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Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 10:58 pm
by 3 window
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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Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 8:42 am
by John_Heard
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.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:22 am
by 3 window
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.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:41 am
by John_Heard
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.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:46 am
by 3 window
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!

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:52 am
by John_Heard
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.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 10:18 am
by 3 window
Cool. Good luck this year at the track. I’ll be keeping my eye out for ya.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:37 pm
by 3 window
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.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 9:13 am
by John_Heard
3 window wrote: Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:37 pm 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.
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.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2020 10:49 am
by 3 window
Yeah the 1/4 is overkill but I’ve got it.

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2020 11:18 am
by 3 window
One side plated up
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Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 8:56 am
by 3 window
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Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 9:15 am
by John_Heard
Looks great!

Re: Bracing for subframe mod

Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 2:46 pm
by 3 window
Thanks