Sorry to see this Jay -- but sadly -- it happens all the time. And it's not RideTech -- as it's happened with several folks around here with various suspensions. The rails in these cars were junk when they were new -- add 40 years of rotting... then put big sticky tires and track the crap out of em with half a zillion horse power... LOL
Somebody needs to make new frame rails that are .120 wall or better.... and you weld them in fully, instead of old weak single shear spot welds to sheet metal.
^^^^ Yup, yup! Agreed ^^^
Most of these factory "frame rails" are just too thin for the forces we put through them. IHMO, these sheetmetal rails really need to be replaced with 2"x3" x.120" wall "real frame rails".
__________________ Ron Sutton Race Technology
Last edited by Ron Sutton; 02-18-2015 at 10:06 AM.
Somebody needs to make new frame rails that are .120 wall or better.... and you weld them in fully, instead of old weak single shear spot welds to sheet metal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Sutton
^^^^ Yup, yup! Agreed ^^^
Most of these factory "frame rails" are just to thin for the forces we put through them. IHMO, these sheetmetal rails really need to be replaced with 2"x3" x.120" wall "real frame rails".
Gee, what a great idea, and the rail could be designed so that you could bolt a connector in the middle and have a modular three-section frame system.
Greg and Ron, thanks for the input on the frame rails. It is what it is so time to "capitalize" on the opportunity and make it better. We found some 2" x 3" x.120" rails from Competition Engineering. They are on their way to the shop.
The old ones are being cut out. The joke around the house is the firebird is now the Bird on fire. Going to be a mad rush to get it all done by GG's and USCA at TMS next month.
Hope to post some pics soon.
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Jay
1973 Trans Am "KLRBRD"
1969 Camaro SOLD
2014 Stingray Z51 SOLD
I can't say that I've seen a 2nd gen frame rail split like that before, but it does look very thin. With the Airbar holding the rails together, it looks like it pulled on it hard enough to break the mount off. Have you had the chance to call in yet? If not, I'll be happy to help out! We'll make sure you get straightened away.
Josh, I wanted to thank you and Chase for your help and assistance. I'm confident we will get it all sorted and back on the road soon.
__________________
Jay
1973 Trans Am "KLRBRD"
1969 Camaro SOLD
2014 Stingray Z51 SOLD
autoweld chassis also has boxed rear frame rails listed in 11 guage. never used them so don't know what the quality is like, just throwing it out as an option
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Project EARTHQUAKE:
72 Nova SS, Plans have changed a little:artmorrison front subframe, and rear 3 link, pretty much stock ls1 and six speed with a single turbo for around 550hp. with a few other things mixed in.
current cruiser: "The green machine"
'70 Impala 4drht, 26K original miles, 2" drop springs and large swaybars, drives pretty good for a land yahct
and why do we modify everything...."BECAUSE STOCK SUCKS"
Personally not happy with the fit on my Autoweld rails. I did not get the factory replacements though so your mileage may vary. When you call to order they really don't offer much guidance either.
OTOH, I've seen AME rails that come within 3/4" of fitting. Not bad from where I sit today...
Personally not happy with the fit on my Autoweld rails. I did not get the factory replacements though so your mileage may vary. When you call to order they really don't offer much guidance either.
OTOH, I've seen AME rails that come within 3/4" of fitting. Not bad from where I sit today...
The AME rails that came with my IRS matched the floor within a hair along the entire length. Very impressive fit.
Mike's Custom Cars had some very nice frame rails at one point. They were designed for minitubs.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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