Starting frame rails this sunday, need any advice pics!

[Guest mescalinedreamz]

im using .125 2x3 tubing for the rails, they will be 2 inches high and 3 wide all the way down the car. Im getting some help on sunday. And i really dont know where to start. I have never done this before. I seen petes site and just need more info. Anything you can tell me that will help, measurements etc. What should i do first? Thanks

[SHO-Z]

I have never attempted what you are doing but have some experience with layout. First you need to set some control points, I would snap a chock line down the center of the car and one a 90° angle at the axel locations. Off of these lines I would lay out the edges of where I want the edges of my frame rails to be and snap another line there. You can use clear spray paint on the lines to keep them from rubbing off. This way you can drop a plum bob down or a laser level to get your alignment. I would also make sure that the car is level. You might want to drop a plum bob down and get some other control points off of the body to see of everything is staying in line. I do not know how much flex you will get if the body when you cut the floor to remove the old rails, temporary cross bracing bight good idea. I added 1x2” tube stock down my frame rails when I built my convertible Z. A good protractor square was well worth the money on that project for laying out angles. Just don’t get in a hurry, take your time and think everything out before you proceed.

[Guest Anonymous]

You need to plan how you are going to go about this before you cut. The other side will be easier. Looks like you are going to have to use the right side frame rail as a main reference point. Find a factory service manual and get the frame rail distance measurements from that. I just happen to remember on the 240 Z the distance inbetween the frame rails is 638 mm. you need to figure out how you are going to locate the rail in all three demensions. A water level will help you somewhat. When you do the other side, drill out the spot welds on the stock frame rail and keep as much of the inner fender well as you can. It may be rusty but it will help you locate the new frame rail. Good luck. Mark