Frame gussets
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz CA
Frame gussets
Here is a photo of my front end gussetts. I followed the procedure outlined in the old Chevy Power book. I also perimeter welded the frame as possible with the body on. Note the boxed frame rails where the anti-roll bar is mounted. All of this was done with 1/8" plate. The photo was taken recently during prep prior to under hood detailing.
[Modified by 68427, 11:22 AM 1/30/2004]
[Modified by 68427, 11:23 AM 1/30/2004]
[Modified by 68427, 11:22 AM 1/30/2004]
[Modified by 68427, 11:23 AM 1/30/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Re: Frame gussets (Twin_Turbo)
What are using for gusset plate material.......1/8"?
Doh yep it's in the text :banghead:
Steve :steering:
[Modified by stpman, 8:57 AM 1/29/2004]
Doh yep it's in the text :banghead:
Steve :steering:
[Modified by stpman, 8:57 AM 1/29/2004]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz CA
Re: Frame gussets (comp)
TT thanks for fixing my picture, it was working when I posted - I guess that's why it's free hosting.
A much earlier encounter with a curb resulted in the front crossmember slowly spliting along its seam at the leading edge allowing the driver's side forward a-arm mount to move around a bit. So I started by fully welding the seam, then added the gussets. Now, although you can't see it in the photo, there is a full-depth crack in the main frame rail right side starting about where the last gusset ends and continuing up and all the way accross the top of the frame rail. Scary. I never would have seen it with the motor in the car.
A much earlier encounter with a curb resulted in the front crossmember slowly spliting along its seam at the leading edge allowing the driver's side forward a-arm mount to move around a bit. So I started by fully welding the seam, then added the gussets. Now, although you can't see it in the photo, there is a full-depth crack in the main frame rail right side starting about where the last gusset ends and continuing up and all the way accross the top of the frame rail. Scary. I never would have seen it with the motor in the car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Frame gussets (68427)
Looks Great ... nice healthy gussets.
You have a new crack - after the gussets had been in ?
Where is it ? - passenger side ? side rail or front crossemember ?
I can't see it in the picture.
... not trying to hijack your post, but here is what I did in front ...
2"x1/8" piece from edge of control arm bracket - to outside edge of frame horn, then another 2x1/8 piece to help box in the sway bar mount area -
bent with about 3/4" radius at the top.
You have a new crack - after the gussets had been in ?
Where is it ? - passenger side ? side rail or front crossemember ?
I can't see it in the picture.
... not trying to hijack your post, but here is what I did in front ...
2"x1/8" piece from edge of control arm bracket - to outside edge of frame horn, then another 2x1/8 piece to help box in the sway bar mount area -
bent with about 3/4" radius at the top.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Re: Frame gussets (68427)
your pic does work if you copy the url and paste it in a new window's addy bar. When you saw the pic it was stored in your cache and that's why you could see it.
The problem with those free hosting things is they don't allow remote viewing.
The problem with those free hosting things is they don't allow remote viewing.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz CA
Re: Frame gussets (NHvette)
I like that diagonal brace on the bottom. I also added a steering box brace to the top of the box. If you sit the car on the ground and saw the steering wheel back and forth you will see the box flex quite a bit. Some kind of triangulated support can help a lot and should improve steering feel.
As for my newest crack, i.e. just discovered, see where I wire brushed all the paint off of the frame rail. If you look very closely you can see a creasent shaped thin line. It was not visible with paint and grease on it and it may be thin, but it goes all the way through on one side and the top of the frame rail. Driven much longer and it would've broken in two!
As for my newest crack, i.e. just discovered, see where I wire brushed all the paint off of the frame rail. If you look very closely you can see a creasent shaped thin line. It was not visible with paint and grease on it and it may be thin, but it goes all the way through on one side and the top of the frame rail. Driven much longer and it would've broken in two!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Santa Cruz CA
Re: Frame gussets (norvalwilhelm)
Yes, I plated over the hole and I welded in "crush" tubes at each mounting bolt hole. This was probably overkill since the factory inserts split tubes to keep the frame from compressing at the steering box mounts. Nevertheless, I now use larger diameter bolts and I am sure there is value in welding up any steel-to-steel connection on these frames
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Frame gussets (68427)
SNIP .... I am sure there is value in welding up any steel-to-steel connection on these frames
ABsolutely. It seems they did an OK job welding these frames together, but
much more attention can be given at a 'personal' level.
I noticed you welded in the rear of the shock towers, where mine were
missing about 6 inches of bead that can't do anything but help.
I'm starting to wonder, though ... with the gusseting and strengthening,
are we simply moving the destructive forces and concentrating them in
different areas .... or are we truly dispersing the forces over a greater area ?
Well, back to work .... :smash: :smash:
