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 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

[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.

[3_z28camaro]

Art Morrison offers a replacement rear frame and several suspension types.
http://artmorrison.com/camaro.php

One of the main reasons I went this route was my original frame rails were damaged. Then during removal of the old rails I found that the original spot welds did not contact the body.

[Build-It-Break-it]

I think people over think things sometimes about the difficulty of doing something simple. I reinforced my rear frame rails pretty easy for about $20 and some 11 gauge flat plate. About 6 hours (3 hours each side)of making a template, cutting,prep and welding.The reinforcement plates run the full length of my inner frame rails and wrap around to the lower frame rail.

I'm going to be running the Speed Tech torque arm and wanted added strength and to spread the load across the full length of the frame rails.

I just tried to ad the images but for some reason I can't. I can email them to you if needed so you get an idea of how to do it. Or you can resize them and post them for me so everyone can see??

I think $600 or more to fully replace the frame rails plus the time isn't needed unless the frame rails are rusted.

[Jr]

Ahmad,
Send me a pm with your email address. I will be more than happy to post the pics online.