Attention Tri-5 Chevy guys. Ironworks Do-It-Yourself chassis.

[ironworks]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I can see a downside. Some cheap ass buys it along with a new welder and goes to town and it's all tweaked. I'd certainly cover my aise with some instructions on how to weld it with settings, moving around while welding, and break time. We all know just how inept the general public can be.

That's why I wanted to try some of these out on a few different people and see what they thought about instructions and different assembly procedures. There are alot of under achieving dumb asses out there. I want to develop a website with the build of these "TEST" frames to be built and street driven in a build series.

I also thought about not selling the suspension until the frame passes a visual test..... Selling a dumb ass a 1000hp crate engine has to be a bigger risk then selling a guy a DIY frame....

[J2SpeedandCustom]

Rodger have you thought about including fixtures to keep the tolerances correct? After you tack it together you installed 3 or 4 cross braces in specific locations (make it like the body mounts so you can't screw it up). That way you know that when "Jimmy" goes to town with the 110 welder at least the geometry will be correct. Because you know a DIY'r is going to assemble and weld it on the garage floor.

For example Kyle @ DSE developed a jig for their 1st gen coilover conversion. You bolt the jig into the engine mount holes and it locates the brackets for you.

[ironworks]

That is the idea we are using. The rear crossmember behind the bumper is 1.5" tubing we cut that piece to 40.75 and cap both ends and slide the open holes on the end of the chassis onto that piece of tube and weld it flush on the outside and you now have aligned the rear of the chassis and set the width. We also use the lower link mount for the 4 link that is in the chassis. Plus the front crossmember tabs through the inside and out plate of the frame rail.

You guys should build a Tri-5 with one of these chassis's. Tracy was talking about getting one to see what the dream weaver could do in an upholstry shop.

[slow4dr]

Hey Rodger,

I've been thinking about doing something like this at work but this would certainly save me a ton of time. Anyone know if the mounting locations are the same between the Chev and the Pontiac?

-J

Unmolested

[Musclerodz]

Originally Posted by slow4dr

Hey Rodger,

I've been thinking about doing something like this at work but this would certainly save me a ton of time. Anyone know if the mounting locations are the same between the Chev and the Pontiac?

-J

Unmolested

brings up a good question Rodger. Which body is the frame setup for? sedan, ht, wagon, vert? Most bodies share most all same mounting points except for a couple locations either added or moved depending on which body is being installed.

[ironworks]

We have checked hard top and sedan and will be doing a Convertible very soon. I have not done a wagon yet, but that is the one I have been told is just a bit different. I guess that would be a good point in selecting a my testers. I have had an over whelming response from people wanting to try these frames out.

[J2SpeedandCustom]

Originally Posted by ironworks

That is the idea we are using. The rear crossmember behind the bumper is 1.5" tubing we cut that piece to 40.75 and cap both ends and slide the open holes on the end of the chassis onto that piece of tube and weld it flush on the outside and you now have aligned the rear of the chassis and set the width. We also use the lower link mount for the 4 link that is in the chassis. Plus the front crossmember tabs through the inside and out plate of the frame rail.

You guys should build a Tri-5 with one of these chassis's. Tracy was talking about getting one to see what the dream weaver could do in an upholstry shop.

I'm building a 57 right now, but the customer's budget didn't allow for an aftermarket chassis. But I'm far from a garage guy if I bought one it would go one the chassis table and get welded down before we burnt it in.

[ironworks]

Just to answer some peoples questions here are some assembly pics of a rail going together.

[Ummgawa]

Customcam, do you own or drive a 55-57 chevrolet? Rodger seems by all appearances to be a stand up guy, he has throughly explained the system, that it's 'in progress', it was engineered, and it's obviously not for an amature that just purchased a used welder on ebay.

Originally Posted by customcam

Definately would need a Jig and a great welder for it to not Warp...! Looks very thin. Have you driven the prototype ?

This comment answers itself, is it really necessary? Its a pile of laser cut pieces that meet thickness requirements and was designed by an engineer, needs to be assembled...

Originally Posted by customcam

http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41317

The above link is just unecessary, which one of these 'mates' are you? Why do you choose to bash a vendor here?

Originally Posted by customcam

Uncalled for...

Originally Posted by customcam

Very funny how you get your Knickers in a Knot if people dont approve of you 'Desiiign & Engineeering' dare i say....!
Oh what about the Engineeering.... hmmm Any real world testing? Hmmm
Nothing...
If they screw up welding this and comes off the road hurting himself or Others?
Public Liability Heard of that?
I cant wait to see the rest of it

The only person with 'their knickers in a knot'...is you! You have left Rodger no alternative but to rebut you! It's in the prototype phase! The only negative comments are from you. Every comment on Lateral-G is positive but yours! I think this is awesome in it's simplicity and innovation.

We have a very friendly forum here, and we are not the world police. Rodger has the credentials, the builds, the coverage, the business, the web presence, the awards...that equals credibility.I live on the other end of the USA from Rodger,and I don't have a horse in this race, but I have followed this thread.


Enough is enough.

[James OLC]

Just to follow up on what Jim was saying above...

If somebody does not think that they have the skill to assemble this - then there is no need for them to buy it. If you are not a competent welder you can warp a stock subframe (or full frame) without due care and attention and - if you are that person - I would suggest that a DIY kit is not something that you should invest in.

On the other hand - if you have basic welding skills or access to a skilled welder then this frame may be exactly what you are looking for...

Very cool Rodger - great innovation - I can't wait to see in at Del Mar.