Replacement Frame Rails

[Guest Jeff Rimmer]

I am looking for a manufacturer of front and if possible rear frame rails. I stumbled upon a company some time ago which manufactured the front frame rails, however since they are relatively simple, I plan on fabricating them myself. The rears are a little more complex and would require bending which I cannot do on my own.

 

So what I'm asking is A, a manufacturer and B possible alternative ways of fabricating the rears on my own? What have others done?

[pparaska]

Just wondering if you'd seen my design for "rear frame rails" if they are the same as what we've been calling "subframe connectors". Anyway, instead of bending, I cut, bent, and welded 2x3" tubing to make them. Pretty easy.

 

Here ya go:

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/pparaska/structuralmods.htm

[Guest Jeff Rimmer]

Originally posted by pparaska:

Just wondering if you'd seen my design for "rear frame rails" if they are the same as what we've been calling "subframe connectors". Anyway, instead of bending, I cut, bent, and welded 2x3" tubing to make them. Pretty easy.

Thanks, I did see your sub-frame connectors and have already designed a similar setup for my 2+2. However I am looking for the rails which run to the rear of the car and attach the rear suspension to the chassis.

 

I was in contact with a hydroforming company that I deal with here at work and in order for them to build the rails, they would need a fair size pre-order as expected, which would bring the price per set down to around $600. Not too shabby, however, this would be for a 2+2, and there isn't much of a demand for 2+2 parts these days from what I can tell.

 

I'm also looking for a company which sells replacement floor pans. Any luck there?

[Mike C]

Jegs, S&W Racecars, Strange, Competition Engineering and many others all make universal rear frame rails, and they may have several to choose from one of which might work for your app.

 

I was actually going to recommend Pete's setup as it's awesome!, but he beat me to it...

[Guest V8wannabe]

Try Zedd Findings,a guy named Charlie Osborne in Ontario Canada.

[Guest Anonymous]

That frame connector Pete did looks great, I'd seen it before but just refreshed my memory, very nice.

 

I'm wondering out loud here... Could sub-frame rails be created out of say 2x3" C rail, or even boxed, that would run from behind the seats with a plate underneath to tie into the roll cage main hoop legs and run up front where it would tie into the stock sheetmetal front frame rails.

 

Heres my idea, whatever is used as the frame rail sub connector would be cut to be the same exact width as the front frame rails where they attach at the firewall. On each side of the frame rail and welded to the subframe connectors would be 3/16" plate which would be welded onto the sheetmetal frame rails on either side. That way it sandwiches the old frame rail between two plates of new steel. Is that clear? These outrigger pieces would extend up past the crossmember/motor mount area and stop.

 

Is it feesable or does it create a problem with welding into questionable steel (This idea of course would only work where you have some frame rails left to work with, if they're rusted to crap this obviously wouldn't work).

 

I'm thinking along its length the sub connector would be tacked to the floor pan its full length (not full welds but runs of 2" or so every once in a while).

 

My thought is this would at least keep it from cracking off at the firewall.

 

Any thoughts on the idea?

 

Regards,

 

Lone