The main supporting structure of an automobile onto which other components are attached is known as a vehicle frame. Almost all motor vehicles manufactured before 1930s have this skeleton which is separate from their bodies. In the course of time things changed as manufacturers shifted to unibody construction. This means that the bodywork and the chassis are integrated into one another.
However, hot rods still feature a frame that is separate from their bodies. As such, it is one of the things that make them unique. Having a separate frame allows for placement of large engines. Larger engines in turn allow for greater linear speeds. Also, hot rod frames support other mechanical components of the vehicle besides the body. Hotrods have stronger frames that enable them to deal with the dynamic and static loads without having any undue distortion or deflection.
There are a number of static and dynamic loads handled by the frame on hotrods, including cargo. Additional loads include the vertical twisting and torsional motion resulting from traversing over uneven surfaces. The road condition causes extensive lateral forces thus hotrod designs include a chassis for speed and withstanding these forces.
Steering motion of vehicles and side wind can also cause transversal lateral forces. The frame should be designed in that it can endure unexpected impacts resulting from collisions. Forces from longitudinal tensile forces and the engine transmission from starting, compression of brakes, and acceleration should also be put in mind during construction of hotrod frame.
The ladder type frame is most commonly constructed for hot rods. So far, it is the oldest and simplest of all designs. Typical ladder frame has two channels, beams or trails that are symmetrical. They two run the entire length of the car and are connected by transverse cross-members. The cross-members are placed after a certain interval as deemed fit. Like any other design of frame it has its shortcomings and advantages.
First advantage is the capability to provide proper beam resistance. The rails cutting across rails from front to the rear are the cause of this merit. On the contrary, if the quality of the cross-members is poor or simple it offers poor resistance to torsion or warping. One other factor one has to face during the ladder construction is to manage the total height of the automobile.
Generally, once a vehicle has ladder type frame its height tends to increase. This is brought about by the fact that a floor pan has to be added to the frame. In fact, the floor pan sits over the frame as opposed to sitting inside. Fortunately, since frames for hotrods are custom built this problem can be addressed easier before the work begins.
To conclude, a person must have their chassis produced by the best for safety reasons. Normally, experienced chassis producers are the best at this are they are better positioned to include the specifications that a person wants. It is the experience coupled with innovation that makes this possible. As hot rods are unique, a person must ensure that the uniqueness is also captured in their chassis.
However, hot rods still feature a frame that is separate from their bodies. As such, it is one of the things that make them unique. Having a separate frame allows for placement of large engines. Larger engines in turn allow for greater linear speeds. Also, hot rod frames support other mechanical components of the vehicle besides the body. Hotrods have stronger frames that enable them to deal with the dynamic and static loads without having any undue distortion or deflection.
There are a number of static and dynamic loads handled by the frame on hotrods, including cargo. Additional loads include the vertical twisting and torsional motion resulting from traversing over uneven surfaces. The road condition causes extensive lateral forces thus hotrod designs include a chassis for speed and withstanding these forces.
Steering motion of vehicles and side wind can also cause transversal lateral forces. The frame should be designed in that it can endure unexpected impacts resulting from collisions. Forces from longitudinal tensile forces and the engine transmission from starting, compression of brakes, and acceleration should also be put in mind during construction of hotrod frame.
The ladder type frame is most commonly constructed for hot rods. So far, it is the oldest and simplest of all designs. Typical ladder frame has two channels, beams or trails that are symmetrical. They two run the entire length of the car and are connected by transverse cross-members. The cross-members are placed after a certain interval as deemed fit. Like any other design of frame it has its shortcomings and advantages.
First advantage is the capability to provide proper beam resistance. The rails cutting across rails from front to the rear are the cause of this merit. On the contrary, if the quality of the cross-members is poor or simple it offers poor resistance to torsion or warping. One other factor one has to face during the ladder construction is to manage the total height of the automobile.
Generally, once a vehicle has ladder type frame its height tends to increase. This is brought about by the fact that a floor pan has to be added to the frame. In fact, the floor pan sits over the frame as opposed to sitting inside. Fortunately, since frames for hotrods are custom built this problem can be addressed easier before the work begins.
To conclude, a person must have their chassis produced by the best for safety reasons. Normally, experienced chassis producers are the best at this are they are better positioned to include the specifications that a person wants. It is the experience coupled with innovation that makes this possible. As hot rods are unique, a person must ensure that the uniqueness is also captured in their chassis.
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You can get a summary of the things to consider when selecting a builder of hot rod frames at http://www.hotshoehotrods.com/index.html right now.
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