Beefing up the rear frame 1st Gen Camaro

[Jr]

Hello all,

Instead of replacing the rear frame rails, I'm looking for ideas on how to beef up the rear rails. From what I've read, the rear rails aren't the strongest metal on the car. Any help would be appreciated.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

what are your plans for the car and how bad are they now? rusty, dented?

[Jr]

Plans are to run usca events and local tracks. There are no dents/ rust. I started with a good California car.

[Ron in SoCal]

My humble opinion, the best way to beef up the rear frame rails are to replace them with solid 2x3 units. Lots out there to choose from, and one of the more established companies is Autoweld (scroll down):

http://autoweldchassis.com/spec.ivnu

In the absence of that, if you're mini-tubbing you can put 1/8" steel reinforcements or box the internal structure of the rails. Then there's the Mark Stielow way which can be found in his recent build thread post #70.

I'm not sure what the answer is (i.e. do it or don't), but if you're in the media blast stage and want to reinforce them now would be the time.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

My humble opinion, the best way to beef up the rear frame rails are to replace them with solid 2x3 units. Lots out there to choose from, and one of the more established companies is Autoweld (scroll down):

http://autoweldchassis.com/spec.ivnu

In the absence of that, if you're mini-tubbing you can put 1/8" steel reinforcements or box the internal structure of the rails. Then there's the Mark Stielow way which can be found in his recent build thread post #70.

I'm not sure what the answer is (i.e. do it or don't), but if you're in the media blast stage and want to reinforce them now would be the time.

recommended.

if you are going to weld in a rear suspension you can just tie into a cage and subframe connectors. most aftermarket suspensions are supported by a cross support or box so the actual full length frame rails are there for the ride. I'd re-weld most of the factory spot welds.

[Jr]

Originally Posted by Vince@MSperfab

recommended.

if you are going to weld in a rear suspension you can just tie into a cage and subframe connectors. most aftermarket suspensions are supported by a cross support or box so the actual full length frame rails are there for the ride. I'd re-weld most of the factory spot welds.

Agreed.

[Jr]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

My humble opinion, the best way to beef up the rear frame rails are to replace them with solid 2x3 units. Lots out there to choose from, and one of the more established companies is Autoweld (scroll down):

http://autoweldchassis.com/spec.ivnu

In the absence of that, if you're mini-tubbing you can put 1/8" steel reinforcements or box the internal structure of the rails. Then there's the Mark Stielow way which can be found in his recent build thread post #70.

I'm not sure what the answer is (i.e. do it or don't), but if you're in the media blast stage and want to reinforce them now would be the time.

Thank for the link. I will also look at Stielows thread