Okay... Its just about ready to go back out into the shop and hopefully become a runner and driver before the end of summer. However, I have been kicking it around and I'm not sure whether or not I should box the frame. It's a '29 Model AA frame (Dubble AA) that has the stock '29 axle with '46 F1 spindles and will have a disc brake conversion on it. The rear is a Ford 9" out of a mid '70s pickup, using the original frame mount brakets - I salvaged them from the donor by cutting the rivets off the frame - then pinching the springs at the front allowing everything to be bolted to the frame. In the process, I shortened the wheelbase about 12-14", and now the rear springs are attached to the narrowed section of the rear frame - where is tapers to about 2" veritcally - and a 3/8" angle bracket to attach the lower section of the braket. The frame runs from a narrow stock type A frame front, gradually widening to about 6" in front of the cab and through the mid section of the frame, and then tapers down to about 2-2 1/2" at the rear section. I do eventually intend to place 3/8" thick piece of steel in the center of the rear frame rails that was given to me and has a lazer cut Ford script in it. I figure I'll back it with a brake/tail light, and the fact that it has a cut out for a receiver hitch will make it kind of cool too. I plan to run an '89 basically stock 350 with a 700R4, single quad tunnel ram and possibly even a very mild - possibly an RV type - cam. Nothing radical, as I plan for it to be a 10-11month out of the year daily driver, being only not driven when the weather is at its worst. So, knowing this, I ask you - the knowledge gods - should I box the frame? I'd rather not, but I defer to those who know more than I do.
You have plenty of frame, more than most pickups that come with diesel engines. Boxing it will just add weight.
Senior kicks the door in and yells "junior don't box the frame, I'm sick of this crap" Junior replies "fine I won't then, besides Vinny does all my work for me" Vinny says "I think he meant I won't box the frame for him" Mikey stands silently looking retarded and says "why would you want to fight a frame?"
225 people look and only 4 respond? Surely thought there'd be more interaction on this one - especially since there's a serious question involved. None of the 'legends' of the HAMB respond? No controversy? Nothing but crickets here? Wow....
I can't imagine you'd have to box a truck frame, they're pretty stout... but I'm no legend so who knows?
lol just watched that ep again yesterday. i think he shoulda did what the allmighty boyd said cos nobody ever built a hotrod before him and theres only one way to build one. besides id rather have my frame snap in half and kill me than be seen riding in that butt ugly t that he built.
No way it needs boxed. It is almost too stiff to start with for a light car. I did one and it has almost no twist. I shortened the rear to fit an A body and sectioned the rear part of the side rails to make it look better. <center> <br/><br/> </center> <center> <br/><br/> </center>
Maybe you need to sit the 350 in the frame and jack each corner in turn so you can measure the frame flex.
I would box it around the front suspension components and maybe a bit at the critical spots in the rear. It can be done nice and better safe than sorry. Not a full box.
Funny I should be reading this now. I just was oout to Gibbon today and Dwight Bond is doing the exact thing, except for a 32 PU 350 700r4. If memory serves me right even AA has a killer frame. I see absolutely no need to box any where. That frame is hell for stout all around. My vote is a NO!!!
I'm hearing you guys... here's the link to the original build thread. I'll add to it as soon as I can get rolling (pun intended) on this project again. Schools just about out for summer - just 5 more days for us! Anyway, here's the link: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=179243&highlight=Dubble+A I figure it shows what I've done so far pretty well, and shows the frame decently.
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