Need for subframe connectors?

[RoscoePColtrain]

What constitutes the need for subframe connectors?  Is it to make the structure more solid, to eliminate body roll, becasue of bad rails, etc, etc...

Another question but something totally unrelated, would a modern radio/deck cage fit into the 69 Charger radio location?

[RECHRGD]

Usually the higher horsepower guys will do the subframe connectors to keep the unibody from doing the old torque twist.  Frankly, I think they're a good idea even in a mild build.  A stiffer body will handler better and not wander as much as the old stockers do.

I've got a modern cd player in my '68.  I just used an extra stock radio bezel and cut it to fit.  I kept my original just in case I ever wanted to put the old AM thumbwheel back in.  Never gonna happen though!   Bob

[dkn1997]

a little work with a dremel will make a modern stereo cage/bracket fit about damn near anywhere.   

As far as subframe connectors go, while they are excellent for performance, I think the best reason to use them on a street car would be to improve ride/handling.  you would not think that stiffening up anything would improve the ride, but look at new cars and the lengths they have gone to to stiffen them up.  I am no expert, but I think stiffening up the frame/chassis makes it so that the body of the car is not absorbing the impact of the bumps, potholes.  every run through the whoop-di-do's in an old car?  you feel it in your fillings!!  sure, a lot of that is worn suspension components and bushings, but the car is flexing too.

subframe connectors will also be a form of preventative maintenance.  if you plan to put some power to the ground (in my book, even stock big block power is still enough to get a 40 year old car a bit crooked) they can prevent twisting, etc that will cause all sorts of body panel alignment problems and suspension alignment problems too.   take that with a grain of salt, though.  I bet almost every car every one of us here drives is tweaked in some way or another.  Even full frame cars get tweaked. 

I have also never read a post on any website ever where a person put them in and said "waste of time"  seems like everyone says they are great. 

and yes, I  at a holiday in express last night..

[Mike DC]

 
These guys have covered it.

The factory counted on the rocker boxes to tie the front & read subframes together. 
That plan works, barely acceptably, with stock bias-ply tires & stock power levels, IF there's no rust anywhere in the rockers/floors. 
Which is rarely the case on these 40-year-old bodies today.

Frame stiffness is one of those things . . . like the size of the radiator, or the fuel line, or the fade-resistance of the brakes . . . there's really no such thing as "too much" of it. 
If you can easily add more of it without causing yourself a bunch of weight & downsides, then by all means do it.


The factory Hemi/convertible style "torque boxes" are a great idea too.  Assuming you've got reasonably solid rockers to mount them onto, they'll probably do as much good as the subframe connectors.  Add both for a rock-solid platform.

[Ghoste]

But PUHLEEZE don't go cutting up an original dash frame and bezel for an aftermarket radio!  (purist rant off now  )

[JimShine]

I believe the connectors are an advantage to any car that had many miles put on it. You figure the car was flexing for so long that the body loosens up a little over time. The connectors add some rigidity to your car.

[Plumcrazy]

But PUHLEEZE don't go cutting up an original dash frame and bezel for an aftermarket radio!  (purist rant off now  )

You can put a modern DIN style radio in the dash without cutting the dash frame.  But even if you use the 8-track bezel, it will need opened up a little.  Reproductions are available so it's no big deal.

[471_Magnum]

Any Mopar other than a dedicated show pony will benefit from subframe connectors, regardless of performance level...

... and weld them in

[RoscoePColtrain]

Thanks guys, subframe connectors it is then.

How does a torque box and subframe conectors differ besides in how they connect?

[Ghoste]

Frame connectors do what they imply, offer a direct connection between the front and rear subframes.   They do it in a linear manner from front to rear and effectively make the unibody subframe a continuous piece from front to back.  Torque boxes do the same in an offhand manner.  They are stuck out on the side and only connect front and rear from the side and edge of those subframes.  As much as anything, they are there to offer some outside definition to the underside of the car.  Of course they do more than that but they aren't really placed in an ideal location to help handling.

[471_Magnum]

All of the forward force generated at the rear wheels is transferred to the vehicle through the torque boxes.

Boxing them in reinforces them, reducing the possibility of flex.

[71mopar383]

I saw on TV a set installed on a Nova they installed them with the car on stands but had the front stands moved back to let the engine weight pull the nose down and then welded them.  It made a difference inhow the doors shut and panels lined up.  Is this the way to go?

[Charger1970]

I saw on TV a set installed on a Nova they installed them with the car on stands but had the front stands moved back to let the engine weight pull the nose down and then welded them. It made a difference inhow the doors shut and panels lined up. Is this the way to go?

That is the same thing I'd like to know. Before installing the subframe connectors, is there some reference to make sure the front and rear sub-frames are in the correct position?

[chargermick]

I bought a pair from U.S. Car tool. They're custom cut to follow the contour of the floor pans, this way you can weld them the whole length instead of just at each end. $129.00 Just make sure you remove your carpet before welding, or you WILL have a fire.

[PocketThunder]

I bought a pair from U.S. Car tool. They're custom cut to follow the contour of the floor pans, this way you can weld them the whole length instead of just at each end. $129.00 Just make sure you remove your carpet before welding, or you WILL have a fire.

How do you know?          

[dkn1997]

I bought a pair from U.S. Car tool. They're custom cut to follow the contour of the floor pans, this way you can weld them the whole length instead of just at each end. $129.00 Just make sure you remove your carpet before welding, or you WILL have a fire.

I'd like to know where you got them for 129 bucks.  I just paid 164 bucks

[Daytona R/T SE]

I ordered mine through Mancinni Racing. I think they were about $130...


OK, So I  lied.....they're $139:

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/newweinbbofr.html

[chargermick]

No, I didn't light my carpet on fire. LOL But, I did watch the sheetmetal turn cherry red as my buddy did the welding. I guess I should have said that I bought them a year and a half ago for $129. I guess they've gone up in price?

[dkn1997]

I ordered mine through Mancinni Racing. I think they were about $130...


OK, So I  lied.....they're $139:

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/newweinbbofr.html

I called mancini to ask about them and the guy would not tell me who made them.  They sure looked like the US cartool ones but I wanted to be sure.  all the guy did was try to talk me out of them.  I just got fed up and ordered them from magnumhp.

How much did mancini charge to ship them?