I think that X frame may be underestimated as to it’s rigidity. I suspect it has more resistance to torsional forces than a conventional ladder frame and probably as much strength in ‘beam’ loading. Besides, the additional frame embers would really conflict with the floor pan design and necessitate major floor work. Now, if one were building an all out drag strip ‘assault vehicle’ perhaps that would be justified or necessary. Where it probably is deficient is in a side impact collision. But, for a dual purpose street and occasional strip runs, it should be fine. Rear control arms may need some consideration, maybe not. In any case, a cool build and I am going to be following it, if I can keep up with the pace! Ray
Just go to google and look at any of the NUMEROUS shots of them launching hard at the drag strip with one front wheel way up in the air and the other still planted firmly on the ground and both rear wheels planted on the ground and rethink it just a bit.
You guys need to check out the "Twisted '60". It is a black 1960 Chevy Bel Air. I have never seen a car get so twisted out of shape when it launches. I think you are both correct. I had a '60 2 door post and from my experience there was flex in both the suspension and frame.
Both of my Drag cars do not flex the frames. i see all sorts of people welding plates and reinforcements all over these X frame where it is not needed! Yes you need to reinforce the critical torque area of the rear end of the upper and lower control arms as you can see i hit my cars with over 900HP and they are stick shift cars
BSL you bring joy to my heart with the posts of your W powered cars. Big smile on my face this morning seeing the back of the 62, wheels up and NY plates and black. Pat
BSL that rotisserie looks identical to the one I built, I was restoring a 60 Corvette and needed to support body full length so I built it with extendable bottom rails and rails to mount body to floor. Car is looking very good. Have you been to the Dover Nostalgia Drags at Lebanon Valley? Pat
This wagon is going to be great! I'd also echo @Chucky 's comment that it would be good to see what you recommend on beefing up the x-frames - I‘ll be starting a frame off rebuild on my big block stick shift '60 El Camino soon and it would nice to know what worthwhile improvements can be made.
Are we there yet? Geez you are flying! Did you sell the last one you did? Randy Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
We own a 60 brookwood and have had it for years. I never appreciated the styling until I saw your’s in primer. It made me take another look at it. Sad those days are gone. You’re work is off the hook.
Looking at the pic of the painted wheels the first thing I thought of was when did he find time to cut the grass... As a previous owner of two 60 Chevys I’m enjoying your build. You rock.
We had one identical to that only with the full wheel covers, 59-67. 283, three on the tree w/PS. This teenage boy kept it waxed shiny.
WOW!!!!! I see the air cleaner just laying there out in the rain.. Looks like somebody was working on it and died or something and walked away from it..
This is a great build, you're flying on it too. Keep the updates and detail coming. Paint soon, cant wait to see. I like the donor car too, post up whats left sometime, would make a good driver project for someone getting into "this world" any available sbc / auto would get it back on the road.
Again I may have missed something in your last two builds but do you do your own paint work? Home shop or elsewhere? Looks really great! Regards, Randy Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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