Posted By: whitemtnelf
Frame stiffening - 04/03/09 04:04 PM
I'm resto-modifying a '71 Charger and am interested to know what others have done to stiffen their frame.
Things that I'm already planning:
1. using frame connectors
2. running beads along the front subframe joints. This is more to stop moisture getting in between the spot welds as much as anything else.
3. Following the recommendations for the K member.
Other areas that I'm considering are:
The shock tower has a piece of stamped steel running back to the firewall and it looks a little flimsy. I'm thinking about replacing this with something beefier. On my car these supports were welded directly to the firewall. I'm considering putting a plate on the firewall first and then connecting the support. I'm also thinking about running 1" square tube from this re-enforced area back to the A pillar.
Possibly running a hidden roll bar along the inside top of the roof. There's a lot of material from the rocker panels that stops near the roof line. I'm considering putting something to join these supports across the roof.
I'm also considering sliders for the rear leaf springs instead of shackles. Does anyone have experience with sliders?
This isn't going to be a drag racer or autocross car. It will go to the track on Friday nights for 'run what ya brung', I do it for fun not competition. The car will mostly be used for cruising long distances and winding it's way through the White Mountains of NH.
I'd appreciate any thoughts on these ideas.
Thanks,
John
Things that I'm already planning:
1. using frame connectors
2. running beads along the front subframe joints. This is more to stop moisture getting in between the spot welds as much as anything else.
3. Following the recommendations for the K member.
Other areas that I'm considering are:
The shock tower has a piece of stamped steel running back to the firewall and it looks a little flimsy. I'm thinking about replacing this with something beefier. On my car these supports were welded directly to the firewall. I'm considering putting a plate on the firewall first and then connecting the support. I'm also thinking about running 1" square tube from this re-enforced area back to the A pillar.
Possibly running a hidden roll bar along the inside top of the roof. There's a lot of material from the rocker panels that stops near the roof line. I'm considering putting something to join these supports across the roof.
I'm also considering sliders for the rear leaf springs instead of shackles. Does anyone have experience with sliders?
This isn't going to be a drag racer or autocross car. It will go to the track on Friday nights for 'run what ya brung', I do it for fun not competition. The car will mostly be used for cruising long distances and winding it's way through the White Mountains of NH.
I'd appreciate any thoughts on these ideas.
Thanks,
John