Subframe Connectors ?

[torredcuda]

I agree they are a definite improvement but for normal driving I wouldn`t weld them on a real R/T SE.

[johns cuda shop]

When they made these cars new they rattled like crazy because there is only sheet metal supporting the almost 2 tons of weight body between the subframes.My guess it was to save money, but in reality created a terrible issue with body shaking and twisting every time the suspension moves. the hemi cars and convertibles got some support inside the rockers but still was not enough. Lots for cars had been stressed over the years and rust and poor floor replacements its  easy to see that connecting them reinforce the structure . Its a night and day difference a car with frame connectors and not. Whether it hurts the value of a car is up for debate ,I certainly would not own a ebody that I drive without it.. The bolt in connectors are useless , they need to be welded in to be effective .The US Car Tool connectors took about an hour to fit. Some cars have different contours to the floor pan than others. Since its impossible to know some require more fitting than others but all in all its a worth while mod with the advantages of your suspension reacting properly, increased body integrity and tightness, I encourage everyone to do it 

[soundcontrol]

Is there any pictures anywhere of what the support inside the rockers on convertibles look like? Just curious.

[cudabob496]

When they made these cars new they rattled like crazy because there is only sheet metal supporting the almost 2 tons of weight body between the subframes.My guess it was to save money, but in reality created a terrible issue with body shaking and twisting every time the suspension moves. the hemi cars and convertibles got some support inside the rockers but still was not enough. Lots for cars had been stressed over the years and rust and poor floor replacements its  easy to see that connecting them reinforce the structure . Its a night and day difference a car with frame connectors and not. Whether it hurts the value of a car is up for debate ,I certainly would not own a ebody that I drive without it.. The bolt in connectors are useless , they need to be welded in to be effective .The US Car Tool connectors took about an hour to fit. Some cars have different contours to the floor pan than others. Since its impossible to know some require more fitting than others but all in all its a worth while mod with the advantages of your suspension reacting properly, increased body integrity and tightness, I encourage everyone to do it 

Ya, when I got my car 23 years ago, welded subframe connectors and a quality stall converter were the two things recommended for me
to do first, by a well known race shop.

With a 496 in my car, and without subframe connectors, might not even be able to close the doors!

[CudamanTom]

I have the US Car Tool connectors but waiting to get them installed (free time to break away from work). I don't leave my baby alone to strangers for anything. 

It amazes me that big block cudas (especially converts) didn't have more support (like these connectors). But then again, they did come with skinny tires for not much grip originally.
I'm running a stroked 440 and bigger meats on the back (in a convertible) so I figure I better get sub-frame connectors installed.

[HP_Cuda]

Pretzel = torquey motor + skinny pedal on the right

[jordan]

I put the XV subframe connectors in my cuda.  I started grinding them to fit, but it took forever.  I rented a plasma cutter for 4 hours for not much money.  Made the job faster and easier.  It does take some time and effort to get it right, but it is worth it.  No squeaks, and  the car rides smoother. It just feels solid now.   

If your RT/SE is a trailer queen and you show it at concours judged shows, leave it alone.  If you drive it, I think it may be worth it.  If the job is done right, and is welded with reasonably smooth beads, and matched to your floor paint, undercoat, primer, or whatever you have under there, I don't think it will take away from its value. 

[cudabob496]

I have the US Car Tool connectors but waiting to get them installed (free time to break away from work). I don't leave my baby alone to strangers for anything. 

It amazes me that big block cudas (especially converts) didn't have more support (like these connectors). But then again, they did come with skinny tires for not much grip originally.
I'm running a stroked 440 and bigger meats on the back (in a convertible) so I figure I better get sub-frame connectors installed.

don't forget the Schumacher torque strap!

[brads70]

I noticed my fender widebody mods and the spoiler(?) changed how the air flows. Before bugs would splat on the door mirror and occasionally hit me while driving now when I put my hand forward of the mirror I feel a vacuum. Behind the mirror air starts to flow in the car. It was a common "trick" back in the day in Nascar after clearing tech crew men would yank the front fenders out on long tracks especially and I'm told it was good for a few more MPH at speed.   

[cudabob496]

I noticed my fender widebody mods and the spoiler(?) changed how the air flows. Before bugs would splat on the door mirror and occasionally hit me while driving now when I put my hand forward of the mirror I feel a vacuum. Behind the mirror air starts to flow in the car. It was a common "trick" back in the day in Nascar after clearing tech crew men would yank the front fenders out on long tracks especially and I'm told it was good for a few more MPH at speed.

ya, especially around 200 mph, the smallest tweaks could make a significant difference in top speed.

[brads70]

I noticed my fender widebody mods and the spoiler(?) changed how the air flows. Before bugs would splat on the door mirror and occasionally hit me while driving now when I put my hand forward of the mirror I feel a vacuum. Behind the mirror air starts to flow in the car. It was a common "trick" back in the day in Nascar after clearing tech crew men would yank the front fenders out on long tracks especially and I'm told it was good for a few more MPH at speed.

   somehow this ended up in the wrong thread..... It was meant for Cudabobs post sorry about that.

[johns cuda shop]

I put the XV subframe connectors in my cuda.  I started grinding them to fit, but it took forever.  I rented a plasma cutter for 4 hours for not much money.  Made the job faster and easier.  It does take some time and effort to get it right, but it is worth it.  No squeaks, and  the car rides smoother. It just feels solid now.   

If your RT/SE is a trailer queen and you show it at concours judged shows, leave it alone.  If you drive it, I think it may be worth it.  If the job is done right, and is welded with reasonably smooth beads, and matched to your floor paint, undercoat, primer, or whatever you have under there, I don't think it will take away from its value. 

Yup

[anlauto]

 

If your RT/SE is a trailer queen and you show it at concours judged shows, leave it alone.  If you drive it, I think it may be worth it.  If the job is done right, and is welded with reasonably smooth beads, and matched to your floor paint, undercoat, primer, or whatever you have under there, I don't think it will take away from its value.

This is the only part I disagree with. It will certainly hurt the value of an original car.

[ragtopdodge]

Even if they're a little ugly, I would probably do the Hotchkis ones as they are relatively easy to install (a tiny bit of welding any shop can do for reasonable cost) and easy to grind off to bring back to original.




Nice ugly welds:

[ToxicWolf]

Even if they're a little ugly, I would probably do the Hotchkis ones as they are relatively easy to install (a tiny bit of welding any shop can do for reasonable cost) and easy to grind off to bring back to original.

   Ease of getting back to original was one one the reasons I used them.