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2x4 Mandrel-Bent Frame for F-Bodies

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What would you be willing to do to install a full-frame chassis?

  • I'll do anything. Cut parts of the firewall, floors and trunk completely out and fab new pieces.

    Votes: 7 26%

  • I'll fab a trunk or a a portion of the firewall, but I won't cut the floor out.

    Votes: 3 11%

  • I don't mind fabbing a new floor, but I wont touch the trunk or firewall.

    Votes: 1 3.7%

  • I would only cut the floor if I had a pre-made floor pan to weld back in.

    Votes: 16 59%
  • Total voters
    27
  • Poll closed .
21 - 40 of 44 Posts
#21 ·
Matt,

Thanks for considering what I was trying to explain. I think some triangle gussets at each crossmember's ends on both sides would do wonders for stiffening it up.

I see why you have the exhaust tubes now, but I don't want my car that low b/c around here "speed-bumps" are a bit-h!! And I don't want to run an air-bag suspension either.

pdq67
 
#23 ·
You didn't include an option in your poll for those who are not willing to cut any part of their car. You might have a better overall picture of what percent of Camaro owners would use your product if you included that option in your poll. Just a heads up for you.
 
Discussion starter · #24 ·
Midlife Cruiser said:
You didn't include an option in your poll for those who are not willing to cut any part of their car. You might have a better overall picture of what percent of Camaro owners would use your product if you included that option in your poll. Just a heads up for you.
Click to expand...
That's correct, I did that on purpose. In my beginning post, I stated that there is no way that we can make this fit without modifications. So basically, it's not an option. We'd love to do it, though.

People who want to go that route should look into Wayne Due, he has an excellent subframe.
 
#25 ·
Guy's,

That's why I mentioned the thought's on my way of looking at this to Matt b/c I don't want to "Pro-" my car!

But rather I have "RESTIFIED" it to the hilt!

Springs, Shocks, Poly, S/F/C's, S/B's, Al. Rad., Trunk Battery, "pdqCBB" Set-up, (front & rear), P/S and Modern Tires and Wheels........

But I like the idea of a modern frame if somebody wants to modify to that extreme?

pdq67

PS., if I as going to extensively modify my car that much, I would Big Red Clone it and be done with it, 588" motor AND all!!
 
#27 ·
Camcojb said:
It appears it's going to continue for a while anyway. Tough to say about the future though. I have a friend who has a list of clients who'll pay $50K to $65K for a 69 Camaro that has a nice paint job, lowered, nice wheels/tires and a big block crate motor and manual trans. No 4 links, no minitubs, no exotic suspensions. These are quality cars, not hacked together, but then again they aren't anything rare or numbers matching either, just base coupes done in the above fashion.

Jody
Click to expand...
Hi Jody,

I'm curious, why isn't there a selection in your pole for
"No....I am not willing to cut at all"
You may be suprised at the number of members here that make that selection.

There have always been people to mod cars, no matter what the car.
But in the end, there are those like myself who realize the one thing you can never do, no matter how much money you have, is make the car original again.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
markr said:
Hi Jody,

I'm curious, why isn't there a selection in your pole for
"No....I am not willing to cut at all"
You may be suprised at the number of members here that make that selection.

There have always been people to mod cars, no matter what the car.
But in the end, there are those like myself who realize the one thing you can never do, no matter how much money you have, is make the car original again.
Click to expand...
As in the original post, I stated there isn't any way I can feasibly design a frame that will require no cutting. The way mandrel-benders operate, it just can't be done right now. Hopefully that will change in the future, but that's the way it is right now.

So, in nutshell, the builder who does not want to cut their car is not our target. I'm trying to focus on those who is OK with cutting the car, but the question is how much. Any unibody car will require some cut, fab, and weld work.
 
#29 ·
Silver69Camaro said:
As in the original post, I stated there isn't any way I can feasibly design a frame that will require no cutting. The way mandrel-benders operate, it just can't be done right now. Hopefully that will change in the future, but that's the way it is right now.

So, in nutshell, the builder who does not want to cut their car is not our target. I'm trying to focus on those who is OK with cutting the car, but the question is how much. Any unibody car will require some cut, fab, and weld work.
Click to expand...
Sorry...I see your point.
You're evaluating POTENTIAL customers.
My mistake.
 
#30 ·
Matt,

I see your point but if you would look into doing it like I suggested AND not slam it so far down, I figure it would be a winner! (As a possible second offering for guys like markr and myself)...

I figure the way mine would be designed if I was to ever do it, (which I can't b/c of the lack of tools and such), would be a high-strength, more tire clearance in front total bolt-on job.

The only holes would be where the angles would contour fit the rear uni-body s/f's is all unless I am missing something?

pdq67
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
Paul, remember you can get this for any ride height. You can make it look like a 4x4, or a Ferrari. It's your choice, and the cost is the same either way. I'm experimenting with your idea also.

One thing that I'd LOVE to do is make a bolt-on subframe, Camaro-designed rear clip (tri 4-bar or 3-link), and SFCs all in one package. Imagine, a C-5 front clip with 15" 6-piston brakes, enough clearance for massive tires front and rear, and minimal cutting to the floor. Then you get 1.0+g cornering WITH the lightweight of a unibody, AND reduced cost. What do ya guys think?
 
#32 ·
Silver69Camaro said:
One thing that I'd LOVE to do is make a bolt-on subframe, Camaro-designed rear clip (tri 4-bar or 3-link), and SFCs all in one package. Imagine, a C-5 front clip with 15" 6-piston brakes, enough clearance for massive tires front and rear, and minimal cutting to the floor. Then you get 1.0+g cornering WITH the lightweight of a unibody, AND reduced cost. What do ya guys think?
Click to expand...

I'd pay for that. Seriously.
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
Infamous said:
Only problem is....my wallet wouldn't.
Click to expand...
Believe me, I understand.

But seriously, if this is something that you guys are interested in, let me know (either by email, or right here). In order for a new product to be started, we need to have some sort of knowledge of customer need!
 
#37 ·
I didn't vote because there really wasn't a choice for me. I do think that like myself, most of the guys who own first gens would be willing to do almost anything (that they can afford) as long as they can "put it back to the way it was". This doesn't mean that I'm not willing to do some welding, or even replace the rear frame rails if needed, as long as it's not unreasonable to make it stock again. So, I guess that means I don't want to cut the floor, firewall or trunk. To me, those choices turn me away.

My opinions are:

1) The price can't be stupid high.

2) It has to be able to go back to stock (within reason).

3) It has to look good, not silly looking (seriously!).

4) It has to perform good (not the "ultimate" PT frame, but respectful to the PT crowd).

If these can be accomplished, I'm in!

I'm not an engineer, or even a suspension enthusiast, but I've been trying to envision a full frame in my car for years. I have a few ideas which I'll post here if you'd like. Just promise not to laugh. :D

John

John
 
Discussion starter · #38 ·
John,
Feel free to express your opinions, it's OK with me. Two brains are better than one.
1. Price is high for many people, but very reasonable to others. It's all a matter of opinion.

2. Not a chance! Well, I guess you could cut the thing out and buy a replacement full floor pan. I don't know why you would though. If you're going to invest this much time and money into a project like this, you'd be silly to return it to stock. If you want a stocker, sell the car and buy another. You'd be much better off.

3. Many, many people, including Bobby Alloway, Jay Leno, Tim Allen, and the former VP of GM all agree that these frames are a work of Art (no pun intended). We draw large crowds at shows; they are indeed beautiful.

4. Believe me, it performs. Rides like a BMW, corners like a Ferrari (well, better than most new Ferraris anyway, and we've proved it).

BW, a bare frame is about $4140. I know that sounds like alot, but there's alot of man-hours put into these.
 
#39 ·
I don't think $4140.00 is too high. What do you think the components would add? Would you sell only the frame, or would it come complete?

Also, when you said:

Silver69Camaro said:
One thing that I'd LOVE to do is make a bolt-on subframe, Camaro-designed rear clip (tri 4-bar or 3-link), and SFCs all in one package. Imagine, a C-5 front clip with 15" 6-piston brakes, enough clearance for massive tires front and rear, and minimal cutting to the floor. Then you get 1.0+g cornering WITH the lightweight of a unibody, AND reduced cost. What do ya guys think?
Click to expand...

Was this in reference to a different design?

John
 
Discussion starter · #40 ·
John,
Yes, the clip would be a different design (somewhat).

This frame is already available, and has been for a while now (I believe 2004). You can buy it bare, complete, no rear suspension, whatever you want. Expect to pay around $12K for a complete rolling chassis if I'm not mistaken (Remember, I'm the engineer, not a salesman!).
 
21 - 40 of 44 Posts
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