I might finally be getting my SFC's installed (been sitting on the shelf for over a year). What do I need to do to the car when getting them welded on? I've heard of people propping up the carpet, disconnecting the ECM and/or battery, etc.

What's really necessary?

(whoops, just realized I don't have a sig here yet. The car is a '99 Firehawk...)

[ January 11, 2002: Message edited by: 84ZZ4 ]</p>

 

Definately disconnect the negative battery cable before the welding begins. Get some POR-15 or Extend and put on the welds to prevent rust. Some say it is best to have the car on a drive on lift so the chassis is loaded. I did not remove the carpet and had no problems.

 

Hmm... what all does disconnecting the battery cable screw up? I'm used to my 84 where the only thing that happens is I lose my radio stations. Is there anything I'll have to do afterwards to get the computer happy again?

 

If you don't disconnect your battery, you'll probably fry your ECM to hell and have to replace it.

Your car will run like **** for about 10mins. DO NOT get on the throttle after you've just reconnected the battery. You want ATLEAST 25 miles on it for the ECM to re-learn.

You'll need something to remove the paint and powdercoat. If your in a welding shop, these tools should be available. Only remove what you need and nothing more. The less bare spots of metal the better. Trial fit before you grind off anything. You can try welding them w/o removing the paint, it should melt thru it. But be careful not to get the welder turned up to high as to burn thru the metal. <img src="gr_sad.gif" border="0">

A drive-on lift would be perfect but jackstands on the front A-arms and the rearend will work. You want the chassis loaded and level.

An extra pair of hands is a big help holding/lining everything up.

Don't forget to cover the welds with something like mentiioned above. I just used Gloss black Rustoleum since I have black SFC's and LCA's. I'm not a welder so don't know much about it. My cousin can weld like an artist so I hired him for a measly 6 beers and pizza afterwards. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Rick

[ January 16, 2002: Message edited by: NASSty01 ]</p>

 

I got them welded in last Saturday. There wasn't really any problems.

Disconnected both battery posts, and the only thing I lost was the time on my clock and which track the CD player had been playing. Kept my presets, car drove fine, everything. Cables were disconnected for a little more than an hour.