What are the Pros and Cons of Subframe Connectors?

[David Conwill]

Being back in Muskegon this summer, I've gotten to drive the car ('68 ragtop) a lot more than in the last few years. It's made me notice a few things. One of which is that there are a heck of a lot of squeaks and rattles. This doesn't bother me as it's kind of part of the old-car "experience" but I was wondering if this was symptomatic of it being a semi-unit construction convertible and therefore inherently flexible. Would subframe connectors would tighten everything up and provide a more solid (less squeaky and better handling) vehicle? I certainly don't need them for power, but it seems like there would be other advantages.

-Dave

[my95z28]

yep, that is what most people use them for. It is rare for people to have enough power to twist the frame. There aren't really any disadvantage to having sub frame connectors as long as u get two point tubular.

[Virtue]

Being back in Muskegon this summer, I've gotten to drive the car ('68 ragtop) a lot more than in the last few years. It's made me notice a few things. One of which is that there are a heck of a lot of squeaks and rattles. This doesn't bother me as it's kind of part of the old-car "experience" but I was wondering if this was symptomatic of it being a semi-unit construction convertible and therefore inherently flexible. Would subframe connectors would tighten everything up and provide a more solid (less squeaky and better handling) vehicle? I certainly don't need them for power, but it seems like there would be other advantages.

-Dave

might want to look into other possiblites before thinking sfc's will solve the prob

but either way they are nice to have

i guess maybe a only disadvantage you might have is seeing them but idk about on a 1st gen lol

[1BADAIR]

Are the cocktail shakers present?

[81DaytonaPaceCar]

Being back in Muskegon this summer, I've gotten to drive the car ('68 ragtop) a lot more than in the last few years. It's made me notice a few things. One of which is that there are a heck of a lot of squeaks and rattles. This doesn't bother me as it's kind of part of the old-car "experience" but I was wondering if this was symptomatic of it being a semi-unit construction convertible and therefore inherently flexible. Would subframe connectors would tighten everything up and provide a more solid (less squeaky and better handling) vehicle? I certainly don't need them for power, but it seems like there would be other advantages.

-Dave

Dave, I doubt that sub frame connectors will solve the squeak and rattle issue...as you stated, that's part of an old car.

SBCs likely would improve ride quality slightly as you won't flex and "wander" across the road as much.

If squeaks are one of your major concerns, rather than SBCs, I'd look at new body mounts and inspect all the shocks and rubber bushings in the suspension (front A-arms and rear leaf springs are common culprits). Might just be getting old and deteriorating.

My big problem with the 81 is window felts...mine are shot, and the windows rattle because of it...will get to that someday...lol...

[TSTONE]

sfc's are a must on our cars do to flex issues, i have them on mine and have also driven a couple top notch(which mine is not) 67/68 vert resto's that did not have them and you can feel alot more body roll/flex - like jeff said though until you put them on you wont know if it tightens up or eliminates any noises though

[csmith4153]

They may not solve your problem, but they are a good ideal. Hotchkis is the way to go on 1st gens.

[skar]

I also would like to do this. On the list and money is now tight.