Re: Rear frame supports.

by pila Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:03 pm

I haven't worked on mine yet. Sounds like it will get interesting, from what you guys are saying. I already welded gussets on the mounting areas for the the upper & lower control arms, and I didn't know about the braces until they were mentioned here.

Since my project is in an un-heated airplane hangar, I'm waiting for warmer weather ! Thumbs up

by Joe73 Tue Apr 22, 2014 5:59 am

If you welded to outside of the vertical piece, which u probably did otherwise you couldnt get the arm in, then you will be fine.

by dynchel Tue Apr 22, 2014 8:54 am

Hey joe, since you know about this problem ahead of time you could add a washer or two between the frame and support (to push it outward ie more to the center of the car) therefore centering it inside the existing mounting bracket (and making clearence for the e-brake bracket) Beer

by Joe73 Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:16 am

Thats definitely a good idea. I was also thinking of just tweaking it rearward a bit. Then it would clear.

by dynchel Mon Apr 28, 2014 1:32 pm

74Malibu383 wrote:I'd love to see some pics even if the frame is on stands.

Here you go...just finished the install today. Really would be nice if global west didn't put the stickers on upside down. Rolling Eyes

Rear frame supports. - Page 2 IMG_20140428_112738663_zpsy8a7bqqx

by Joe73 Mon Apr 28, 2014 1:50 pm

I was going to ask that. Mine didnt come with stickers. Then i thought they would probably just melt being so close to the.mufflers. is the washer supposed to go between the brace and tbe.frame? How did it work out on top of the cross member? Did you have to vrind the bolt.or.washer?

by dynchel Mon Apr 28, 2014 2:13 pm

I had to add the washer because the bolt that went through the crossmember was right next to the bracket for the center control arm. By adding the washers it moved the brace mounting inward enough to get a nut on. I would highly reccomend carefully checking this before proceding (especially since you have a new frame) I had ground a "flat spot" on the nut hoping that it would be enough...no such luck, but the flat spot does do nice holding the nut from spinning while torqueing down. I wish the stickers came loose, I am kind of anal about my car and them being upside down kind of bothers me.

by Joe73 Mon Apr 28, 2014 4:22 pm

Interesting. For me, putting a washer on the front of the brace would also give it room not to touch my e brake bracket. And move the nut inwards. Good idea.

by dynchel Mon Apr 28, 2014 4:24 pm

I have to overcome problems like this daily at my job so it comes naturally.

by pila Tue Apr 29, 2014 3:42 am

I may get around to installing mine in another week. Good info from you folks who have installed them. I'm just hoping the weather warms up a bit more Mad

Bill

by BBMALIBU Fri Apr 17, 2015 12:08 pm

DickMillerRacing makes this bar;

DMR-5029-A-R: A must for any GM coil sprung performance car whether using
a DMR rear suspension system or stock. If your car hooks you will eventually
twist or break the frame crossmember that the rear end upper control arms are
fastened to. These bolt on support pieces will help eliminate this dangerous problem
by triangulating both corners of the crossmember.

DMR-5029-A-R: fits 73-77 GM intermediate including Cutlass & Chevelle.

by Joe73 Tue Apr 21, 2015 11:39 am

I just got a response back from edit miller. I asked if the bars for the 73-77 had a bend in them to clear the rear seat floor pan. And also, if he had a pic of our model bar and what is the return policy.
The response I got back is that they all look similar to the one on their web page and that they have a 15% restocking fee if they are NOT installed.

I'd like to see what they actually look like.

by dynchel Tue Apr 21, 2015 1:50 pm

Hey Joe, I thought you bought the global west support bars?

by Joe73 Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:22 pm

Yes, i had them, then decided to return them. When they lined up with my crossmember they were inline with the vertical tabs for the upper arms. Even with a washer spacer. And then I was questioning how close it was going to be to my mufflers. I lime the bolt to bolt design better and no drilling my new frame.

by pila Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:53 pm

I've had mine for a while, so there's no returning them. I'll make them work by whatever it takes.

by dynchel Tue Apr 21, 2015 3:56 pm

Mine fit with minor spacing from a large washer.

by BBMALIBU Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:36 pm

Joe73 wrote: I'd like to see what they actually look like.

There might be a picture in the book he sells. I will look through it.

Also, I believe someone else makes the support bars that look like DickMillerRacing's bars.
I know I have seen them by someone else. I will see if I can figure it out.

by Joe73 Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:54 pm

That would be cool.

by BBMALIBU Tue Apr 21, 2015 10:48 pm

I ordered the DMR support bars about 14 yrs ago (still have the receipt). Although I told him I have a 1976 Malibu, he sent me the support bars for a 68-72 Chevelle (part number on receipt). I called and told him he sent the wrong ones, he said go ahead and install them, the bars were the same.

If I remember correctly the bars looked like they would work, but not for my car. That's because I have a 12 bolt rear end, and when it was installed we used heim joints and larger bolts for the upper control arms. The support bars are for a stock bolt size.

So if a 68-72 chevelle will work, the one I saw that looked like DMR that I mentioned is made by QA1.
http://www.qa1.net/suspension/street-performance-racing-suspension-components/tubular-braces

and Original Parts Group:
https://www.opgi.com/chevelle/1972/chassis-suspension/chassis-components/CH26429/

However, I noticed that PMT Fabrications has a picture of a curved adjustable support bar in their kit for our cars.
http://pmtfabrication.com/product/1975-chevelle-malibu-regal-le-mans-el-camino-442-rear-control-arms-trailing-arms

by dynchel Tue Apr 21, 2015 10:53 pm

The PMT fabrication bars probably mount to the frame not the upper control arm bolt. I have global west bars that require holes to be drilled near the mounts for the upper arms.

by bracketchev1221 Wed Apr 22, 2015 7:48 am

You can't go wrong with the edit Miller stuff. Whereas the other companies are interested in handling, edit Miller was first and foremost a drag race suspension designed to improve traction.

by Joe73 Wed Apr 22, 2015 7:56 am

I agree. After looking at his stuff I came to the same conclusion. I might order up a set and see what they look like with fitment. Id like to stiffen it up back there especially since Ive cracked my lca perches on my other frame. Dont want any issues with this frame especially with sticky tires and the stick.

by BBMALIBU Wed Apr 22, 2015 3:36 pm

dynchel wrote:The PMT fabrication bars probably mount to the frame not the upper control arm bolt. I have global west bars that require holes to be drilled near the mounts for the upper arms.

If PMT's picture is correct and the bars are curved, then I would have to believe that they may attach to the upper arm bolt. Only one way to find out, I will see if I can get a copy of the instructions.

Its too bad that Global West's description of their bars is a little deceptive

"Did you know? The factory used stamped brackets in the same location on many big block cars. The brackets have slotted holes for easy installation and allowing for production tolerances; unfortunately, slotted holes allow movement. With the Global West rear frame support for Buick, you will get the better support with a more precise fit."

I think they were referring to the 64-72 chevelles, not the 73-77's.

by BBMALIBU Wed Apr 22, 2015 3:38 pm

bracketchev1221 wrote:You can't go wrong with the edit Miller stuff. Whereas the other companies are interested in handling, edit Miller was first and foremost a drag race suspension designed to improve traction.

I was a little surprised that I did not see anyone mention DMR for rear suspension upgrades.

So, I will be at least one.....I am using their rear lower control arms.

by bracketchev1221 Wed Apr 22, 2015 3:41 pm

Anything that is not able to be bought through Summit or Jegs tends to get overlooked. It is also a small company without the flash and advertising.

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