Plate frame rails?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
Plate frame rails?
Brainstorming here:
I'm having the frame on my 79 sandblasted and I plan to seam weld it. I'm also planning to install at least a 4 point roll bar, if not a 6 (would like a 6 but need to see how it impacts getting into the car and clutch foot clearance). I was wondering, has anyone ever added plate (ex: 1/4 or 3/16) to the frame rails to increase stiffness? Perhaps drill 2" holes ever 6" or so to both allow for welding and keep the weight down? Yes, it will add weight but it's down low and I would think it would add considerable stiffness, particularly out in areas that don't get tied into the roll bar (ex: in the front section of the frame ahead of the firewall).
Good/bad idea?
I'm having the frame on my 79 sandblasted and I plan to seam weld it. I'm also planning to install at least a 4 point roll bar, if not a 6 (would like a 6 but need to see how it impacts getting into the car and clutch foot clearance). I was wondering, has anyone ever added plate (ex: 1/4 or 3/16) to the frame rails to increase stiffness? Perhaps drill 2" holes ever 6" or so to both allow for welding and keep the weight down? Yes, it will add weight but it's down low and I would think it would add considerable stiffness, particularly out in areas that don't get tied into the roll bar (ex: in the front section of the frame ahead of the firewall).
Good/bad idea?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,201
Likes: 635
From: Thunder Bay
Sounds like a way to increase the weight without accomplishing much else. See if you can find an early edition of ‘Chevrolet Power’. It has a chapter on upgrading the C2/C3 frame for competition.
At least for a street driven car a great way to increase stiffness of the front part of the frame is to install a spreader bar between the upper control arms. Available from a number of suppliers.
At least for a street driven car a great way to increase stiffness of the front part of the frame is to install a spreader bar between the upper control arms. Available from a number of suppliers.
Last edited by drwet; Nov 3, 2020 at 10:08 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 114
From: Lawrenceburg, KY
I've got a copy. This was just another idea that was rolling around in my head.
