View Full Version : Sub frame connectors for convertibles


Steve W
Oct 31st, 03, 12:22 PM
Ok, I did some homework and searched the archives and from everything I've read, it seems like a lot of positive feedback in favor of this modification. So I believe I'll go with the Global West sfc...I do not want to cut up anything on my car, and I think after I bolt them in and check everything out, I'll have them welded in. Questions for you guys:
1. Is there a downside to this? (It seems that the consensus is welding is stronger than bolting. But welding is permanent. Also, from previous posts, some guys say they're gonna add them, and then never post the results when they do (IF they do...)
2. Does anyone, for any reason, wish they hadn't put sub frame connectors on their convertible?
3. Anyone feel it wasn't worth the time/expense?

Thanks guys...oh yeah, Happy Hallowe'en.

ckaram
Oct 31st, 03, 12:43 PM
That is one sweet car, Steve!

You probably read that the GW's hang down since they curl around the crossmember. Not everyone is a fan of that appearance-wise. Check my link for pics.

GW recommends their solid body mounts when you do their sfc's. If you're afraid of a stiffer ride then this mod is not for you. It will stiffen the car up quite a bit with the mounts and the sfc's.

Is your body sagging/doors mis-aligned? My motivation was to correct the sag primarily and then get the "pro touring" benefit of driveability. What's your motivation and how do you plan on driving it?

In hindsight, if I could have cheaply fixed the sag I may not have done the sfc's. While they tighten my ship considerably, I think I preferred the "feel" of 1968 General Motors since I never drive it hard anyway.

Steve W
Oct 31st, 03, 04:22 PM
ckaram, :D Well, its been awhile since I've seen you here. How the heck are ya?
Yes, I've seen your pics, and the hang doesn't bother me at all. Nice car, btw! No sag on my car, I have the x brace, door wedges, I did replace my front cocktail shakers, and that helped A LOT! And I replaced my mono-plates w/ 4-leaf leaf springs and new shocks all around, all poly bushings, etc...but, as you know, with a convertible we still pick up a bit more "shimmy" over rougher roads. (...and Los Angeles is full of poorly patched roads.) I still want just a bit more of a solid feeling over the road irregularities, and I think the sfc's will do it. I just want to be sure before going ahead that no one has had problems with them...or that they don't justify the expense. Did you weld yours front and back? Any clearance problems?
I'm not going racing...just cruising...but I do like to "spank it" once in awhile. Especially on Mulholland...a little piece of twisty heaven in my backyard. smile.gif

pdq67
Oct 31st, 03, 05:34 PM
ckaram,

Nice ride!!!!

Your S/F/C's don't hang down anymore then the mufflers I have under my front seats do!!

It gives a car character to me, imho...

Kinda like my homemade "slapper-bars"!

I guess if somebody doesn't like them hanging down then the next step is to take a pair of weld-on or bolt-on ones and use an angle grinder to cup them on top and then fishplate the heck outta the sides as well as bending a new top! Then weld everything back to a box!!

pdq67

ckaram
Nov 1st, 03, 01:41 AM
Tank you, boys!

Mine are welded front and back, and I've never had a problem or issue with them. They will definitely eliminate your shimmy! Never had any clearance issues, and they are worth the expense.

Any regret only has to do with being torn between making the car more fun and tight and maintaining some of the originality and feel of the era.

Have a good weekend!

Steve W
Nov 1st, 03, 06:59 PM
Thanks buddy!