There are a few reasons why you may want to remove a Camaro subframe. One reason might be so that you can clean it up and throw a nice coat of paint on it to improve the looks of your vehicle. Another reason might be to replace it all together, whether that be due to an accident or you have a stronger, more modern subframe to replace it with. Either the case, you’ll learn how to remove a 1970-81 Camaro subframe in this post.
Step 1: Spray Body Mount Bolts With Penetrating Oil
Begin by spraying the body mount bolts with a good penetrating oil, such as Aero Kroil, a few days prior to removing the body mount bolts. Doing this will help to loosen the bolts from any rust that may be there.
Step 2: Remove Everything Connecting your Subframe to the Body
Next remove everything that is connecting your subframe to the body of the Camaro. Here’s a list of items to remove or disconnect:
- Hood
- Fenders
- Inner Fenders
- Steering Shaft
- Wiring
- Heater Hoses
- AC Lines
- Grounding straps
- Shifter Linkage
- Driveshaft
- Subframe Connectors (if installed)
- Fuel Lines
- Brake Lines
- Optionally you can pull the engine and transmission
Step 3: Support the Camaro Subframe
Begin by placing jack stands under the rear of the Camaro subframe. You may have to jack the front end up slightly in order to get the jack stands under the Camaro subframe. Place blocks in front of and in the rear of the tires on one side of the vehicle in order to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Step 4: Remove the Body Mount Bolts
It’s now time to remove the four body mount bolts so that the Camaro subframe can be removed. The body mount bolts may be difficult to remove depending on how rusted the body mount bolts are and how long they have been in the car. Given that, you’ll want to work them out or else you may break the cages loose. If the cages do separate, then you’ll have to cut the floor pan to access the cages. If the bolts do loosen but seem to be tight, try tightening and loosening the bolts, spraying with penetrating oil as you do.
Step 5: Remove the Subframe
Jack up the body of the car in order to create some space between the Camaro body and the Camaro subframe. Use an extra set of jack stands, or your DIY wheel stands, to support the body of the car. Then jack up the rear of the Camaro subframe and remove the jack stands supporting the Camaro subframe. Then lower the rear of the Camaro subframe onto wheel dollies, a jack, or your creeper. Finally, move to the front of the Camaro and drag the subframe out from under the Camaro.
