AMD Suframes - Quality, fitment, and finish ???

[DAVEN1256]

I am trying to get some feedback on AMD subframes. I have read through the archives but still can't find the answers I am looking for.

Can anyone speak from their own experiace as to their quality, fit, and finish? Can anyone say if they bolt up to the body OK and if all the front end sheet metal and suspension components fit up to it correctly. And do they they hold up once installed and put through their paces on the street?...........or are they like so many other repro products....Close, but not quite right....and have to be modified?

I am surprised there has not been more discussion on them. You would think when these came out, that it would have been a huge breakthrough and everyone would be getting them..... I also wonder why the price has dropped twice since the were first introduced? Not selling well?

Thanks,
Dave

[Sauron327]

You could ask at Team Camaro or Team Nova. Subframes are not hard to find; and complete for less than their bare product.

[DT]

I have heard of fitment issues with body panels, look for a good used GM one. They are all over EBay.
Here is one on Team Camaro;
http://www.camaros.net/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=49848&cat=8

[68camaroz28]

You could ask at Team Camaro or Team Nova. Subframes are not hard to find; and complete for less than their bare product.

Dave, I agree with Scott! Try locating a donor sub-frame as there have been so many modified Camaro's its usually not too hard to locate/purchase.

[Mike S]

 AMD claims the chassis sags over time which accounts for the need to add more and more shims to the caster/camber. If that is true then wouldn't it sound logical that even though a used 40 years +GM chassis is available that you would still face the same sagging issues?
  Just a thought.

Mike

[Sauron327]

AMD claims the chassis sags over time which accounts for the need to add more and more shims to the caster/camber. If that is true then wouldn't it sound logical that even though a used 40 years +GM chassis is available that you would still face the same sagging issues?
  Just a thought.

Mike

Where in their product description is this stated? I'd like to see how it's worded. I never had a collapsing problem where repetetive alignments were required. It's not like a Mustang with collapsing towers.

[Mike S]

I'll find the exact article. It was either Hemmings Muscle Machines or Chevy High Performance I read earlier this year. It clearly mentioned inward chassis sag due to the design which can lead to adding more shims and it specifically referred to the repo replacement. I never thought that as a possibility until I read that and I never heard of AMD before that article so I went to the web site they posted to read more on the chassis. I was considering it for my hardtop when I restore that but decided to keep the original one out of nostalgic reasons.

Mike

[DT]

AMD claims the chassis sags over time which accounts for the need to add more and more shims to the caster/camber. If that is true then wouldn't it sound logical that even though a used 40 years +GM chassis is available that you would still face the same sagging issues?
  Just a thought.

Mike

I have heard of this as well. Moog even sells an offset upper control arm shaft to compensate.  Having said that, who wants to deal with body panels not lining up when a couple of shims and/or the Moog control arm shaft will solve the problem.  Jusy my .02

[Sauron327]

What's the % of subframes with this problem that requires shaft replacement? Not including hammered track cars. Not sure what it has to do with panel alignment since sheetmetal does not rely on the subframe for that. You can drop a subframe and the sheetmetal maintains it's position. Subframes are on Craigslist quite often.

[DT]

What's the % of subframes with this problem that requires shaft replacement? Not including hammered track cars. Not sure what it has to do with panel alignment since sheetmetal does not rely on the subframe for that. You can drop a subframe and the sheetmetal maintains it's position. Subframes are on Craigslist quite often.

Good point.  Here is something interesting:
http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=208615

[rooter11]

I used a AMD subframe and had no problem putting suspension together. The body shop put frame back on the body with no complaints and body lines look good. Front end has not yet been aligned. As far as the finish goes the welds are way better than factory. There is some spatter from welding but not bad. To paint I just went over it with scotch brite and painted. Over all I was happy with it. If you would like some pics send me your email

Rooter

[DAVEN1256]

Thanks to all who responeded to my original post. I was hoping to hear more favorable news about the subframes. I put this question out on Team Camaro too and so far, have heard more negative than positve.

The reason I put the question out on the AMD frames is that I just pulled my original frame out and got it stripped to the bare frame and found more damage than I expected. I thought the AMD frame might be the answer but now am not sure. I am going put out a post about my original frame to get opinions if it beyond repair or not....I am going to do that next and go from there.

Router11...Glad you had good luck with yours. I will take you up on your offer to send picture of your subframe. I will send my e-mail in a PM.

Thanks,
Dave

[JKZ27]

You know, people replace subframes for alot of reasons. Some people "upgrade" to a new style frame or remove a good one from a rusted shell, but also there are a bunch laying around that are bent or have rusted body mount points and you have to decide if its worth repairing. I replaced the frame in my 68 because it was bent. I replaced it with a decent used 68 camaro frame that cost me $400. I made sure when I went to buy a frame, I took measurments to check for straightness. As for the frames "sagging" over time and requiring additional shims... seems to me you would have to remove shims to maintain the camber angle, therfore, running out of shims.
I may have considered buying a new frame for my 68 if they were available at the time. My 2 cents. 

John