i am thinking about making a ladder tube frame for a front engine dragster project. it will be a 4 banger with a 3 speed, crosley front and bug eye rear. Wheel base about 90". as light and simple as possible i was wondering what size tube and wall thickness to use. 1.5 od .190 wall for the top tube and 1" od .090 wall for the ladder part. is there a standard or a spec i need to meet so i can run it at nhra sanctioned tracks. i am not looking to go 300 mph just 12s/13s and a real big smile oh and did i mention its going to be powered by a full race model b motor with a riley perched on top thanks tom
mine is all 1 1/2 and 2 in sch40 tube on a 2 1/2 x 4in rectangle tube frame it's unkillably strong , no flex in it what so ever
sounds like a real rigid setup, but it may be a bit of overkill for my stuff i had planned on making the hoops,and ****pit area in 2" for the safety aspect tk
if it was me i would 2''cromolly.over kill is nice but being able to run it at any track is even better.when you build it if it doesnt look safe than the tec.guys at the track wont care what thickness the tube is just how many of them you have.
I would contact SFI and get the correct ch***is specs for the ch***is you need. Then build it as light as possible. http://www.sfifoundation.com/drag.html
If you want to run at a NHRA track, get a NHRA rulebook. This is a few years old, but it should get you in the ballpark until you can get an current one. If you're gonna run a single rail ladder frame, you might want to call NHRA's tech line. Larry T
thanks guys that is exactly what i was looking for. I emailed sfi and we will see if i can get a current spec sheet tk
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