Welding sub frame connectors

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Hey this is my first post ! I have a welding question.  I'm a welding begininer and I'm going to try and weld some sub-frame connectors to a mustang.  I've done a little mig welding (looked like crap but has held so far) and I'm in a welding class and have some practice welding with 6010 DC rods.  The subframes are to be welded to the bottom of the car and are probably between 1/16" and 1/8" thick (being delievered today aren't here yet to measure).  It's mostly horizontal welds and a little overhead welding.  The instructions say must be mig welded, but I'm wondering if it's possible to stick weld them.  I don't see why not if using the right rods (probably 1/16" or 3/32 6013 or 7014).  And i have a lincoln 180 mig welder, and a small 110 amp AC arc welder.  Thanks!
Reply:???Normally subframes are bolted to the body--not welded. The factory body has connection hard points to do this and distribute the significant stress thru the body.      You're saying connectors.Is this to rigidly connect the subframe to  the body--not using the compliant rubber donuts for bolting?       If the above is the case-presumably this is not for a street car?1-In the right hands stick can replace the MIG. The right hands-given a choice would use the MIG over stick.-Welding the connectors-into the sheet metal body--needs to be done right, the firsttime, lots of cleaning and prep, no undercut, fusion, good wetting, nice fillets, no heat distortion, doing alignmentchecks so the subframe is mounted in the 'correct' position, etc.Considering your own, admitted lack of experience and skill--this is a taskfor one that has what you don't. You won't have a second chance to correctyour screwups--let alone any issues of safety.Blackbird
Reply:Yes, they are basically rectangular tubes welded to the bottom of the car for rigidity.  The metal it's being welded to isn't the normal thin sheet metal like a body panel, if it were there wouldn't be much point welding to that for rigidity.  It's not really as complicated as it sounds.  http://www.maximummotorsports.com/co...iff/MMFL-5.pdf explains the process.
Reply:>>The right hands-given a choice would use the MIG over stickThe right hands-given a choice would use the MIG over stick<<I would agree with Dave Powelson, most people MIG frame connectors, been done thousands of times I'm sure.BTW, I have a Fox Body Mustang, is yours a FOX?Post some pictures when you do the work, there are a lot of car guys on this site.Regards to all.
Reply:Originally Posted by dave powelson???Normally subframes are bolted to the body--not welded. The factory body has connection hard points to do this and distribute the significant stress thru the body.      You're saying connectors.Is this to rigidly connect the subframe to  the body--not using the compliant rubber donuts for bolting?       If the above is the case-presumably this is not for a street car?1-In the right hands stick can replace the MIG. The right hands-given a choice would use the MIG over stick.-Welding the connectors-into the sheet metal body--needs to be done right, the firsttime, lots of cleaning and prep, no undercut, fusion, good wetting, nice fillets, no heat distortion, doing alignmentchecks so the subframe is mounted in the 'correct' position, etc.Considering your own, admitted lack of experience and skill--this is a taskfor one that has what you don't. You won't have a second chance to correctyour screwups--let alone any issues of safety.
Reply:I have done about 30 sets of weld in subframe connectors in from Fox body to the 03-04 Cobras. I have used many brands as well. The best ones I have welded in are Southside machine sub frame connectors (no longer in business). I have welded Steeda, kenny Brown to Maximum Motorsports connectors and many inbetween. They poweder coat these which I do not know why cause you have to sand that crap off anyway. As others have stated prep is the key where you are going to weld. Must be bare metal, no paint and esp. no undercoating. I have MIGed all of the ones I did. All of them have to be tweaked to fit correctly. The worst ones I have done were for a 04 Cobra. They needed tons of mods and notching to get them to fit which is the fun of aftermarket parts. This is one of the best mods you can do to a Fox body along with a strut tower brace. I have an 87 GT and to this day has no squeaks or rattles and drives totally different that a Mustang without subrame connectors.T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:You want the weight sitting on the tires when you weld it.If you don't want to stand behind our Troops, feel free to stand in front of them.
Reply:Originally Posted by dave powelsonConsidering your own, admitted lack of experience and skill--this is a task for one that has what you don't. You won't have a second chance to correct your screwups--let alone any issues of safety.