Ric Posted June 4 Report Posted June 4 The strip I have on my '93 Cutlass convertible is rusted and bulging. Can it be replaced? How difficult is the job? Where can I buy the part? This is the way it was described to me... "The heavy-duty metal strip you are describing on your 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible is likely a structural reinforcement plate or subframe connector. These components are designed to enhance the rigidity and strength of the vehicle's frame, especially in convertible models where additional support is needed due to the lack of a fixed roof. The series of bolts hold this reinforcement plate securely in place, attaching it to the car's subframe and rocker panels. Over time, these parts can rust, particularly in older vehicles." Quote
jiggity76 Posted June 5 Report Posted June 5 There are 4 separate pieces per side for a total of 8 pieces for both sides of the car underneath the rocker panel or floor pan areas for structural support. I'm assuming these are the pieces or areas that you're referring too? None of them are available anymore or will be easy to find as separate pieces that can be purchased. They'll need to be fabricated or somehow swapped from a donor car that is of course not rusted or rotted. A rust free parts car or junkyard car will be your best friend here if you don't want to have someone make them. Quote
Ric Posted October 18 Author Report Posted October 18 It sounds like these are the pieces that I need except that I didn’t know that there are four per side. I’ve only noticed the one per side that runs from wheelwell to wheelwell on the rocker panel. Do you know if these are bolted on or are they welded on? I see that there is a series of bolts, but I haven’t investigated any further Quote
mycarsucks Posted November 25 Report Posted November 25 You have to fabricate it yourself, shouldnt be too hard yours doesnt sound that bad. If only a small section is rusted i would just fix that one spot and not replace the entire panel. If you replace the entire rocker and sill assembly you have to do measurements to make sure it isnt sagging when you put it back together because correcting the unibody sag is a whole can of worms and it can be a bitch to get the unibody alignment perfect. If you dont trust yourself to get the car straight then take it to a frame shop have them weld up the structure and then you can do the body work yourself Quote
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