Making The Frame
First things first--off with the old rails. And on with the
new.
Once the contour notch is cut for the rear-end, a new section
of 1/8-inch steel is hand bent and welded into the rail to correspond with
the rear-axle-clearance notch.
This is how we "get jiggy" at Hot Rods... Clamping
stations are spaced every 2-3 inches along the rail jig to ensure that the
profile comes out the same every time. Though "hand-made" all
of our frames are "inter-changeable" in their basic configuration.
Once the rails are boxed, they are removed from the rail fixtures and clamped
into the frame fixture. Each rail is clamped in over the front crossmember.
Like all compnents of the frame, the rear crossmember is held into the frame
with a locating fixture and welded into place.
A narrowed Model "A" crossmember is used up front
and the top of the frame rail is notched to allow easier access to the radiator
mounting bolts. The six-point K-member and boxed frame means that you can
add all the power you want up front because of the rigidity it will have.
Locators position each piece of 1x2-inch tubing, which are tacked in one
at a time, starting with the lower "level" and the center hoop.
The Vega steering box mount is inset. This view shows how
the mount is reinforced before the frame boxing plates are installed. It
is spaced from the outside of the rail, but not flush with the inside, which
allows for more steering shaft to engine clearance.
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff, 2324 Auto Park Way, Escondido, CA.,
1-800-HOT-ROD-5.
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff - builds, restores, paints, services
and sells parts for classic autos, cars, trucks and street rods.