bad dog framerail fitment issue

[280z4me2]

Just got around to putting on my bad dog frame rails on my 280z. The fitment seems to be messed up. This is how they fit all the way snug and still have bad gaps on front and back. Any suggestions???

 

[rayaapp2]

I installed a set on my 260Z(240Z style). I used full length rails though.

I was glad to have the excess metal. You will need to trim it. Its better to have more than be short! With all the variations in these S30's there isnt a way to make a set of frame rails that fit all 280Z style or all 240Z style rails. More than half of these cars have been jacked improperly underneath or what-not causing stretching or warping of the metal.

 

I had not problems dealing with Bad Dog. I bought one of his first runs at the full length rails. I received a miss-cut rear rail on one side(So it was obvious between both sides) and he was wanting to replace it, but I declined. I just wanted to make him aware of the issue in case it was possibly an issue for any of his other customers so it could be addressed.

 

If you think the rear of the rail should go farther give him and email or call and see what he says about your concerns. Those fronts look right though for what he supplies.

 

Hope that helps

[280z4me2]

It's not just one side. Both fit the same way and both are built the same exact way. You guys ever cut your old rails off before welding on bad dogs?

[Namor]

The fitment was similar on mine.  You will just need to cut/bend and modify them.  At the rear, I re-cut the corners further forward and then bent the center down to get a tighter fit.  In the front, It was really just a matter of "persuasion" to get a relatively tight fit.  Honestly I never even thought twice about it because weld in parts will rarely have a tight fit all the way around.  Just got a Tabco rear quarter patch panel and its the same story.

 

Oh and on the passenger side I replaced the rail itself with a Zedd Findings rail.  The front fit better on the passenger side, I don't really remember the back.  It's definitely not worth cutting the rail out unless you have to.  Just modify and be done with it.

Edited December 24, 2012 by Namor

[rayaapp2]

The only time I remove the rails is when the rails are rusted through in spots or its obvious that the rails are rusting from the inside out! I remove them to clean and install a new rail under the floors while treating what I can before hand. Most of the time I am doing something like this though its because Im re-enforcing the car not replacing rails.

[gnosez]

The answer seems to be that the rail was placed too far forward on the TC rod box. Moving it back an inch would help.

[280z4me2]

That picture is an illusion. It was actually even with the very end of the subframe. I had to weld the rear into position. Then after cutting the Jack stand tabs I had to bend the front down and Tac it into place.

[rossman]

Glad you figured it out.  I wouldn't call that a fitment issue.  I'd call it an opportunity to hone your fabrication skills.  You're welding prebent sheet metal to 40+ year old sheet metal.  Its not going to be perfect.

Edited January 26, 2013 by rossman

[wesmc]

Looks like a pretty good place to start from.  Agree as stated above, you want to have extra and be able to trim.  Also agree that removing the old rail is probably not the way to go.