How To Repair Rusted Subframe On 1973 Camaro

1. Is it hard to replace the rear frame rails on a 70-81 camaro? where do you buy the repro frame rails and how do you install them? has anyone here done this themselves, and was it a huge job?
   thanks

2. Classic Industires makes a set in either "Standard" or "Hi Perf". (Hi-Perf version includes sway bar mount points.)

   Standard part # is:GT453L or GT453R 70-73
   GT444L or GT444R for 74-81

   They are welded to the floor so you need to cut the old ones out and weld new ones in.

   I haven't done it. I found this info by searching the suspension topic.

3. 

   ChevyReb Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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   Well I've done one side and am currently working on the other side...and let me tell you that it is not for the faint of heart. Have a look at my web site, there are also some pics in the photo album area as well.

   Where are yours damaged? Are they rusted out? The problem is usually the damage is not limited to just the frame rails. You will often find more sheet metal damage under the rails. I think the ones that are sold aftermarket are from the rear tail panel area up to where they start to turn down behind the rear wheels. Do a search in this forum there is a lot of information available about this subject. Unless it is a rare SS, Z28 or has a lot of sintimental value you may be better of back halving the car or finding one that has good frame rails. Also the rails are different from 70-73 and 74 up.

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   dustypowers Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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5. We put a patch on. We had to form the bend on the frame rail the goes up with new sheet metal and it came out decent. The only thing is you can see where it has been welded. It was rotted pretty bad but we cut it all out and made our own section basically. For a driver, do you guys think its ok to have patched frame rails, or should they be replaced if they are patched???

6. The capabilities of the person doing the welding is one of the biggest factors.

   As long as the rust was cut out completety, a heavy gauge steel was used for the patch (similar to the original metal)and the weld has good penetration... Your subframe patch should be good.

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   ChevyReb Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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   Agree with metal ^

   If its a driver and the patches are done properly like metal stated and it dosen't bother you then I think its fine.

   Also thanks dusty

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   78TypeLTCamaro Veteran Member Gold Member

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   ChevyReb Veteran Member Lifetime Gold Member

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10. ye gods man! I hope that car was worth it! You usually dont see that kind of full out surgery on anything but those old 30s hot rods.. since they've usually been sitting in a field for 70 years.

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How To Repair Rusted Subframe On 1973 Camaro

Source: https://nastyz28.com/threads/rear-frame-rails.56690/

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