Ironworks 64-67 Chevelle Chassis build thread for Ironworks Chevelle test car.
 

Well Guys I had the idea to show you how we are going about building the first 2 prototypes 64-67 chevelle chassis of our chassis. We build one chassis out to solve all the major design issues, ride height, stance, floor interference issues, etc. Then we took what we learned and worked on the design on what we call the B model. This means the new and improved version. So today we started to assemble this chassis with the laser cut and formed parts. What is different about this frame from the Tri-5 chassis is the amount of press broke parts we had the laser cutter form to our drawing. We had a few issues in getting the parts to fit quite how we would like, but after working with them to explain what exactly we are trying to do and how precision we want and need these parts. We have been able to take a lot of welding out of the frame with this design, which welding is labor and labor is money, plus make it stronger and have less heat distortion to deal with.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...hassisJPEG.jpg

So follow along as we will attempt to walk you through how this frame is built.
We start out with flat plate that had tabs and slots to index and loate each part. Each and every one of these parts was painstakingly design and engineered in Solidworks. The bends that are in the parts are laid out in the Solidworks drawings and laser cutter forms them to our spec most of the time. :D
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011011.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011010.jpg

Then once all the parts are indexed and located off the first plate you end up with the right front frame horn you see here.
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011009.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011007.jpg

In this picture you can see the main side rails of the chassis. You can also the mass amount of laser cut parts that are needed to build just the front frame horns and the middle section of the chassis.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011025.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011024.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011023.jpg

Very cool Rodger.I have a buddy wanting a chassis for 1964 GTO.I will call you to discuss this.Scott

Thanks Scott, But let me post some really impressive stuff up first. We have 1.5 front frame horns and 2 side rails. I hope to have all these parts assembled in the am and be waiting on the next set of parts from the laser cutter. But I also have another customer who has 2 GTO's in the family, maybe he will be impressed. :D :D

Here are some more PDF drawings of the chassis before we cut this one out.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...S12-17-102.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...S12-17-101.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...S12-17-103.jpg

We have since gotten rid of the dimple dies.

Nice! Could you do one of these set up for an IRS as well?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Our plan was to offer 2 different versions, one with C6 rear suspension and a transaxle. And do another version that uses like a Speedway quick change or maybe ford 9" center set up for half shaft axles in the rear with with the C6 suspension with the trans in the standard position.

Let me know. Thanks Guys

Well here are some more pics of how that front rails go together.

The internal bulkhead plates lock in and are stitched in place. Then the side plates are lock in place begin to square up the assembly.
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011001.jpg

The outside rail plate is set in position and stitched to the bulkhead plates.
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011002.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011003.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011004.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011006.jpg

At the end you end up with this
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011008.jpg

Now the internal subrails go together like this. They are each a formed half.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011014.jpg

They interlock like this.
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...ary2011015.jpg

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...y2011011-1.jpg

Once they are tacked together you can see how the fit together and how the adjustable transmission crossmember will is located into the rails.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/t...y2011010-1.jpg

Subscribing:thumbsup: