Found some replacement subframe bolts from Classic Industries. Went ahead and ordered two of them for connecting the firewall brackets to the jig I am building.
Category Archives: Camaro
Seam Buster
Started working on removing the Firewall Brackets today. Having difficulty locating the spot welds, so I ordered a new tool that should help. Search for ‘Seam Buster’ and you will find the tool (pics below):
Should have this by next weekend and will see how well it works!
Body Jig
Decided to build my own body jig to keep the Camaro from twisting while I work on replacing the body parts. Priced the 1/8″ 2×2’s on the internet for roughly $600 and $100 shipping for 11 12′ sections. Drove down to Mcneilus steel in Dodge Center and got the same thing for about $350 (note: you can buy one on the Internet for roughly $850-$975 plus $350 shipping):
I will start on the body jig AFTER I replace the firewall brackets so I have a good mounting point.
Sub Frame Removal March 31, 2012
Got the subframe off of the car today. I was dedicating the weekend to that and was done by 10am Sat ahead of schedule! Next is to replace the firewall brackets so I can mount it on the jig.
Sub Frame Removal March 25, 2012
Spent a half day Sat and most of the day Sun removing the 2nd subframe bolt. Now both back bolts under the seats are removed:
Then I started on the firewall brackets. Used the Plasma cutter to enlarge the holes and worked on removing the cage that holds the nut. I didn’t get the cage removed, but think I have it out of my way for now:
Passenger side:
Drivers Side:
The plan for next weekend is to use the grinder to grind down the nut enough so I can remove it. My cut-off tool is to big to fit, but I think I can get the grinder in. Should take about a day per side to remove each nut.
Sub Frame Removal March 18, 2012
Finally got the first Sub Frame nut off:
and finally had to use a socket and wrench to remove the nut after cutting it:
of course that was after attempting to cut off more of the nut!
Big Brown Truck Came Today! Mar 6, 2012
Received my Firewall Brackets from Classic Industries today:
Here are close-ups of the cage which is what broke on my old brackets removing the subframe (There is a nut inside the cage):
Sub Frame Removal March 4, 2012
Determined that I have to grind the nuts off of the bolts. Ordered new firewall brackets from Classic Industries which should arrive tomorrow.
Driver’s Side with cage removed ready for grinding:
Passenger’s Side after two hours of grinding:
Brackets which I will be replacing. New ones should arrive tomorrow:
Sub Frame Removal Jan 26, 2012
I have tried spraying with WD-40 Rust Version for a week, then switched to PB Blaster for a week. Now am trying AeroKroil for a week. Also tried heating them with a Propane torch, but it won’t get them hot enough. Found this post to be helpful: http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=160328
Discovered that Classic Industries carries Firewall Brackets: http://www.classicindustries.com/camaro/parts/14945.html
I have e-mailed them to ask if these contain the cage nut and if so, I won’t have to be so careful removing the firewall nuts as I will be able to replace them!
Rotisserie – Feb 17, 2012
Received my new Rotisserie from Northern Tool. Saved $250 by having it delivered to the store and going to pick it up (at 600 pounds it was about all my truck wanted to handle!):
This is what it looks like once put together:
Next, I will need to get a body jig to keep the body straight while I re-do the sheet metal. The one I am looking at can be mounted on the rotisserie:
