I'm bolting in the Alstons on my '88 GTA. I will take the car to the shop and have them welded as soon as I finish. Problem is, I cannot get the front mount on the passenger side to snug up to the frame. The inside (towards the middle of the car) sits flush, but the outside leaves a small (1/8 inch) gap. I've pounded the snot out of it, and I've put the floor jack under it (it lifts the car but doesn't close the gap). As a whole they push up enough to drill the holes and get the bolts through. Will this be a problem for the welder? Anyone have this issue, if so, how was it resolved? I'm hoping they can come up with solution at the shop.

It's a T5, ttop car, but never in an accident. Everyone mentions how easy the Alston install was. I'm hoping the car is not twisted.

Kevin

 

i had the same problem, the passenger-side front connection was a little off, i ended up welding them on myself, so i took the liberty of cutting the mounts apart a bit so i could bend them and get them to fit snugly, as well as gain me some better angles for welding.

 

Thanks - then I won't go crazy(er) trying to get these perfect. I'll just bolt them up and let the shop do what they need to do.

Kevin

 

Kevin,

Tthey need to fit flush if your going to have them welded in. If you leave too much of a gap and weld the gap closed. You take the chance of it flexing and cracking. Or even worse tearing out.

If you can't close the gap, find out where they are hitting preventing them from going up more.

 

I took a grinder to the frame and the inside of the connector to get mine to fit right. It wouldn't go far enough up on the frame rail.

 

I believe the grinder is the way to go. It's not very far off and it looks like it is just catching in one of two spots. Plus, it gives me an excuse to get a new grinder from Harbor Freight. Merry Christmas to me. Thanks for the input.

Kevin