'63 Frame strength
 

Hi all,

I'm currently working on putting together a rear suspension for the '63 Tempest (a Satchell link on a Ford 9'' rear). Thinking ahead, while I have the welder and materials out I have been contemplating trying to strengthen the "frame" of the car a bit.

I already plan to bend-up and put in 4-point bar, but in addition I'm looking at those two frame rails (I don't have a better word for them) that run under the floorboard and follow its contour. They seem like they could be significantly improved... perhaps by cutting the floor above them and adding some boxed-steel tubing over them?

What have you guys done to modify the existing car (short of building a full frame, which I'm not really interested in doing for this particular project) to stiffen these cars up? Pictures for ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, with significant power and traction upgrades come the need for subframe connector upgrades.

In the "What tempest projects are you working on" thread posts # 250 and #257 have some good pics on what blueghost did to his car. Fine workmanship!

SSsshhhhh,,,Not too loud! His head will get so fat his hat wont fit!!

Too late; The wifes already out buying me a new hat. LOL

GT.

I used 2x2 square tubing, Worked great and added a lot of strength.
Also ran 2x2 out to the rocker and mounted the cage to that.

GT.

Thanks for the replies guys. I went back to the "what projects" thread and found your pics, blueghoast. That was right along the lines of what I was thinking as well.