Yes the tubing is 3/16. Would you have used 1/8 in. ? I have a habit of overbuilding everything I do. But usually it is because that is what I have on hand.
With the layout you have, I think 3/16" is a good choice. Also, I don't know if you were considering the trans mount as chassis bracing. I might have used 1/8 for the straight parts but where it appears you are going to run exhaust through, 1/8 might have had flex if you have plenty of HP. and enough rubber on the rear to cause torsional twist.
I am looking at the crossmember as chassis bracing for sure. I see how you mounted yours. That idea had not come to mind, After some time spent looking things over yes I see the 1/4 in. plate would be overkill. So I have a plan just have to keep going. Thanks for the input.
When in doubt, make it stout. Flat bar doesn't have anywhere near the strength of tubing. It appears you are using a piece of flat bat to span the tacked up tubes. Granted the distance is short but I would rather be safe than sorry. Personally, I vote for the 1/4".
I have made some progress this week on the crossmember. It doesn't look like much but it is huge to me. I get a few holes drilled and installed some crush sleeves , plus started on a couple pieces of angle to weld to the frame, The best part is it will be easy to R & R.
The crossmember is finished and bolted in, Grade 8 Flange/Frame bolts and nuts using crush sleeves in the frame. Motor mounts are done. I have been working on the mounts for the trailing arm bushings ( rear of the lower control arm ) the plan is to get those mounts tacked in place and see where the caster setting is and go from there.
I worked on the piece of tubing for the bottom of the LCA mount, boxing the ends and adding a crush sleeve. Checking the alignment on the right side just To get an idea of where things are and it looks like zero camber and four degrees of positive caster with no shims. I can add shims under the black LCA mount and that will increase positive caster. So I am pretty happy with that.
So while I am working on this end of the truck I thought I might as well see about some hoses. Picked up a lower hose for a 66 Ford with a FE motor and it is so close. It just needs a little more length and a curve at the radiator end. That is off to a great start ! The stock Crown Vic caliper hoses are to short so those are out. I went by a local race shop I frequent and their parts guy sent me home with 3 different length stainless hoses with banjo ends on them along with the correct bolts for a trial fitting. Not my favorite look or it might be I am used to OEM rubber hoses. So I still have to work those out. But I have great friends in that whatever I need I can walk in to all kinds of shops and get what I need or use their equipment etc. It amazes me how well I am treated. Oh well I am old and "I digress" maybe they just feel sorry for me ! lol
The Jalopy Journal
