Technical 1934 Ford Center X-Member

I am building a center X-member out of 1.50 x .120 Dom tubing and was wondering about the four ends that attach to the frame rails. I notice most builders angle the tubes at 45 or 90 degrees where they intersect the frame. I agree that ascetically they look better but I don't possess a bender. If I run them straight and cut the taper then the weld edge is much longer than on angled tubes and looks a little out of place. Any thoughts on not having them bent by a local shop which runs about $20 per bend and just using the straight tubes. I love the look of the Hot Rod Pro's X-member and Steadfast.


Just started this X-member today. Tubing will be notched and maybe use angled ends.


I have used the DF several times and copied the front portion on this build for a 34.


Here is how Roy Brizio builds his front legs. He uses an angled front leg.

 

Lynn...
Have you decided your exhaust run yet?
As you know things start getting busy when exhaust time comes around.
Just say'n.

 

Yes, right along side the transmission out the back over the ladder bars. I left plenty of room.

 

Here is the Hot Rod Pro X-member. Note the angled ends and staggered for clearance. I like the look.

 

Yes, my 32 ch***is looks a lot like that, I think this design is quite ***y.
If I had thought ahead about exhaust; I could have gone with my original plan of using Flowmaster mufflers, just wasn't room so we put Stainless Specialties bullet mufflers alongside the ladder bars, a pretty typical layout, I'm pleased with the outcome.

 

You can argue about the looks if you like. It will certainly be stronger with straight legs and the angled cut where it attaches to the frame allows more weld surface.

I for one like the looks of the straight tubes. Looks more race car and less street rod.

 

With the bends on the ends of the tube, it totally changes the location of the tubes. And if you're t******* them you have more adjustability in the location. With straight pipes they go from A to B and and that's it.

 

I am leaning that way tonight after trying to see how the angled ends would look or stick out. The original 34 had no angled ends in the channel.

 

Yes no angles ends on the 34 ,
but the angled ends free up a huge area near the bell hosing - for all the **** that tries to get into or thru that spot.