Hey fellas, lookin for advice on building my own frame for either a bucket or 30's-40's pickup cab. I want to build acompletely home brewed rat, but want it to be safe. Is 2x3 steel a good idea? Not decided on either a sbc or sbf, either way only looking for 300 horse, nothing real crazy. I am a talented welder and fabricator, and an experienced auto tech. so I am completely confident. just wanting to know what others have used. also, I am planning on using a ford straight axle front end and narrowed 8.8 rear. thanks in advance. chad.
To answer the only question in your post, Yes. And if you're going to build something and want advice from anyone on this board, you might want to refrain from ever using that "rodent" word. We're all about safe, traditional hot rods, not those spider-webby pieces of **** with Farmall or Allis Chalmers grille shells.
o.k. maybe not a "rodent" just a low budget build with a lot of parts already in my back yard. I'll spray some rustoleum out of my gun and make it shiny for all the purists out there. thanks for the reply.
Please please understand this isnt ratrodders.com or similar. Its not about having patina or not, its about being built safely and in a traditional (or variatons) way. Now if you use the search function there are heaps of great threads about building frames from scartch. If it was me I wouldnt use anything smaller then 4x2 steel. Perhaps go read a heap and come back with specific questions. Most if not all people here are helpful, well almost This is the 1st thread I read about this topic and a great starting point for further reading. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150434 Good luck and welcome.
X2 with what Panhead Pete said. Brian's thread addressed lots of questions that I had about doin' my own frame. Didn't have to do much searchin' on the HAMB after that...
Here we go again, a million people paying more attention to the fact you almost used the forbidden RR term (Which you already recieved the well deserved slap on the wrist for) and recieved pretty much no real answer, besides the all familiar search for it. The answer to your question is 2X3 would be fine with a heavier wall IMO (.188) and an x member. Personally I would use 2X4 .125 or .188 In my opinion there really isn't an overkill in the frame department. Keep it safe and have fun!
Welcome. 2x3 is ok if you are going to keep the wheelbase down to around 106". Anything longer than that, you'll need to step up to 2x4, otherwise the frame will bounce and flex. That said, 2x3 looks wimpy, imo, too dainty. With 2x4, you can taper or curve the front rails to give the frame some character. I'd recommend going with 2x4, minimum of 1/8" wall, but 3/16" would be better for maximum penetration on the joint welds. Just my $0.02, before taxes.
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