Uh-Oh subframe

Was putting the gas tank in today (btw that is something i NEVER want to do again!!!!!!) and i noticed a possible big problem... the driver side subframe is barely attached!!!! it looks like a big fat bolt holds the subframe with a rubber bushing around it... but there is about a 1/2 gap between the subframe and body of the car, the bolt is still intact and holding the frame, but for how long? anyone know how to fix it? it looks like it'd be hard to get the bolt out because i cant get to the other side of it where a nut might be, unless it just screws into the body?
i guess im just lucky it hasnt broke off yet, im sure going 60 down the road and the frame coming off the body wouldnt be good at all!!!
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f357/Richardlss/Nova/frontsubframe.jpg
problem circled on bottom left in red... notice the difference between that and the passanger side :eek:

Does the bolt look like it may break if you try to take it out? If so then I would say you might have to pull the seat and carpet. Then I would try heat on the bolt and then see if it backs out. If it still doesn't come out the it may have to be cut. But with the seat and carpet out you will be able to see the nut under the seat brace. You may be able to heat it from this side as well. It is a 4 sided nut with a welded cage around it. You can try to drill and tap the nut but I personally found it to be faster to just cut the nut out and replace it. You may have to trim the seat frame support some to be able to access the nut. I cut the opening larger with a larger hole saw and saved the piece and re welded it back in. The sub frame appears from you photo that the hole as rotted through and now is very large. They do make repair plates for this area of the sub frame and are very nice pieces. They do require some welding. How is the rest of the sub frame. I am sure if one hole is gone, then the one on the other side is not far behind it.

good advice... i seen it around 5pm yesterday after i got gastank in and the old lady came out and was complaining we needed to go to store so i figured id check it out later, so i briefly looked at it around 11 just to get an idea of whats wrong... from what i seen it looks like the subframe is hallow, rubber bushing surounding the bolt in the hallow area, then on top of the frame before it gets to body of car it looks like a real wide spacer, then the body... thats pretty much what i seen... i've been under this car tons of times and never noticed it, the rest of the subframe is in great condition from what it looks, its the only part of the undercarraige that actually looks solid!!! well except this problem... you say you see a whole in the subframe... where at? i dont notice it (virgin eyes with this deal not sure what it looks like originally)

cutting bolts and getting replacements is easy for me, company right down the road that supplies every bolt and nut you could possibly think of... ill be able to go out there tonight and get a better look though

I didnt mean an actual hole in the sub frame. I meant that the hole that the bushing sets in appears to havent gotten larger from rust. Usually when the bushing goes as yours did, The hole gets larger due to Moisture build up around the bushing causing it to rust. If I can, I will get ya some pictures of a sub frame I am fixing for a 67 Camaro. The bushing looked as yours did when I removed it from the car. I also will see if I can get some pics of the floor side for ya so you can see what the nut looks like or its location.

hm... i know the bushing has expanded, rotted and cracked! its bad and needs replaced, but cant find it on autozone :( but ill have to take a good look at it when i get home to compare it to the good side, if you find those pictures of that 67 camaro id greatly appreciate it!! thank you for your advice and input

You might want to check with Paddock or another Nova parts supplier. I am not sure on the availabilty on the bushings for the 4th Gens. Hopefully a fellow 4th Gen owner can chime in on avail. Info. As for the pics, I will get them tonight and upload them for you.