need opinions or facts would be nice too

[aktmracer]

So I have been tossing around the idea of boxing and bracing my frame. I'm pretty convinced its a good idea but need a few pointers. Should I blast the frame first and prime inside before I box it or just clean, box then blast? Does anyone have pics of how the did theirs? Ive seen a few that look great just want a few more to compare. I have the rest of the week off so thought here is a great chance to do it.
thanks

[mfain]

I bought a 66 Chevelle SS that was a partially completed project -- the stock frame had already been powdercoated. I bought a frame from a 67 El Camino (some rear damage behind the rear wheels) and I cut the factory skip welds that hold the inner box sections (standard for El Caminos and convertibles) and carefull removed the box sections. I blasted them and will have them powdercoated on the inside (the original 66 frame was standard Chevelle coupe, so the inside of the frame c-channels were already powder coated). I will grind the existing powdercoat off where necessary and weld the El Camino box sections on the frame using a skip weld pattern similar to what GM used, then I will have the powder coating touched up. I've included a picture of the box sections of the El Camino frame before I cut the welds (and a picture of the car they are going on). Good luck with your project!

Pappy

[aktmracer]

Thats a pretty good idea, thanks. After doing some more reading and thinking i decided to drop the frame off the get blasted yesterday. I figured that way i can get a good look at it all clean to inspect welds and overall condition. if all goes well I should get it back today.

[mfain]

Jeriah,

You have probably noticed that most of the Chevelle frames have the c-channel portion below the doors caved in (bent upward) from people putting floor jacks under them. Boxing that section prevents that. Also, the frames twist quiet a bit under high torque loads. That is the reason GM originally used a boxed frame in the '65 hp big block cars (Z11), but later decided it wasn't required. The boxed sections in the El Caminos and convertibles are plenty beefy and they add a "factory" look, but the frame could just as easily be boxed with steel plate.

Pappy