what is required to take a thirdgen off the frame (89 RS)? I notice there are lots of off-frames on this site. Nobody ever says how they did it, I'm sure no 2 ppl do it the same. anyone?

 

Nobody does it, because there is no frame. 3rd gens are Unibody construction. Meaning that shaped sheetmetal acts as the "frame". The body essentially is the "frame".

There is a subframe up front, that the front suspension partially attaches to & the engines mounts on, but that's it.

 

There's a subframe in the back too, but both front and rear subframes are welded in.

 

Not really. The rear is welded in, yes. But the front subframe easily unbolts.

You might be thinking of what runs along each side of the tranny, but those aren't quite a front subframe.

 

Those are the front subframe, and they're welded in. You're thinking of the K member, it's the only part that unbolts.

 

From everything I've heard the 3rd and 4th gen front subframes are welded to the body like Apeiron said but on 1st and 2nd gen f-bodys you could unbolt the front subframe from the body. My question is why do you want to remove it? Is there unrepairable damage if so it probably isn't worth putting a new one on.

 

Yeah. Call it whatever you want to.......

 

It's not what I want to call it, it's what it is. The rails aren't just the part on either side of the transmission, they're continuous from the bumper mounts on the frame horns at the front, through the fenders, over the strut mounts, and then down the sides of the transmission.

The K member isn't part of the subframe, they're common features on full-framed cars as well.

 

Just like everyone else said - they are not frames in the traditional sense. There is a lot you can remove but after unbolting everything you are not going to have that traditional frame. I suggest picking up a GM service manual - that will show you how to get to the spot you want to.

 

Sure, that kind of thinking is fine... until you want to order parts. You wouldn't go to Spohn and try to buy a tubular "subframe" would you?

 

your talking about the k member i think....opps srry

 

thanx everyone,
with your info and a bit of homework I found out what I needed to know. My mechanic told me I have frame damage, never thought these things had a frame...

Anyway... looks like a few cracks. is it worth fixing? I HAVE SOOOOO MANY NEW PARTS!!!