Quote:
Originally Posted by MAURICE BLENDHEIM
Dale… Level and support are the most important factors. The rockers on a unibody car are structural members that connect the front to the rear and support (platform) the 1/4 panels ahead of the rear wheel opening into the door jamb. The inner and outer wheel housings also are structural, assisting with support to the rear half of the body. Unless the frame connectors are tied into the rockers, the rear subframe your about to remove is partially supporting the weight of the body. The supporting of the rear of the car as far back as you can is vital. I would also suggest mounting and lining up the other door, before you start cutting make sure the doors are latched closed. After you have done your tacking make sure your doors open and close normally as well as the trunk lid, then finish weld. Utilizing your cars integral members properly can save you some unnecessary tubing. Are your plans for a 29.5x11.5 x15 tire? Good Luck…Maurice.
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Also when it comes time to weld...DO NOT BE IN A HURRY!! At my shop I have had to have more than a few projects similar to yours put up on the frame machine because there was not enough time allowed for cool down between welds. They all would have been quicker for my shop to do them from the start (and cheaper) if this advice was followed. A fellow body technician friend had his nova "banana" doing this exact modification with the minitubs. He fired up the welder and didn't stop till it was done.....and then installed floor pots and started doing frame straightening.
That being said as long as all the panels (doors, trunk, even fenders and hood ) are lined up properly and the car is supported properly (the rocker pinch weld is best as described earlier) there should be no movement of the car.
Take your time, pay attention to the details, and you should have no problems. Your thoughts and concerns about structure are well founded, and if you plan out this project properly you will be rewarded for it