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Bracing for subframe mod
Moderators: David Lemmond, Dave Morgan
Bracing for subframe mod
I plan on cutting out the center section of the main crossmember under the oil pan (where the notch is currently) on my Nova subframe and replacing it with tubing to give me room to remove the oil pan without pulling the engine. My question is, if I brace it across with angle like the picture, would that hold everything where it belongs until I get the tube section fabbed up? I’d be leaving the front crossmember in.
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- John_Heard
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Re: Bracing for subframe mod
Yeah that ought to do fine. I did something similar on mine when cutting the rear crossmember out. Of course I'd leave the front one in place when doing this, between it and your angle iron tacked in place it should be fine.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
Re: Bracing for subframe mod
Thanks John. What did you end up doing in the area cut out? I planned on a 1.625 tube across with two 1.0 tube angled kickers. All .120 wall with 3/16 plate on each side to box cap old crossmember.
- John_Heard
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Re: Bracing for subframe mod
Mine's got a couple 1 5/8 tubes going across, plated same way. I like your idea better with just one and a couple small braces, that'll give you a little more clearance.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
Re: Bracing for subframe mod
Thanks again. Mine’s street driven a lot (no worry about hard landings from wheelies). Just concerned with flex, but then again the engine will be in it essentially tying it altogether!
- John_Heard
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Re: Bracing for subframe mod
It'll be fine. I've seen some that have nothing for the big crossmember area and they just leave the front crossmember in place.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
Re: Bracing for subframe mod
Cool. Good luck this year at the track. I’ll be keeping my eye out for ya.
Re: Bracing for subframe mod
John, what’s your opinion on making the tube section removable? I’d still plate it with 1/4” with welded nuts on the backside, then use 3/16 flanges on the 1 5/8 tube(s). Maybe use 3 3/8 Bolts on the flanges.
- John_Heard
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Re: Bracing for subframe mod
I like the idea in regards to being able to pull the pan. 1/4" seems a bit thick really though, that's a lot thicker than the actual crossmember.
My 1971 X275 Nova | Facebook
Re: Bracing for subframe mod
Yeah the 1/4 is overkill but I’ve got it.
- John_Heard
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