Do i really need sub frame connectors???

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Dodgenut64

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Ok guys, i have a 64 dodge dart convertible that i plan on putting a 5.7 hemi in. Ill be keeping the 5.7 mostly stock with maybe the only upgrade being comp cams stage one cam for the new hemis, im not even gonna use headers. I plan on using a manual 5 speed, 3:55s, and dont plan on drag racing this car. The factory put a bar between the rear wheelwells for support (as it is a convertible). Do i need sub frame connectors? This car will see NO track time, and my goal is weekend rides down 2 lane blacktop. I guess sometime down the road i may have some fun at a stoplight, but those times will be rare. I also figure i might stretch her legs on some empty length of highway sometime asell. Do you guys think i will need sub-frame connectors for my car?
 
They make the car nice and stiff. I installed mine in my Duster and the difference is night and day. With a convertable I would think you need them even more. I think Mopars should have come with them from the factory in the first place!
 
Dodgenut64 said:
Ok guys, i have a 64 dodge dart convertible that i plan on putting a 5.7 hemi in. Ill be keeping the 5.7 mostly stock with maybe the only upgrade being comp cams stage one cam for the new hemis, im not even gonna use headers. I plan on using a manual 5 speed, 3:55s, and dont plan on drag racing this car. The factory put a bar between the rear wheelwells for support (as it is a convertible). Do i need sub frame connectors? This car will see NO track time, and my goal is weekend rides down 2 lane blacktop. I guess sometime down the road i may have some fun at a stoplight, but those times will be rare. I also figure i might stretch her legs on some empty length of highway sometime asell. Do you guys think i will need sub-frame connectors for my car?
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Many years back I put a 340 4spd in a 71 demon that wwas a 6. After a day trip to the local strip I couldn't open either door. The next week the connectors went in. What a difference.

kenny b
 
OK, Ok, sounds like im gonna need some. If im gonna do them i think i want to have them look like these in the pics, with the torque boxs.

frm.jpg


gusset.jpg
 
i think i found those pics off a site that i found in a Mopar magazine. A company was selling them for E and B bodies and was working on the A bodies.
 
US Car Tool..I quoted the name wrong in another thread. It's US Car Tool. Very nice parts. I wouldnt even bother with the torque boxes, unles you have them already...lol.
 
Just spoke with John at US Car Tool, they are back in stock. Mine are on the way :thumbup:
 
heres mine. i made the frame connectors out of 1/8" plate and conformed them to the floorpan. then 16 ga steel from the frame connectors to the rockers to act as full length torque boxes. then covered the whole bottom in bed liner. pic also shows rear spring mounts moved into framerails and mini tub.

cuda bottom bedliner.JPG
 
I don't think US Car Tool makes them for the 64-66 early A-body??? The Dart (111") has a different wheel base than the Valiant/Barracuda (108").
 
The ones that are contoured to weld to the floor pans look awesome. Sweatybetty, that old girl should never twist now. I like the idea seems like a plan. Must have been hard getting that 1/8 to the contour of the floor pans.
 
70dart said:
The ones that are contoured to weld to the floor pans look awesome. Sweatybetty, that old girl should never twist now. I like the idea seems like a plan. Must have been hard getting that 1/8 to the contour of the floor pans.
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cardboard patterns and a plasma cutter!!!!
 
i put the magnum force tubular ones on mine, and were tig'd into place. choose which ones you like, how they look is in the eye of the beholder. all will do the job if they are installed correctly, but yes PUT SOME IN.
 
id like to do what that guy did with his frame conectors and but them up against the floor, does this serve any advantage, and do you box the top in or does it not mater? about how long of square tubing do you guys get to do this, id like to do this to my cuda but unsure how long i need the metal to be. and in the rear do i wanna expaind the rear conection on the frame conector over the rear leaf spring or can i just but it up against and perhaps put a plate over it :scratch: (did anyone get what im trying to say) i confused myself and what about conecting the frame conector to the rocker will this really help out my car, is it sugested, and i also dont wanna cut my floor its in really good condition plus i dont want a bump in the rear floor from the frame conector
 
I've got a local guy who is going to fab and install a set for cheaper than I can buy them.
 
I saw somewhere on line,some connecters made of 2 pieces of smaller size pipe welded side by side,with a plate on the front end,and a box type end welded on the rear.They were for sale,new, on some web site.Maybe Ebay{I can not find them anywhere}
I have access to pipe at work,for free! I have single wall [schedule 40],also Double wall [schedule 80].Should I use 1 piece of Double wall with ends welded on, or use 2 pieces of single wall welded together with ends welded on?
The Double wall is 1.25 inch pipe,the single wall is 1 inch pipe.I am leaning toward the double wall.I just dont know! The 1.25 is about 3/16 thick.The 1 inch is about 1/8.
What do yall think?
 
quick question, if you do use the Mopar connectors I noticed they are offset where it laps the rear frame rails. Which way does the offset point, to the inside of the car?
 
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