Got the rear bolts back in on the subframe. Been chatting with ChatGPT on tightening the bolts to spec and if I need to apply anything to them. I think I have a plan now. The back 2 bolts will need to be removed towards the end when I install the subframe connectors, but they still need to be torqued to spec now for the rest of the build.
Category Archives: Camaro
1/31/2026 – update – crossmember
No pics, but an update. I was able to get the crossmember bolts in. Used some thread sealer and got them torqued to spec. Tomorrow working on getting the rear subframe bolts back in and maybe getting those sealed and torqued as well if everything goes smoothly!
1/25/2026 Update – Subframe Crossmember – day 2
Got a little side-tracked working on this. I needed to figure out how to use my new digital torque wrench, then got confused with lbs ft vs ft lbs which are actually the same. Then I had to dig out my manuals to see what the recommended torque amounts were: 25-35 lbs ft for the bolts that mount the cross member to the subframe. I also had to figure out which tools I would use to get in the tight space. So maybe I’ll get out there this weekend and pick up where I left off! Side note: ChatGPT gave a 35-45 torque setting which was not what the manual had – double check the AI – always! Will also use some blue loctite when tightening things.
1/24/2026 – Update – Crossmember
So I’m putting in a TKO 5-speed. The crossmember is shown below (1st pic from internet): Brackets attach to each side of the subframe and the crossmember bolts to the subframe. I already mounted the subframe to the shell, so today had to fit in the brackets by lowering the back half of subframe enough to get the brackets in. The bolts go in through the top of the subframe as well as the brackets. Learn from my mistake and mount this before installing the subframe! Finally got the bolts and 2 brackets started on both sides. Tomorrow’s project is to tighten the new bolts and re-tighten the subframe. I had enough for one day which took way longer than I had hoped!
10/31/2025 – Update
Inner Tie Rods arrived today. Was out of town last week and pre-winter chores keeping me from the garage, but should be able to get out there once done with winter prep.
10/12/2025 – Update
Got the new leaf spring brackets painted. Ready to assemble the suspension over the winter!
10/10/2025 – Update
Leaf Spring Brackets arrived! Just in time to paint this weekend!
10/5/2025 – Update
Got the firewall resprayed and the subframe touched-up this weekend. Pleased with the results. The firewall had a mixture of Gloss and Satin. I scuffed and re-sprayed with Gloss. Looks better now. Also got the leaf spring perches scuffed, primed and painted. Realized I still needed more parts and got those ordered which will also need to be painted. Trying to make the most of the weekends before winter arrives along with other fall priorities!
Ordered these, will need to paint once they arrive:
9/30/2025 – Update
Yesterday I found out my Inner tie rods are expected to ship in 6-8 weeks… ugh. Still on tract to touch-up the subframe, firewall and leaf spring perches this weekend. Was hoping to paint the new suspension parts before the cold weather sets in, might not happen!
9/27/2025 – Update
Steering linkage parts arrived. Realize it was missing the Inner Tie Rods, so ordered a pair of those below:
Ordered:
Got some garage time in today. The Firewall was painted with 2 different types of paint (Satin and Gloss), so I painted a small piece of metal to verify the color I had on hand (Gloss). So then I cleaned the firewall and subframe, then feathered the paint lines on the firewall and scuffed it to get ready for a respray. Still need to hit a couple spots on the subframe which I hope to work on next week, then hopefully next weekend paint the Firewall and subframe touchup, then the new suspension parts and new leaf spring perches which are EDP coated. Once those are painted, I will be set to work on all my suspension parts over the winter!
