Installing Subframe Connectors

I spotted these subframe connectors after their discussion on Vintage Mustang Forum. Tin Man Fabrication made several sets for Forum participants and started selling on their website. I'd been researching the various choices, and these fit the bill. They are very well built, and reasonably/competitively priced.

Jim Crews at Tin Man Fab was super. I ordered Friday night, and they were shipped Monday. Jim was quick to correspond through email and sent a personal note when the units were shipped.

Source Information:

Source:

Tin Man Fabrication

19470 Nightingale St. NW
Oak Grove, MN 55011

763-753-4265

These subframe connectors are different than any others that I have seen, in that they line up with the front frame rails and extend that line back. They are formed in two directions, and closely follow the contour of the floorboard from front to back.

Others typically weld to the side of the front frame rail. Some actually require trimming of the floorboard. Neither was desireable.

To attach to the front frame, the end of the framerail is removed, either by a cutting wheel, or by torch, and the end is opened up. Two holes are opened on each side of the rail approx. 2" and 4" up on the sides of the rail. These are used as spotweld hole for the inserted tube.
Mounting:

The Tin Man subframes are made of 1/4" square tubing, and are very stout. The forward end has a 1/4" plate welded on the side to that when inserted into the forward framerail, fills the width of the rail. The foward end is inserted approximately 6", and 2 spot welds are made on each side. The end of the rail is also welded shut around the connector. The other end of the subframe comes to rest against the rear framerail, just forward of the leaf attach point. This also has a 1/4" plate that is welded to the framerail. Tackwelds are used to line up the connectors, then welded completely.