Firebird subframe assembly a few things you might want to know. 1969 trans am
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2024
- Subframe assembly for first generation f-body. Project mockingbird restoration at home and keeping it clean and correct as possible, step by step subframe component installation. Including the front springs. My least favorite part.
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HI...worked as a suspension mechanic for over 20 years.....here is the trick to fo those GM springs..... compress the spring with a spring compressor on the inside of the curve....then use a heavy duty spring clip .... release yhe compressed spring.....the spring will he curved... push the top of the spring inside the frame
... push the lower control down....the spring will go in the lower control arm.... with a jack. Lift the control arm and attach it to the upper control arm... easy peasy and very safe....once the two are attached...eith a pry bar. Remove the clip..
I can visualize the spring clip great idea. now i need to find one. I really don’t like messing with springs. Anything that makes it more efficient and safer i am in
Love watching your videos. Very informative and fun to watch. You've given me motivation to start back working on my first car ever, 1967 Firebird. Been sitting since 1996 when I graduated high school. Wish I could get it done as quickly as you do but in time we will be cruisin!!
You can do it! I graduated 97 and I still have my first Firebird from then and like yours it’s in progress but it will get done
Great tutorial on the subframe, great job
Thanks 👍
Nice progress Jon. The spring compressor trick is awesome!!. Looks relatively safe as well. I will definitely put together one of those devices. Thanks man for all your knowledge and sharing with us.
I have used that compressor on at least 6 different cars and hasn’t failed yet, I will say springs are my least favorite thing to deal with for sure. I would like to add run a chain thru the spring and frame in case of some type of failure. To help contain the carnage
Another awesome video! Thanks for sharing!
Happy to share, thanks for watching
Nothing more satisfying than new lines on a shiny new frame!
Couldn't agree more!
Jon, excellent work. Each one of your video series are fantastic training and reference material. It doesn't matter if a person is rebuilding a Pontiac or other classic vehicle. You show detail of how things disassemble and assemble. Tips, tricks, and shortcuts like the outer wheelhouse replacement are fantastic. Keep on sharing and doing it the VVG Way!
Thanks! I have enjoyed sharing the restoration stories and even better it is helpful too. Plenty more build and videos heading your way
Springs scare you and me both! Looking forward to seeing this build finished!
So happy the springs are done. Not much of the build causes me stress but this part sure does. I am so very excited to see this car all done. Plus ready to jump on to the next project
Come to the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, OH. Great show.
I am actually thinking about that one and trying to set it up that the great pumpkin will be there as well
@@VinylVillageGarage that would be awesome. My award winning Sunbird from last year will be in attendance. 😂
@kbsingleton then I will have to make it happen.
@@VinylVillageGarage 1000%. 😂
Wow!!! That is a ton of useful information. The tips you provide are priceless. This will be a go to video when it’s time to put our sub frame together. Thank you for sharing.👍
Glad it will be of help in the future for you, nice to see progress on your bird again as well
The section at 12:08 in regards to the spring clocking is SO important! Most people and most aftermarket suppliers will tell you that the spring clocks into the lower control arm. That is not right. They absolutely clock in the upper mount with the spring pigtail ending within the inspection hole. I like to use a small pick through that hole and but the spring pigtail up against it. It's my opinion that this clocking issue causes most of the "F-body lean" issues people talk about.
I agree with you, since I went to alining
My spring to the frame I haven’t been fighting the issues with a 1/2” difference in ride height side to side
Looks like the RV jacks are working well!
Yes sir they are!! I excellent suggestion and thanks again
Frame looks nice ....good content and good tips....thanks....👍
Thanks 👍
Awesome detail work!
It’s really coming together for sure.
@@VinylVillageGarage
Like you say a couple hrs here and there , things will start getting done. I am still doing that method with the GT-37. Hopefully I will see the results soon!
@@rajcam80 it all adds up to the finish line. I kinda like having easy access to the garage. I have debated fining a barn to work out of but if it’s not convenient I don’t feel i will get as much done
@@VinylVillageGarage
Understandable, your current situation fits.
Great work keep it up
Thanks, will do!
Lake Afton Car show....June 11....largest free car show in the country.
Can’t beat free, leaves more money for charity donations.
Amazingly enough I did not know the outside brake pad deal . Sorry to all the folks probably riding around saying " darn squeaky brakes".
Years ago when I was getting learned in school they were teaching techniques to avoid squeaks and causes and this came up and I never forgot it.
So what you're saying is make sure the spring is clocked to the TOP and where the bottom lands... it is what it is?!?! :)
Yes sir that is how it’s worked for me and keeps the front level.
@@VinylVillageGaragecutting of that minor amount makes the fit perfect...I assume your installing replacement springs. Aftermarket springs are off on many models.
💪😎
Thanks buddy.
Hey love what you do brother I'm going to 1968 firebird I need to fix and you mentioned something about some good shows coming up are you familiar with with Pate swap meet in fort Worth I think the dates are the 25th through the 27th of April it is the largest swap meet of the South
I do love a good swap meet, most of ours around here have turned more into a flea market. Not so much bins of dog thru cool part and more like trinkets and silly stuff.
👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you!!
Noticed the body is on some type of hydraulic tipping frame. Is that home made? If so where would get plans to build one.
Good eye and yes home made. At the end of this video is the dimensions and plans for assembly.
Flipping the bird, making more room in a small work space and access to the underbody
th-cam.com/video/iqM0Gov4ZNE/w-d-xo.html
I've got a 73 nova subframe I'll be using . I don't know if I'll be making a Canadian Trans Am yet.
I like to think I know all about trans ams but you got me. What’s a Canadian trans am?
I noticed you didn't use a rubber isolator on the top of the spring, are you concerned about any noise from the metal on metal contact?
I won’t tell you not to use them,
I have not had any noise issues without them.
Hi I'm Greg can you put convertible tops on my 67 Firebird without killing me in the bank
Good question, I don’t have a clue how much it would be worth to do, the problem is like just about any
Restoration procedure you just don’t know how bad it is or hidden issues until you get into it. Like the top frame might be damaged form rust or wear. Or the tack strips might need replaced, or the front part of the frame is rusted out. That is a very common issue. In the top still on the car or does it still need removed?
Hey john do you have an email? I wanted to ask you if u had any tricks to making my rear quarter fit better? I got pics and I cant seem to figure out how to make the tail panel line up to it. I understand if you dont have the time, but i figured I'd ask. Thanks for your time.
Yes send it to vinylvillagegarage@gmail.com
Do you not use the control arm bumpers?
Yup I put the upper ones in once assembled you can get them in once the weight of the drivetrain is installed. I don’t prior because you have to compress the spring more to overcome the height difference