Subframe Removal

[dtep]

I'm working to make a '68 RS driveable for my wife and as I dug deeper into the car, I found that the #2 body mount points in the subframe are mostly rotted out under the bushings.  The engine, trans  and radiator are out and I disconnected the steering at the rag joint so the steering box and power steering pump stays with the subframe.  I have not removed the doghouse from the car.  The plan is to put 2x4's between the rockers and subframe and use my lift to raise the body off the subframe.  The question that I have is how much do I need to support the doghouse when it is off the subframe?  I'd hate to kink the tops of the fenders, but on the other hand, I'd also rather not spend a lot of time building a support structure that isn't really necessary.

Thanks

[JKZ27]

I dropped the subframe assembly including the engine and trans without removing any sheet metal from my 68. I left the wheels and tires on and just used some jack stands on the back rails. I didn't need any supports on the fenders although, I think I did remove the hood. I'm not sure what the "doghouse" is.

[HawkX66]

I'm working to make a '68 RS driveable for my wife and as I dug deeper into the car, I found that the #2 body mount points in the subframe are mostly rotted out under the bushings.  The engine, trans  and radiator are out and I disconnected the steering at the rag joint so the steering box and power steering pump stays with the subframe.  I have not removed the doghouse from the car.  The plan is to put 2x4's between the rockers and subframe and use my lift to raise the body off the subframe.  The question that I have is how much do I need to support the doghouse when it is off the subframe?  I'd hate to kink the tops of the fenders, but on the other hand, I'd also rather not spend a lot of time building a support structure that isn't really necessary.

Thanks

You don't need to support the front sheet metal if it's all bolted on well. When you go to fix the mounts, IMO, don't use the "kits". Cut a square out, weld in a flat piece of new steel and bore a new 1 1/2" hole. Here's what mine looked like when I did it. Relatively easy.

[69Z28-RS]

I dropped the subframe assembly including the engine and trans without removing any sheet metal from my 68. I left the wheels and tires on and just used some jack stands on the back rails. I didn't need any supports on the fenders although, I think I did remove the hood. I'm not sure what the "doghouse" is.

FYI.. 'doghouse' is an older term for the complete front sheet metal assembly (fenders, hood, grill, etc - as an assembly)..   

[dtep]

FYI.. 'doghouse' is an older term for the complete front sheet metal assembly (fenders, hood, grill, etc - as an assembly)..   
[/quote]

"an older term"...Youch!!  But I guess I resemble that remark.     

Thanks to all for the input.

[69Z28-RS]

   It just means we have *experience* going back many years.. 

[BULLITT65]

I think "doghouse" may also be a midwest slang term for the front sheetmetal.
Maybe you just didn't grow up in red neck area to hear this term....

Others here on the west coast can chime in, but I learned this term after spending a lot of time around different car guys from different parts of the country. I figure it is rooted in the idea that it either visually resembles a dog house when removed( the fire wall side would be the opening when siting on the ground?) or some guys actually used them for there dog as a dog house back in the day?

Different regions of the country seem like they have different slang for the same stuff, even car related terms and ideas.

[69Z28-RS]

Back in the 50's and 60's, you could search junkyards all over the country for 'doghouse' and everyone everywhere knew you were speaking of the complete front sheet metal as a unit... (used to repair many cars which were damaged in the front due to collision)..    GO to your local junkyard (if you still have one) and see if they know what you mean by 'doghouse'..

[KurtS]

Cut a square out, weld in a flat piece of new steel and bore a new 1 1/2" hole.

Nice! How did you know where to drill the hole?

[dtep]

I'm all about expanding people's vocabulary, so now that we have "doghouse" down, let's move on to "left three quarters doghouse" and "right three quarters doghouse"...       

[69Z28-RS]

That's everything but the Left (or right) fender... 

[BULLITT65]

Cut a square out, weld in a flat piece of new steel and bore a new 1 1/2" hole.

Nice! How did you know where to drill the hole?

If it were me I could take the piece I cut out and put it on the under side lined up with the cuts and make a circle in pencil and then go over it with a scribe. Do your pilot hole from under, and then the rest from on top. ( I am sure there is more than one way to do it)

[68camaroz28]

Cut a square out, weld in a flat piece of new steel and bore a new 1 1/2" hole.

Nice! How did you know where to drill the hole?

X2 Nice!

[HawkX66]

Cut a square out, weld in a flat piece of new steel and bore a new 1 1/2" hole.

Nice! How did you know where to drill the hole?

Thanks Kurt. That's one of my repairs I was pretty proud of lol. I had a spare subframe with a good mount that I was able to make a steel template from. Now I'll always have the template too if you know anyone local that needs to use it.

Cut a square out, weld in a flat piece of new steel and bore a new 1 1/2" hole.

Nice! How did you know where to drill the hole?

X2 Nice!

Thank you sir...

[JKZ27]

Thanks for the "doghouse" definition fellas. 
Here is a pic from my subframe removal.

[Mike S]

 I'm usually in the doghouse when I buy too many parts for the car and the wife founds out 
 Life can be so 'ruff' at times 

 That is nice work on that repair, Dave!

Mike

[Sauron327]

Nice! How did you know where to drill the hole?

If you do not have them on file, frame dimensions are on Team Camaro countless times. All you have to do is use the reference points and dimensions to locate a hole. If the frame drawing was not available, the shell could be used as reference. You'd need a drawing if you had to yank a car on a frame machine.

Upon request, I've had to cut out and repair the often damaged center section of the subframe. Put a brace inside before welding the skin back on to prevent jacking damage. Easy tasks.

[HawkX66]

Thanks for the "doghouse" definition fellas. 
Here is a pic from my subframe removal.

Nice project. Oh, to have a nice lift like that...

I'm usually in the doghouse when I buy too many parts for the car and the wife founds out 
 Life can be so 'ruff' at times 

 That is nice work on that repair, Dave!

Mike

Woof, er, uh, I mean Thanks!

[dtep]

SUCCESS!!!! 



And you can see why I needed to do this. 



Check out this beauty that someone put in to patch the #3 body mount.  There is another one just like it on the other side.  I'm debating whether to do anything with those or just leave them.  There is definitely more metal in there now than there ever was.

[JKZ27]

Right on!!! Good job!

[BULLITT65]

wtg, now get fixing