vhenem
03-30-2004, 02:50 PM
I just received this little tidbit from a person selling Berlinetta Wiring CD's
There is a safety issue you need to be made aware of concerning the Berlinetta. GM did not reinforce the subframe on the Berlinetta and the sport coupe. Only the Z-28's and IROC's got reinforcements. At the time they did not consider it to be an issue. However in the coming years after production started on the 3rd generation f-body GM discovered a stress crack problem. It was the subframe in the vicinity of the steering box that had the problem. This results in the car's steering becoming sloppy. If left unchecked it will lead to subframe separation and loss of control. It is dangerous to drive one of these cars without repairs to the subframe and the reinforcements in place. I have discovered several cracks in my red car and have taken measures to repair this oversight. GM did not issue a recall. You need to inspect your car from underneath to see if this has occurred. If it has not then rest assured it will if given time. Photo's of the problem are enclosed in this sub folder.
The good news is that the braces to reinforce the subframes are plentiful and easy to find in the salvage yard. They bolt directly in place without having to drill and tap. You will need to find an IROC or a Trans Am in the salvage yard first. The main three braces are easily removed with a ratchet, socket and some elbow grease. Before you install your braces you will need to take your car to a shop that can MIG weld the cracks on the drivers side subframe. After these cracks are sealed you are ready to "brace" your car.
Anyone know off the top of their heads how much a repair like this would cost ? and is it worth fixing or should I just find another donor car, grab the good parts off it and cut my losses.
There is a safety issue you need to be made aware of concerning the Berlinetta. GM did not reinforce the subframe on the Berlinetta and the sport coupe. Only the Z-28's and IROC's got reinforcements. At the time they did not consider it to be an issue. However in the coming years after production started on the 3rd generation f-body GM discovered a stress crack problem. It was the subframe in the vicinity of the steering box that had the problem. This results in the car's steering becoming sloppy. If left unchecked it will lead to subframe separation and loss of control. It is dangerous to drive one of these cars without repairs to the subframe and the reinforcements in place. I have discovered several cracks in my red car and have taken measures to repair this oversight. GM did not issue a recall. You need to inspect your car from underneath to see if this has occurred. If it has not then rest assured it will if given time. Photo's of the problem are enclosed in this sub folder.
The good news is that the braces to reinforce the subframes are plentiful and easy to find in the salvage yard. They bolt directly in place without having to drill and tap. You will need to find an IROC or a Trans Am in the salvage yard first. The main three braces are easily removed with a ratchet, socket and some elbow grease. Before you install your braces you will need to take your car to a shop that can MIG weld the cracks on the drivers side subframe. After these cracks are sealed you are ready to "brace" your car.
Anyone know off the top of their heads how much a repair like this would cost ? and is it worth fixing or should I just find another donor car, grab the good parts off it and cut my losses.