So I took some measurements last night as I want to make some subframe connectors for my Barracuda. It's a 66 and I'm looking for more rigidity as I'm going to put some bigger springs and tires on there and there is not a lot of rigidity in the chassis. I already plan on adding in the Torque boxes as well while I'm in there.
Since there are not any available for the shorter wheelbase early A body chassis, are there any tips/tricks I should know as I roll my own?
This is in line with my interests.
One thing you can do is to add a layer of steel to the inner rocker boxes. That is the part that you step over when you get in your car. Some cars have a more pronounced drop then others but most uni-body cars that I've seen have some vertical surface here that can be re-inforced. Use a piece that has a 90' bend in it so that it can tie into the floor or to the top of the rocker box if that will work. Spot welds are all that is required. You can do this by simply drilling holes in the metal and then just filling the holes by welding to the metal under it. Use at least 16g steel but if you have room you can use up to 0.120".
If you want even more rigidity, don't just connect the ends, weld the whole thing to the floor pan, too.
Good info guys. Thanks. Any recommendations on the type of metal or gauge I should use? It seems I'll have a lot of room.
For the welding to the floorboards, Is stitch welding enough or should I lay down a full bead on both sides?
Stitch welding is OK. Make the beads no more then 1/2 inch long. I prefer to drill holes in the metal and then weld the hole up. If done right you can then grind the weld flat and you won't see where you welded.
You'll need to log in to post.
