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Projects Channeled 32 roadster chassis

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by sko_ford, Nov 10, 2021.

  1. I'm still in parts collection mode for the next project which is a east coast style 32 roadster.

    I'm working on a plan for the chassis. Currently I'm the front ⅓ from 32 front section I have and rest 2x4 or 2x3 tube. Gaining a couple more inches in the cab.

    I'm sure this has been done before but I don't recall seeing any builds on here doing this
     
  2. I remember years ago Bob Bleed build a ‘32 style frame with the rail height significantly reduced from the firewall back. There where photos of the process or at least results posted to a thread.
     
    sko_ford likes this.
  3. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I just saw something on one having been done quite similar to what Wideglide74 said but the floor wasn't cut on it. They took a couple of inches out of the tops of the rails and set the body down so it looked partially channeled but the interior height didn't change.

    I'd say you are on the right track though. That will let it look like you channeled it six inches over a stock 32 frame but you don't have to raise the floor that much.
     
    continentaljohn likes this.
  4. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    20211110_224619.jpg I found the car that I was thinking about. it was on the cover of the Sept 2021 Modern Rodding but just looks like they set it down a couple of inches over the frame instead of a full channel when they took a couple of inches out of the middle of the rails.
     
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  5. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,188

    clem
    Member

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  6. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,188

    clem
    Member

    I am unfamiliar with this build, but the reason for the depth in the ‘32 chassis is for strength over the span of the wheel base. Trimming the chassis in this area negates the strength of the original concept, - a bit like notching the chassis over the axles. ( So it needs to be strengthened appropriately ).
     
    Just Gary likes this.
  7. Ratspit
    Joined: Dec 6, 2017
    Posts: 287

    Ratspit
    Member

    I notched the frame on my 34 PU project 2". Lots of work but the end result gave me the look of a full channel while maintaining as much headroom as possible. perimeter frame side.jpg
     
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  8. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,406

    alchemy
    Member

  9. My old boss at the rod shop talked about one built down here like that. VERY smart move to gain some inches
     
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  10. panhead_pete
    Joined: Feb 22, 2006
    Posts: 3,487

    panhead_pete
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Great idea!
     
  11. Ratspit
    Joined: Dec 6, 2017
    Posts: 287

    Ratspit
    Member

    Here is the picture of the sectioned 32 frame from the New England channeled roadster thread that Alchemy posted above.

    32 sectioned frame.jpg
     
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  12. X-cpe
    Joined: Mar 9, 2018
    Posts: 1,958

    X-cpe

    A question for those who have an engineering background. Would running a rib (similar to a boxing plate) down the center of the cut down area and a few inches beyond the its ends, along with the regular boxing plate, add enough beam strength and torsional rigidity to be worth while?
     
    Atwater Mike likes this.
  13. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,406

    alchemy
    Member

    I would think it couldn’t hurt.
     
  14. FrozenMerc
    Joined: Sep 4, 2009
    Posts: 3,093

    FrozenMerc
    Member

    It all depends on the geometry. One has to do the math to truly know. Most likely it wouldn't as you are adding material near the cross sections neutral axis, which doesn't do anything to stiffen a beam in bending. You need to add material as far away as possible from the neutral axis to stiffen a beam.

    [​IMG]

    If any of you are interested in learning a bit more about bending moment of inertia.

    https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/area-moment-inertia-d_1328.html
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2021
  15. well it sounds like I'm on the right track then
     
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  16. thunderbirdesq
    Joined: Feb 15, 2006
    Posts: 7,092

    thunderbirdesq
    Member

    the roadster has front half of 32 chassis with 2x2 .180” box tube under the body including a full X section from the same tubing, floor and tunnel are part of the frame, very rigid. Rear has t crossmember/spring mounted in front of the axle, helps keep the frame as short as possible. Looks like 6” channel but no interior height loss at all.

    the pickup has a 3”notched section under the body, cut the rails in the center and dropped the whole removed section inside the rail so the frame rail top holes stay put, then the whole works is boxed with a 3” c channel center, saves almost 3” on a 6” looking channel. with a 2” chop I still don’t fit in it well but I’m something close to a yeti.
    C7641444-437B-4FEB-A9BE-81079D5447A3.jpeg F808161E-E19E-40B2-BC40-DDFA93EAD293.jpeg F5055085-6BDB-4B5A-966D-4F5F03646AB9.jpeg
    5D825B9A-91C0-4C4C-A428-10B57FD41D9A.jpeg C78FACA4-1D60-42B4-AB4F-3E3CECB4E99C.jpeg 3F803EB9-71AD-46D3-914F-F5DAF3E477AA.jpeg ED06583D-C6B7-4A51-934E-F66907D320A1.jpeg EAD4C04C-C913-4C7D-BA28-AACBB4B7EAC7.jpeg
     
    sko_ford, Shadow Creek, rod1 and 2 others like this.

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