Boxing the Frame?

[Hot Air]

Has anyone boxed in the frame? You know, adding the fourth side to the "C" section of our frame...between the front and rear wheels? Wondering if it is worth the effort to stiffen things up. Already installed all the available braces but my T-Top car still squeaks like hell! I'm more interested in a g-machine than I am a drag car.
Conrad

 

[charlief1]

I now a few guys have boxed the frame, but most of them are high powered racers. I'll be boxing mine for safety. It will stiffen the frame and some say it isn't needed. I have T tops as well and decided it was the best way to keep the roof stiffer.

 

[Hot Air]

So, the question is....weld in or bolt (screw) on? Welding could be difficult unless the frame is separated from the body...how to you weld the piece to the top of the frame? As thin as I think the "C" is there, would you actually weaken the frame by welding? How about using big sheet metal screws to attach a new "C" section inside the existing "C" section? You would end up with dual "C" sections! I would drill a small (1/2" diameter) hole in the bottom of the "C's" to gain access to the top of the "C's" to install the sheet metal screws.

Any comments from those that have already done this would be great!

Conrad

 

[Hot Air]

Check this out. I Googled "boxing a frame" and found one was was to inset the vertical plate ~1/2" inside the "C" and lay a fillet weld down. That would be easily accessible to weld.
Conrad

View topic - Frame Restoration • GBodyForum.com - '78-'88 GM G Body Community

 

[Hot Air]

I just looked at my GN and it appears that the body will have to be raised up 6" or so off the frame to be able to weld the plate to the upper frame rail! The areas around the suspension mounting points (front and rear axle) are already boxed in. This could get interesting!
Conrad