Wrong.. you do not weld the TinMan connectors to the floor. Not sure where this comes from but I've seen a few people mention this and it not correct. They get welded inside the front rails and to the rear rails.

The TinMan connectors are great and highly recommended by a number of people on the forums. They look like 'full frame rails' when installed.

 

I got these. They fit well and serve the purpose. I also had them welded at the local muffler shop.

They are fairly easy to install. Either bolt on or weld on need to be welded to actually be effective.

I was told by several shops that the bolt on version fits better than the weld on version. I don't know if thats true or not. The price is the same so I figured I would just get these.

http://www.cjponyparts.com/product.asp?pn=SFC1

 

I like my TCP subframe connectors. They also have a crossmember that bolts in for added strength. The fit was perfect.

 

Thanks James,
It was your photos that sold me on the Tin Mans
Cheers,
Brian

 

I forget where I read it, but I do remember reading someone reccomend buying the bolt in ones, then welding them in. That is what I am doing...

 

I don't think it matters at all whether you bolt them in first, then weld them in. As long as they are welded in as they are solid and will never move as where bolt in connectors will flex some and move around whether you think they will or not. Maybe not enough to notice, but they will move a bit.

I used the maier racing subframes, they claim they will make the car very stiff as there are additional welding points vs. some of the others. They are pricey but how many sets will you ever buy? Probably one.

This about the best shot I could find at the moment.

 

What kind of level for concern dose one want to have about making sure that the body/frame is straight and has not sagged or twisted slightly over the 40+ years these cars have been on the road before welding them into that sagged/twisted position?

 

I used the Maier racing subframes and was very happy. They mount in multiple locations(four) front and rear. I was told to put under car, jack up and with rubber hammer bang the front forward to bottom out on frame rail. Weld. Lift back weld and then finish other two front and rear. The order may be backwards but instruction come with. Anyway still stiffened the car and tucked nicely under vehicle. Gives multiple points to lift vehicle after installation.

 

First and foremost make sure the frame rails on both ends are in perfect shape structurally where they attach.
Then check and do your floor pans if needed before you put the rails in.
It should be OK if everything is fixed and sound.

Lynn

 

here is a pic of our Tinman subframe connectors on our 67. As you can see they look like a stock set of rails.. if one didn't know our cars were unibody that is. Link to their product page.