Frame Saver Install - Welding
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 5
From: Bothell WA
Frame Saver Install - Welding
I just received my front end frame saver kit (bracket and rollers) from A&A Corvettes. The instructions say to weld the bracket to the frame for extra strength. Are most people doing the welding or just using the bolts? If you haven't welded yours, are the bolts holding up or they getting bent?
- Mark
- Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,133
Likes: 144
From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (MRWHOOPPEE)
I had a shop install and weld them. The wheels are plastic so watch that you don't get the welder too close to them.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 5
From: Bothell WA
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (FunDriver)
For those of you who had them welded in, did you repaint the frame and brackets black after welding to prevent rust? I would guess you also need to be careful to protect the painted facia of the car from heat and splattering during welding.
- Mark
- Mark
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: Corona California
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (Mark VerMurlen)
I skipped the welding [about 2+ years ago] and checked a couple of times during the first few months - no problems. For what it's worth though, I haven't really "tested" the installation with a solid impact.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
From: Beebe AR
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (Mark VerMurlen)
I just received my front end frame saver kit (bracket and rollers) from A&A Corvettes. The instructions say to weld the bracket to the frame for extra strength. Are most people doing the welding or just using the bolts? If you haven't welded yours, are the bolts holding up or they getting bent?
- Mark
- Mark
I mounted them, removed the rubber wheels leaving the bolt to hold the frame in place, had them welded at a muffler shop, and then remounted the wheels. The cost is nominal if all they have to do is weld.
These and the frame rails saved my car from major damage earlier this year during a spin out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 420
From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (Mad_Dog)
I have used them *bolt-on only* on two cars, and both worked great. Never bent or loosened, etc etc. I guess if you have to mountain climb every day it might be good to weld 'em, but for occasional bumps and steep ramps, bolting works fine.
And by the way, I touch-up the bolt heads and nuts with a little dab of black paint and the 'Savers become invisible.
And by the way, I touch-up the bolt heads and nuts with a little dab of black paint and the 'Savers become invisible.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 158
From: New Bedford MA
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (tracy)
I did not weld mine either and they have been fine. In fact, I'm glad that they were not welded or it would have been much harder to slip the facia off when I had to take it off recently to repair a sheared tab on one of the foglight surrounds. I have been "saved" several times and the wheel frames did not turn or move. Well worth the $$$. Thanks again Andy! :)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (FredC5)
Mine are not welded and they hit almost every time I go in and out of my drive way. I have almost worn out the first set of wheels. I did however drill a second hole and I have two bolts holding each on. They are not going anywhere like that.
When I am ready to change the wheels out I may get them welded just for kicks.
When I am ready to change the wheels out I may get them welded just for kicks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
Likes: 79
From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: Frame Saver Install - Welding (KingTut)
Mine are not welded and have been used a whole bunch, being lowered 2"! They are in perfect shape. By not welding, it leaves me so many options to remove or replace or put back to stock when I trade it in, so I can use them on the next one. :cheers:
