Sub-Frame Connectors

[JS29]

 

[torredcuda]

I say if the factory never used them 

Unless your plan includes any of the following: Super torque monster engine, hard launches with slicks on a prepared drag surface, hard cornering on a road course, I really don't see the need to stiffen up the ride of the car so that it rides like it on bricks. JUST MY OPINION.

I think when planning a build of a car, you really have to look at the intentions for the car and the forecasted driving conditions.

Stiffening the unibody with connectors will not make it ride any rougher but will make it flex less.

[dodj]

My neighbors threatened on me to call the Cops on all the grinding I did to get the welds smooth.
They cooled off once I showed what was happening.

Sounds like you have lovely neighbors.....

[dodj]

I say if the factory never used them 

Unless your plan includes any of the following: Super torque monster engine, hard launches with slicks on a prepared drag surface, hard cornering on a road course, I really don't see the need to stiffen up the ride of the car so that it rides like it on bricks. JUST MY OPINION.

I think when planning a build of a car, you really have to look at the intentions for the car and the forecasted driving conditions.

Stiffening the unibody with connectors will not make it ride any rougher but will make it flex less.

[anlauto]

The idea behind the smooth ride of a uni-body design was because it was allowed to flex 

Regardless, it's all a matter of personal preference 

[HP2]

I thought the idea behind the uni-body design was to create a three dimensional, monocoque frame unit that was stronger and lighter than the traditional ladder frame.

In any case, if the body is flexing, it is adding an unmetered and uncontrolled variable to the suspension equation. By creating a more rigid chassis, you better allow the suspension to perform its function of motion range and control.

IMO, adding connectors is not just for race cars and torque monsters. Reducing body flex reduces squeaks and rattles and allows door and window seals to better align to mating parts and more precisely perform their function regardless of road irregularities.

So, while the US Car Tool units may look more stock because of how they fallow the floor line, they will require significant amounts of work to properly fit and will require either the removal of carpet for welding, or the use of some sort of heat sink to avoid heat damage. It also will require re-finishing of the entire welded length across the floor pan. By contrast, a bolt in connector, such as these https://www.manciniracing.com/mopebod19.html, can be welded in on each end without risk of damaging or disassembling the passenger compartment while providing improved cross section over the US CT units.  Repaint of these areas is also less involved. Plus, if you ever want to take them out for resale purposes, they are easier to cut out.

[1970GranCoupeConvert]

Good information...THANKS everyone for the advice.  I give it 9 out of 10 dancing bananas

  Ahh heck I will throw in another banana 

So the choice of vendor is down to USCT Motorsports because the VX is out of stock.

Yes the car does rattle a bunch with the top up.  It is not anything loose in the doors or quarter panel but I can hear the door strike plate clicking on roads. 

The design that contours to the floorboard looks to be the superior unit based on both rigidity and stock look.

With these it seems that there needs to be some kind of modification to the cable parking brake and the fuel and service brake lines.

[MOPAR MITCH]

What about the Magnum Force twin-tube design of SFCs?... they have a low profile design for good ground clearance, stiff tube design, and are bent for the E-body floor contour.  I'm considering them for my Challenger... long over-due.

[HP2]

What about the Magnum Force twin-tube design of SFCs?... they have a low profile design for good ground clearance, stiff tube design, and are bent for the E-body floor contour.  I'm considering them for my Challenger... long over-due.

Interesting thought. I wonder how they stack up in rigidity/weight vs traditional rectangular connectors. First thought was side by side arrangement gives up some stiffness, but after some consideration, maybe not.

[torredcuda]

With these it seems that there needs to be some kind of modification to the cable parking brake and the fuel and service brake lines.

I cut ovals in the connectors to make room for the cables and lines to pass thru in thier stock locations, looks good and doesn`t really affect the strength much.

[torredcuda]

I went a little big on the size of my oval cutouts  but hopefully you can see in the second pic I boxed the area in to add the strength back.

[soundcontrol]

My convertible was rattling and squeaking all over, then I installed US Car Tools SF Connectors, car got quiet!
Best thing I ever did on an e-body.