Constructing Your Hot Rod Frames

By Thomas Reynolds


When one mentions hot rod, the common understanding is that a car has been modified to increase its speed. The car is then ideally used in racing. It is unique and reflects the taste and style of the designer. You may build your custom frame. In this case, you need to have the necessary tools. These are a welder, some metal cutting devices, a few hand tools and most of all the motivation. You should not do this alone. The project is tremendous to be handled by one individual. Here is how you can create your hot rod frames.

You need to think of triangles. Every truck frame is a triangle with cross members. These should run across so that they hold the weight. They can also support the structure so that it does not twist or flex beyond repair. Triangles, unlike the rectangles, can withstand more force. To deform a triangle, you may need to have its sides stretched. This is not a simple task.

The cost of this activity should be at the top of your list. It may help to save some money if you are in ownership of a welder. You need to know how much the cost of getting the rest of the gear. You need to know how much gas, labor, and electricity will cost you. In this project, you may not have plenty of time to spend with your close friends and family.

You may at some point consider just purchasing that frame. This would mean that you would have followed the state laws. The local police department or the DMV could provide with information on the fee for having to tilt this new frame. These laws are different in every state. Take time to know what the rules in your state are.

The initial step would be to remove the engine, front and back end, and the cab. Ensure that you remove all the sections connected to the frame. Get rid of the rusty parts. This will then be helpful in getting your frame to the frame table. It is not necessary to have a frame table. The table, however, helps you complete the job quickly. You can weld without having to wait for the cooling of the structure.

On the frame table, lay your frame. The following step would be to make use of an air hammer and a torch to make short work of the rivets. These rivets are found almost everywhere. When you create a cross bracing, you should not get the cross member from the manufacturer. A strap will then help you in joining the interior frame wall.

Make boxing plates for the frame rails. Ensure that they match the rails. Mark the boxing plates to match the truss made. After doing this, then you can put everything together. At this point, you can install the engine and transmission. Install the exhaust to ensure the K-member is not in its way. Try to find the perfect place to fit the K-member.

The K-member can only work on the frame when it supports the lower and upper frame sections. You can then set the transmission to its original position. Now you can weld those joints that were not accessible. Flip that frame over so welding is easier. You can now also fill the holes that were under that frame. Flatten the welds in the frame. Sun blast or grind your frame then find a suitable color to paint it with.




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