I'm going to put subframe connectors on my 86 firebird but I'm just not sure if I want to go with bolt on or weld on. Any comments from someone with experience would be appreciated. Thanks

 

You can get bolt-ons for ease of installation yourself, but weld them in.

Bolt-ins will twist & twist the chassis & eventually loosen them up by the bolt holes enlarging and/or the nuts loosening.

 

The same week I bought my Hotchkis SFC, Camaro Performers put out an issue where they had a full Hotchkis kit put onto their 83 Z28. All work was done at Hotchkis and the tech stressed two points: the fronts weld in and even though the rears bolt in, they should afterward be welded as well. Additionally, make sure the suspension is loaded when welding the SFCs'.

 

I agree, weld them in. In addition to the above comment about make sure the suspension is loaded, don't jack the car up, put the connectors on then let it back down and call the suspension loaded. If you jack it up to put the subframe connectors in place, then let it back down, you need to roll the car backward then forward (or vice versa) 20 ft or so to let the suspension/chassis settle back to its normal positioning.

 

I'm sure I'll just drive up on the drive on rack to put them on

 

Make sure it's a 4-post drive-on lift, and weld those things on!

 

when you guys say put them on with suspension loaded...what if I'm restoring my car and there is no drive train or suspension to speak of...do I wait to put on sfc?

 

You can put them on during the restoration process. Just skip the final welding until very last. Or final bolt tightening.

 

We're of the mindset that weld-on is the only way to go on certain chassis setups - the 3rd and 4th gen being leaders of this idea. Whichever you end up with, I would highly suggest welding them in because a weld will be more effective at connecting chassis parts than a bolt, which can elongate or make the hole oblong.

 

is this going to matter if it's done on a hoist or jack stands?

 

Glad BMR commented because I'm going to get BMR subframe connectors either way because my adjustable panhard bar and torque arm are BMR.

 

Very cool, drop me a PM or give me a call and I'll get you squared away when you're ready!