I just wanted to know if it made a huge difference where you weld it in. If I were to find a frontend that has all the goodies I'm looking for, could it be trimmed to fit, and welded in front of my motor mounts? I used an older picture of my frame, but I now have a set of Walton Fabrication mounts behind the area the arrows indicate and I'd hate to waste the money. Am I crazy, or does it make a difference in the strength of the welded section being that short vs. going all the way to the firewall? Thanks, 210
If anything it's probably stronger if welded just behind the suspension because it won't have as much leverage on your frame splices.
I hate to say it, but I don't currently have any idea. I was going to head to the wrecking yard today to get an idea of prices, availability and size. I'm not positive what model/year would fit yet. If anyone has any suggestions, by all means chime in! Thanks so far, 210
It seems like you'd be splicing right where the upper control arms/suspension area would be. I'm just another ***hole with an opinion, but I don't know if you'd want that joint in that area. Normally, the splice would be right at the firewall where you have a relatively long and straight section to put in a really beefy splice. But again, I have no basis for my opinion.
My dose centavos; get a crosmember from fatman or such, that MII stuff should be strong enough for an early 50's Chevy, and a whole lot easier! If you just gotta, measure an s-10, I'm think'n it needs to be narrow so's you can turn the wheels after you get it down "in-da-weeds"! LEE
If your thinking nova / camero it won't work for what I THINK you want. The motor mounts are in the X member area, well ahead of the suspension mounting points. It's not a very good choice for your car anyway. I'd go with an aftermarket X member. Some are even bolt in for your car. Or rebuild the stock suspension.
the stock crossmember unbolts. for a Camaro nova type clip, you have to cut the whole front of the frame off near the firewall (and it's too wide anyways). Either put in a straight axle, or one of the more narrow front ends. Motor mounts are always easier to make fit than it is to swap suspension.
I am putting a late 70's camero clip under a 1951 Chevy 210 right now in the shop. It worked out really well by cutting the original frame right before or behind the "kick" up in the front, and cutting the camaro clip about 2 inches behind where the steering box mounts...made 12 gauge peices to blend and mold in, and end result was very nice....took some work, but all and all...if your fab skills are decent and you have some tools, it was not bad AND WHATS THE RULE????.....measure 7 times, cut once (and then trim to fit)
Why put in a clip? Your front suspension should be good enough if rebuilt. I think you can get or make lowered spindles if that's your reason. I'd say that if you have to ask where to join a clip...you might be better off leaving it alone
good point...and honestly, the camaro clip is really a medocore set up, its not worth the h***le. I put it under because thats what the guy wanted, customers always right HAHA....but I would run stock, or a full on aftermarket setup...not worth the h***le to setup 70's technology, or should I say 60's technology made in the 70's.