Front Subframe Help

[JTurbs]

Folks 

Working on restoring my 69 1602 and today I'm getting the front subframe ready for blasting and powder coating. After pulling the bushing I noticed that the hole for it is misshapen - oblong rather than circular (as shown in the picture). I'm curious if there is any cause for concern - at least enough to cut, reshape, and reweld it back into place, or if its fine to leave it as is and just install a new bushing. Thanks! 

 

Edited April 3 by JTurbs
update picture

[TobyB]

If you're using a rubber bushing, it's totally fine.  Given the way it's misshapen,

I suspect it's been that way for 55 years, and I wouldn't worry much about it.

 

Your sway bar tab looks pretty mangled, though- if you're powder coating, it might pay

to make sure it's solid, as it'd suck to have it break off when you're installing the bar...

 

t

 

[JTurbs]

Quote

Your sway bar tab looks pretty mangled, though- if you're powder coating, it might pay

to make sure it's solid, as it'd suck to have it break off when you're installing the bar...

Thanks! As for the tab, yea is rather flimsy, but doesnt seem like it will break off anytime soon. There a noted way reinforce them or is it better to weld a new one on?

[tech71]

Kinda looks like the left side  broke at some point and was brazed back on.

[JTurbs]

12 hours ago, tech71 said:

Kinda looks like the left side  broke at some point and was brazed back on.

Just wire brushed off that spot and it looks like your'e correct. The other side is solid though.

 

the frame itself seems to have torqued a bit so I may take it to a body shop to see if they can straighten it

[JTurbs]

12 hours ago, tech71 said:

Kinda looks like the left side  broke at some point and was brazed back on.

Just wire brushed off that spot and it looks like your'e correct. The other side is solid though.

 

the frame itself seems to have torqued a bit so I may take it to a body shop to see if they can straighten it

[Rudy2002]

I can't see how that doesn't warrant replacing the subframe.  Hard to fathom how that bushing hole got tweaked oval.  It certainly took some force. Not surprised that the subframe is bent. If it's not perfect I don't think you will ever get the front end aligned properly

[tech71]

2 hours ago, JTurbs said:

the frame itself seems to have torqued a bit so I may take it to a body shop to see if they can straighten it

How long have you had this car? Any history of accidents/front end damage? Any abnormal front tire wear?

[JTurbs]

9 minutes ago, tech71 said:

How long have you had this car? Any history of accidents/front end damage? Any abnormal front tire wear?

So I've had the car for 3 years and its been sitting for about a year since I started slowing rebuilding it. Never had an issue driving it or with weird wear on the tires. The frame rails are square and solid, and with the exception of a few dings, no major damage. Here are a few photos of the frame where you can see where its torqued at the front passengers side and rear driver side areas.