[esahlin]

Ok, While I was replacing both of my floorpans I had easy access to the (rear...under seat braces) subframe bushing mount pads. the original pads were V-shaped from being a little rusty and tired. So, I cut out the old mount steel sections and weld in some fabbed patches made up of two sheets of 16 gauge steel welded together. So I get these mount patches welded in on both sides. Now, I've finished welding in my floorpans. So... I go to tighten the rear subframe bolts to spec and the new subframe mount patches that I made bend into a v-shape like they were made of paper or something.

So I would like to cut-out my old patches and make some new out of 1/8" thick steel. Or, how thick should I use? But, does anyone have some ideas on how to replace these rear patches with the subframe still "on the car"? It's gonna hurt my enthusiasm really bad if I have to remove the subframe from the body to get new patches welded in......I fear thats the case....please tell me I can do it another way.

[BlackoutSteve]

Take the subframe off if you want to do it properly.

1/8" is the correct thickness and the same thickness of the sheet used to stamp the subframes.

The only way that I can think of to Band-Aid the problem would be to use a heavy washer between the subrame and the rubber bushing in order to support it.
This however, is not a real solution as the added thickness of the heavy washer will interfere with the coupling of the upper and lower bushing.

[RickD]

I loosened the subframe body mount bolts one side at a time, raised the body up using a jack under the rocker pinchweld and put 1/8" patches in. Worked great and has held up 8 years so far.

[esahlin]

Thanks guys for the responses.....I have the engine and trans and everything hooked up on the subframe (no fenders, no hood) so that is why i didnt want to completely remove it......but RickD...Did you do it your way with engine and trans on the subframe.....and you were able to get enough room between body and subframe to cut out the holed patch and re-weld one in?

[RickD]

My car was being driven at the time so , yes, the engine, etc was installed! I didn't cut out the old stuff although I used a die grinder from underneath to clean out the ragged edges for aesthetics. The patch went on top and was welded on the fore/aft sides. With the body bolted down, it isn't/hasn't shifted.

[esahlin]

THanks Rick....I might just try doing it that way.

[mikeyparts]

goodmark sells both subframe and body repair kits
mike

[RickD]

True. But you can buy some 1/8" plate far cheaper and make your own