SGT Kirk
Foam injected frame
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 660
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg VA
Foam injected frame
Have any of you heard about injecting foam inside the frame to help stiffen it? What type of foam are they using? Can the foam cans that you buy from Home Depo work? I have a 68 convertible and any frame stiffening that can be done would help.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
I did it.
I have had forum members poo poo the idea because it will trap moisture.
I had the frame powdercoated before the foam injection and the foam seems to seal to the powder quite well.
I recommend the interior surface is cleaned and sealed before the foam is applied.
Now the important part, did it make any difference?
I believe it did. My 68 Vert used to rattle and squeak all over the place. The foam and seam welding the chassis took all of that out of the car. There was 5 years between the "a" and "b" test drives but she is a much nicer car to drive now.
The chassis still flexes a bit when putting it on stands (door gaps open up) but nothing like it used to do. The foam does add stiffness but it also acts as a damper so the chassis can't get into any resonance when driving.
The foam I used was supplied by a specialist and I can't remember the exact brand and formula used but it cost me 2 slabs of beer.
The chassis has to be bare so it can be manouvered around to get the foam into all the nooks before it expands
I think it was worthwhile.
I have had forum members poo poo the idea because it will trap moisture.
I had the frame powdercoated before the foam injection and the foam seems to seal to the powder quite well.
I recommend the interior surface is cleaned and sealed before the foam is applied.
Now the important part, did it make any difference?
I believe it did. My 68 Vert used to rattle and squeak all over the place. The foam and seam welding the chassis took all of that out of the car. There was 5 years between the "a" and "b" test drives but she is a much nicer car to drive now.
The chassis still flexes a bit when putting it on stands (door gaps open up) but nothing like it used to do. The foam does add stiffness but it also acts as a damper so the chassis can't get into any resonance when driving.
The foam I used was supplied by a specialist and I can't remember the exact brand and formula used but it cost me 2 slabs of beer.
The chassis has to be bare so it can be manouvered around to get the foam into all the nooks before it expandsI think it was worthwhile.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 660
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg VA
That’s great to know. As for retaining moisture and causing rust I would think it would help seal it out. But I don’t know that for a fact. I may try to locate someone who can do this for me if it only costs some beer. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by TheMongoose
Hey the new F150 has the frame filled with foam. They tought it for noise reduction. Can't make it rust that fast or they wouldn't warranty it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by TheMongoose
Hey the new F150 has the frame filled with foam. They tought it for noise reduction. Can't make it rust that fast or they wouldn't warranty it.
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what a job that would be!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
Fact is foam shrinks over time whether you drive it or not, it's simple aging process. Ford may be putting it in their frames but they also are selling a consumer vehicle with an intended operating life of 5-6 years.
I personally would like to think the frame of my Vet won't starting rotting due to trapped moisture when the foam shrinks in 5-6 years time. It's made it nearly 30 years and I'd like to think it could make it another 30 with the proper TLC. Foam in the frame just is too risky IMHO.
I personally would like to think the frame of my Vet won't starting rotting due to trapped moisture when the foam shrinks in 5-6 years time. It's made it nearly 30 years and I'd like to think it could make it another 30 with the proper TLC. Foam in the frame just is too risky IMHO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Originally Posted by big_G
Is that the same Ford that made the Pinto and the Roll-over....I mean Explorer?
Besides, we all saw how the Chevy pickups catch fire when you run into the side of them... why it was all over the national news and they wouldn't make that stuff up... would they...???
GUSTO
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Mason MI 82-93-04CE
Originally Posted by 78pacer
I think you mean the Pinto and the 'Exploder'..... 
Mike
Mike
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: RedOak Texas
I am in the process now. I am using POR 15 on the outside of frame than going to have all the inside Z-bart. My brother lives in Pa where road salt takes its toll and he had his truck done like this several years ago.