe? The question is for a 68 that has the front subframe disassembled, prior to this particular shop getting the car to finish and there are no markings. There is about 3 inches of play with the assembly. Is there something that everything should line up to, or a starting point or any suggestions?
Dan

right next to each of the mounts byt the firewall, there are 5/8" or so pilot holes that you can use to line things up. i guess this is how the factory did it. it might not be perfect, but should make a good starting point.

------------------
1971 Nova(looks like 69 camaro from underneath!)
355sb, vortec heads, HOT cam,T-10 tranny, 3.70 gears 16X8" IROC wheels. 12" Corvette brakes on the way.
see dirty pics here of a car that gets driven http://community.webshots.com/user/novaderrik

I had the same concerns recently when I put my sub frame back on. I used the "line up" holes as Novaderrik mentioned then did some checking. I measured diagonally from a point on the fire wall to a point on the frame, then checked it the opposite way. It was within a 1/16". I'm guessing that is closer than GM had it. Seems OK, although I'll admitt I have not tried to rehang any sheet metal. Good luck, John

The tire iron in the trunk is the perfect size to use in those alignment holes to move the frame around.

Charley, I checked my trunk, and I don't have a tire iron http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

The alignment hole is just under 5/8" so I used 5/8" bolts and sanded the threads a tad with emory cloth until it fit.

I just did two cars recently, a 68 and a 69. The alignment pins measure .610", or 39/64". 5/8" is a little too big at .625". I made two up about 15" long. I guess you could grind down a 5/8" rod, but a machine shop could make them easily. The alignment holes were a rough measurement for frame placement at the factory. If you look at the rear, near the rear spring front mount area, you will see another hole the same size in the front part of the frame rail welded to the body. After lining up the subframe with the front holes in the body, measure diagonally from the grease fittings in the lower ball joints to the edge of the hole I mentioned above near the rear spring front mount. (you may have to move the steering right and left as you go so as not to interfere with the tape) Should be around 93 3/4". Dont worry if it's not. Just make sure the measurements are as close as possible to each other (right on would be best). Torque the bolts to 80 Ft. Lbs and recheck the measurement. If you have the subframe mounted too far back, your distributor will be too close to the firewall. In the case of people who want to use the larger HEI distributor, it won't fit at all. Hanging sheet metal with the frame misaligned is no problem because there is a lot of play in the mounts. Just because the sheet metal hangs nice doesn't mean the frame alignment won't give you nightmares. Aligning the frame just right will save you a lot of grief later. Especially when it's time for a front wheel alignment.
Hope this helps.
Jim

------------------
69 Z/28 RS frame off rotisserie restoration.
Jim & Linda's 69 Z/RS (http://www.hobbystage.net/camaro/gmjim)



[This message has been edited by GMJim (edited 01-30-2003).]

I just used the old hardware to line it up. They fit perfect into the alignment holes.

------------------
1969, X-44, Export Model, Hugger Orange, Std. Int., BT 12 bolt, PDB, GMPP 350HO, M22 Supercase, SSM Lift Bars, AirGap, Holley 750, FlowMaster American Thunder Exhaust, FlowTech Headers, 15X7 Ralleys