i have a 1970 malibu that im doing frame off making a street car. i want to box in the frame. but in ding so wont be able to use the crossmember for the turbo 400. my body is off the frame and in another place so i cant do any measurements. i want to use a 2x2 box with a 1/8 wall. but not sure if the boxing will hit the floor. does anyone have any information in boxing in a frame or any pics that might be able to help me? my car has been sitting for 10 years so its ready to be worked on now!!!!!!!!!

boxing that framr should be like my 64 frame , check out my other post

Grease,

Do a search under my screen name about frames and crossmemebers and you should find some info. Also I have some photos on my website that is in my signature. Sorry, I don't have allot of time to chat right now. I'm getting on a plane in the AM. I hope this helps.

This is what i have done with my 67 Chevelle,
Not so good photos but you see what i have done...:)

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/chevrolet454/Picture011.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/chevrolet454/Picture010.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/chevrolet454/Picture009.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p171/chevrolet454/Picture008-2.jpg

Here's mine. :)

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/crossmember_bracket.JPG

Here's mine. :)

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/crossmember_bracket.JPG

showoff :p

Hey Derek, how much extra strength do you think you'd get it you removed the convertible additions, box it like you did, then reinstall the convertible boxing over the top?

How much of a difference is there when you box the frame? It makes sense for convertibles and fiberglass cars, but metal hardtop cars have a solid structure for the frame to fasten to. I think most of the A body frames flex around the firewall area. I undertsand a square has more strength than a C.

Wouldn't it help more to have another welded in crossmember? Similar to corvette frames? A-bodies have 2 main crossmembers and C2 corvettes had 4 main crossmembers and it is shorter/narrower

I can understand boxing the frame if you are planning on doing alot of road racing or have ton of power.

But how much of a difference is there?
How does it help to gusset the rear spring perches?

I wish I would have boxed my frame but I was ignorant and it is now powdercoated. I am willing to gusset some things but I don't see anything that would be neccsary. ideas?

Hey Derek, how much extra strength do you think you'd get it you removed the convertible additions, box it like you did, then reinstall the convertible boxing over the top?It would help, but I don't think it would really be worth the effort unless you were pretty serious about handling... and if you were that serious, a ragtop wouldn't have been your first choice. ;)

How much of a difference is there when you box the frame? It makes sense for convertibles and fiberglass cars, but metal hardtop cars have a solid structure for the frame to fasten to. I think most of the A body frames flex around the firewall area.These cars are way more flexible than you'd think, but yes, the firewall area is probably the weakest part. Boxing behind the cowl body mounts will help eliminate a lot of the flex in that area.

Wouldn't it help more to have another welded in crossmember? Similar to corvette frames? A-bodies have 2 main crossmembers and C2 corvettes had 4 main crossmembers and it is shorter/narrower?Tortionally, it would help a little bit, but I think you'd just be adding weight without much gain.

But how much of a difference is there?You won't notice a difference if you don't push the car's limits.

looks good how u going to make the crossmember?

since this show and tell, http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/ls7gto/sonycamera153.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f209/ls7gto/sonycamera153.jpg

looks good how u going to make the crossmember?I narrowed the stock one (cut it short and pounded the ends flat while applying heat) but I'm going to make a different one from scratch for added exhaust clearance.

make sure u take some pics when done and installed. i need some more ideas before i start on mine.

make sure u take some pics when done and installed. i need some more ideas before i start on mine.Mine's already under the car. :D

with our kit, you can use our tubular crossmember, or modify your stock peice. the deluxe kit also has boxing for the rear section along the tank and frt lower a-frame braces. the kits are lazer cut out of 11 gauge steel and have holes to keep the weight down. free shipping for a limited time Doug