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Converts only-X frame box?

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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 06:01 PM
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Default Converts only-X frame box?

I have my X frame off and wondered if anyone thought of boxing it to make it stronger. I also thought about put 1/4" plates on each corner for jacking. Any thoughts?

Strick :flag :flag :flag
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 06:13 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (Strick)

Or just replace it with a stronger one: http://r-dracing.com/CROSS-FRAME.htm
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 06:19 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (Strick)

My thought is if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I put my car through all kinds of torture and have never needed any extra support from the cross brace. Plus, have you thought of the added weight?
As for jacking, I put my floor jack on the pinch weld in the center of the door jack it up where I need it. Then I place jack stands at the pinch welds between the arrows. That way I can still remove the cross brace for tranny work or whatever else I have to do under there. Been doing it that way for close to 10 years now with no twisting problems. I've left it up like that for weeks at a time.
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 07:21 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (Strick)

I don't suspect there is anything to be gained by reinforcing it. The x-brace works by keeping the car from sagging in the center and twisting side to side, so you could use two cables to do the same thing if there was enough clearance. I modified one for my coupe and the most important part of the installation was making sure there was no "slack" in the brace when it was installed, otherwise it wouldn't be doing anything except adding weight and reducing ground clearance.


[Modified by vetracer, 12:22 AM 4/23/2003]
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 07:23 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (Fast Glass)

My thought is if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I put my car through all kinds of torture and have never needed any extra support from the cross brace. Plus, have you thought of the added weight?
As for jacking, I put my floor jack on the pinch weld in the center of the door jack it up where I need it. Then I place jack stands at the pinch welds between the arrows. That way I can still remove the cross brace for tranny work or whatever else I have to do under there. Been doing it that way for close to 10 years now with no twisting problems. I've left it up like that for weeks at a time.
:iagree: Totally :D

With a vert, you should have the Z52 package which includes additional frame braces at front and the extra cross member just ahead of the radiator.

That's about as stiff as you are going to get.

My 88 rdstr has 104,000 miles and I added the 30mm front and 24mm rear bars to make it even stiffer.

The only squeak I have, with the top down, is some where around the center console, sounds like leather on leather or plastic on plastic. No rattles either.

Some tricks I have learned...1) tighten up every screw, nut and bolt you can see, once a year...don't overtighten. 2) apply a lite coat of silicon dielectric grease at door posts, lock bars, top lid,...anywhere metal can rub against metal.

:steering:
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 08:15 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (jackdaroofer)

I have this plan too. It will work. I've heard of several other people doing this with great results.
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 09:58 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (Raysur)

Okay, I just dropped it off at the welders, really good pro, for just the four 1/4" plates, not much weight-maybe a good turkey meals worth of weight. I'll let you know how it comes out. :cheers:

:flag :flag :flag
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Old Apr 22, 2003 | 10:51 PM
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Default Re: Converts only-X frame box? (Strick)

You're right on target and it will probably weigh less than the cross frame. I'm surprised we still haven't heard from anyone mounting up a cross frame. :steering:
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