Frame stiffners
05-02-2011, 09:38 PM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 341
Frame stiffners
I am aware of all the frame stiffners out there and appreciate all the prior info. The question I have is why can't you just weld a piece of channel iron from where the frame rails start at the front to where they end at the back. I also read where it was good to get the car off the ground and set it on 4 stands before welding frame rails in because most of the old uni-body's were actually sagging in the middle. any reason channel iron would not work? In my thinking it should be stronger than anything on the market. Any thoughts? Thanks
05-02-2011, 11:27 PM
#4
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Delaware(US) & Nova Scotia(Canada)
Posts: 2,035
I'd take rolled or square stock over channel however any of it would stiffen the car up from stock uni-body. Personally for the 165.00 bucks that Tin Man Fabrications wants for an excellent set of subframe connectors you cant go wrong. These are well made and use heavy gauge metal.. you don't need anything stronger.
05-03-2011, 08:52 AM
#5
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 341
I am aware of all the frame stiffners out there and appreciate all the prior info. The question I have is why can't you just weld a piece of channel iron from where the frame rails start at the front to where they end at the back. I also read where it was good to get the car off the ground and set it on 4 stands before welding frame rails in because most of the old uni-body's were actually sagging in the middle. any reason channel iron would not work? In my thinking it should be stronger than anything on the market. Any thoughts? Thanks
05-03-2011, 08:57 AM
#6
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 341
I'd take rolled or square stock over channel however any of it would stiffen the car up from stock uni-body. Personally for the 165.00 bucks that Tin Man Fabrications wants for an excellent set of subframe connectors you cant go wrong. These are well made and use heavy gauge metal.. you don't need anything stronger.
05-03-2011, 09:32 AM
#7
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 1,027
Thanks, Nice car. I am aware of Tin Man, have watched the install video and feel they are the best after market ones available that requires minimum fabrication for installation and they look good. That was my plans until I came up with this brilliant idea over the weekend. How do you like your Vintage Air. I was leaning toward Classic Air just because of their customer service. Why did you choose Vintage? Thanks.
05-03-2011, 01:37 PM
#8
6th Gear Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 5,232
I am aware of all the frame stiffners out there and appreciate all the prior info. The question I have is why can't you just weld a piece of channel iron from where the frame rails start at the front to where they end at the back. I also read where it was good to get the car off the ground and set it on 4 stands before welding frame rails in because most of the old uni-body's were actually sagging in the middle. any reason channel iron would not work? In my thinking it should be stronger than anything on the market. Any thoughts? Thanks
05-03-2011, 02:35 PM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 1,027
Back in the day I had a friend with a fastback, a lot of power and the right tires that could hook up. When they did the body would twist so much that rear window would blow out.
Coupes the flex too much will crack the filler along the lead line on the side above the qtr panel.
These were cheap 1960s cars, there is a lot that can be done to make them better, no reason not to.
