Options to stiffen chassis 69 Firebird?

[simon455]

Full frame is still a better option on a STREETCAR, chassis already becomes pretty rigid ( I think he's more after that) and can benfit from using conventional body mounts which somewhat do help a lot with NVH.

I have a full cage in my 69, being 6' plus tall with a bucket seat already as low and as far back as it can be, if not strapped properly with a harness (usually use just the lap portion of the harness during cruising) and sitting relaxed in a comfortable manner it appears that the head will impact against the roll cage upper bar weather from the front or the side during unexpected impact. Hope that never happens to anyone!

There is no win win situation with these old cars when it comes personal safety especially when driven around today's society where a there is a lot of cluelss drivers around you driving distracted on top of it all. Maybe I'm basing this on the area where I live a little.

[Build-It-Break-it]

Originally Posted by simon455

Full frame is still a better option on a STREETCAR, chassis already becomes pretty rigid ( I think he's more after that) and can benfit from using conventional body mounts which somewhat do help a lot with NVH.

"My question is, what are some of my options to help stiffen the chassis?
Because I finally decided Air Ride was a must and not knowing of any aftermarket options that was designed to use Shockwaves at the time, I decided to use my stock subframe and already had it modified, sandblasted & powdercoated"

I think he already modified his front factory subframe and is trying to find ways to stiffen everything from there.

[Nativefx]

Originally Posted by Build-It-Break-it

"My question is, what are some of my options to help stiffen the chassis?
Because I finally decided Air Ride was a must and not knowing of any aftermarket options that was designed to use Shockwaves at the time, I decided to use my stock subframe and already had it modified, sandblasted & powdercoated"

I think he already modified his front factory subframe and is trying to find ways to stiffen everything from there.

Yes, I have already purchased the Air Ride, Baer Brakes, and 9" rear end with the Baer floater system so I may be to far to really consider a full frame. If it would have been an option when i started buying all of this, it might have been a strong consideration. I'm just looking for options to would improve what I have, and the Alston sub connector might take some research. I will have the exhaust custom made later on so that won't be an issue.

[Nativefx]

Picture of where we are at currently. We haven't started the metal work which will have a number of slick touches. Some of the things I'm using Flush fit glass, shaving and using flush door handles and grafting an all metal rear spoiler onto the body. The dash will be reconstructed to provide space for all things I want to mount.


Sub frame with level sensors installed. Hydratech Hydroboost and Baer Remaster


LS3 with Wegner Diamond Cut front drive. Don't worry, the ducting is only to help us figure out spacing for mounting other items.


Firebird front end which will also get some work done later on. Still mulling some ideas.......