UMI Convertible 3-Point Subframe Connector Group Purchase!
#42
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Although this GB is done I wanted to give this thread a bump because I just installed these yesterday and it couldn't have gone any better: fit was great, everything lined right up, hardware worked perfectly, and the pieces look nice under the car. Win all around; thanks for the nice product!
C
C
Glad to hear
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Ryan
#43
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Yesterday I finally got around to installing these. As an engineer in the manufacturing field, let me give you my opinion. This product is a 10/10 and is an extremely well thought out product from a design standpoint. The fitment, hardware selection, welds, powercoating, and tightness to the body are all top notch work! I couldn’t believe how well the bars hug the undercarriage, without any clearance issues at all. You can tell this wasn’t just hacked together- this product was well thought out from a manufacturing, tolerance, and fitment standpoint.
With that said, let me give some tips to installing these.
1.) Undo the rear control arm bolt, but DON’T drop the control arm. I did this on one side and the rear shifted. It took my neighbor to assist me in forcing the control arm into place while sliding the new bolt through the connector and the arm. Alignment took a long time and a lot of effort to line up. The other side I did NOT drop the arn, and alignment was much, much easier.
2.) While working on the rear end of the connector, have the front of the connector elevated near the subframe. I used a box for this.
3.) A magnetic pick-up tool helps with positioning the front bar the bolts connect to. I was expecting this to be a challenge to align up, but it was a very smooth process with the magnet helping.
I have yet to drive the car, as I’m doing several projects at once, but I have no doubt I’ll be happy with the seat of the pants test. I wish all installs where this smooth and straight forward.
In case anyone cares about weight, the bars and hardware come to 41 lbs. The bars came VERY well packaged as well. No way they were going to get damaged during freight. One of the few times my expectations were exceded for an aftermarket part. Good job UMI!
With that said, let me give some tips to installing these.
1.) Undo the rear control arm bolt, but DON’T drop the control arm. I did this on one side and the rear shifted. It took my neighbor to assist me in forcing the control arm into place while sliding the new bolt through the connector and the arm. Alignment took a long time and a lot of effort to line up. The other side I did NOT drop the arn, and alignment was much, much easier.
2.) While working on the rear end of the connector, have the front of the connector elevated near the subframe. I used a box for this.
3.) A magnetic pick-up tool helps with positioning the front bar the bolts connect to. I was expecting this to be a challenge to align up, but it was a very smooth process with the magnet helping.
I have yet to drive the car, as I’m doing several projects at once, but I have no doubt I’ll be happy with the seat of the pants test. I wish all installs where this smooth and straight forward.
In case anyone cares about weight, the bars and hardware come to 41 lbs. The bars came VERY well packaged as well. No way they were going to get damaged during freight. One of the few times my expectations were exceded for an aftermarket part. Good job UMI!
Last edited by 01 ss vert; 03-16-2012 at 01:32 PM.
#46
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Yesterday I finally got around to installing these. As an engineer in the manufacturing field, let me give you my opinion. This product is a 10/10 and is an extremely well thought out product from a design standpoint. The fitment, hardware selection, welds, powercoating, and tightness to the body are all top notch work! I couldn’t believe how well the bars hug the undercarriage, without any clearance issues at all. You can tell this wasn’t just hacked together- this product was well thought out from a manufacturing, tolerance, and fitment standpoint.One of the few times my expectations were exceded for an aftermarket part. Good job UMI!
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#47
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No, thank you. I'm so impressed, I've been doing some research on your site and I'm drooling for some front control arms now. I also saw you had a job posting for CNC operators. I would be open to it on the side if I was closer - I run a Mazak 5-axis, and have access to a Haas TL-2 and TM-2 just down the hall. Would be fun to work on automotive parts!
#48
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No, thank you. I'm so impressed, I've been doing some research on your site and I'm drooling for some front control arms now. I also saw you had a job posting for CNC operators. I would be open to it on the side if I was closer - I run a Mazak 5-axis, and have access to a Haas TL-2 and TM-2 just down the hall. Would be fun to work on automotive parts!
We currently run (6) machining centers as well as a variety of manual mills, lathes, saws, tube benders and press brake. It can be a lot of fun!
The Mazak's are awesome machines.
#50
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I love mine too but I have no pictures yet. I will get some when I get the oil changed and can get under it. Only problem is I scrape occasionally when backing out of the garage but I need to get more rock for the driveway and put it outside my garage bay so I don't have as far of a fall down out of the garage. Only scrape when I don't crawl slowly out of the garage.
#51
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Hi UMI, I am loving the subframe connectors and strut tower brace, but it is time to upgrade again. Could you PM me a "best price shipped" for the On-car adjustable panhard rod with poly bushings, and non-adjustable lower control arms with poly bushings, with the required grease, and sway bar end links for the front and rear. All in red please.
I was going to hold out until the next sale, but...just couldn't wait.![Icon Lol](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies2/icon_lol.gif)
Thank you, looking to hear from you soon!
I was going to hold out until the next sale, but...just couldn't wait.
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Thank you, looking to hear from you soon!
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#53
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After reading this post, I was convinced to put a set of UMI 3 point subframe connectors on my low milage CETA vert. Sounds like a real cost effective way to upgrade an already, not bad WS6 car. I purchased the car last August with 7500 miles on it and wished I had followed this forum a little closer when the SFC's were a group buy.
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Had these 3-point connectors (along with strut tower bar and tunnel brace) installed on my SS back in May this year. My buddy who owns a '01 Firehawk coupe noticed how stiff my convertible is compared to his car. Definitely made a difference.