Frame stiffening
 

I am thinking about buying a '68-'72 conv. to build-up. Would like a High Horse, High Torque Monster. I don't think our stock C3 frames, esp. conv., will fare to well. What are the options. Are there any bolt on items? Or are we talking custom stuff from a local speed shop. Suggestions needed.
Stephen

Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
 

Tom,s rear end has some small weld in frame stiffiners that go in the rear wheel well area.

Re: Frame stiffening (69 N.O.X. RATT)
 

theres also the shock tower brace bar from VB

Re: Frame stiffening (daily_driver)
 

I have thought about the shock tower braces for my current car. I wonder how much stiffening is gained w/ those. And what about the rear?

Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
 

i want to preface that i have not done this yet. my car is a stick so what i'm planning is to get a steel scattersheild and weld a horizontal brace on the bottom of it to go out to either frame rail. then gusset from about the horizontal centerline down to the brace as far out as i can to triangulate it. from there, small 1" square gussets will be fabricated to joint the frame in to the new crossmember at the most convenient(sp) points. also, the length of the frame will be solid bead welded, at least on the bottom since i'm not ready to pull the body yet.
short of installing a true eight or 10 roll cage, i think this will be about as good as can be done without cutting up the body. maybe this is something you could do if your running a stick.

Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
 

You will be amazed at the diff the front shock tower cross strut will make. I highly recommend it!
Seems like GM used to have a booklet on preparing C3s for racing.
The guys at D&D who make Gran Sport replicas might know about this also.

Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
 

flynhi, can you actually feel an immediate improvement just by installing a shock tower cross strut on an otherwise healthy car?
I have always intended on installing one after I swap over to electric fans but I wasn't sure how much of a difference you could feel.

Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
 

:yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:
Maybe this will help http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/vip.pdf :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
 

I will probably try the shock tower cross strut on the '71 BB. It is a stock car w/bolt ons. It will cost a bit more if I remember corr. due to the BB requiring elect. fans in place of belt driven.

Re: Frame stiffening (MIKER)
 

i have that bar! when i installed it i thought i felt a difference too. i think i actually talked myself out of believing the difference saying that an $80 bar can't make that big a difference, but i think it does.
the biggest problem i think i have now is that the giant unsupported portion of the frame between the front crossmember and the transmission crossmember is more flexable than the front or back suspension. never a good thing when the frame acts as part of the suspension :nonod:

Re: Frame stiffening (inferno-vette)
 

inferno-vette, do you have a shock tower cross strut on your '80? Is it a custom job to fit around the LT5?

Re: Frame stiffening (clutchdust)
 

I am looking at it now in VetteBrakes new Catalog. It is priced at 69.95. I think I am going to order one. (1963-1982
Corvette Spreader Bar Kits) I guess I will have to check into the electric fans while I'm at it.

Re: Frame stiffening (71stingraybigblock)
 

electric fans :yesnod:
you put both e-fans and spreader bar on the same time and you won't recognize that car. :smash:

Re: Frame stiffening (flynhi)
 

I have the GM prep document saved. If anybody needs it, just ask. It's 8 meg so be aware. I don't remember where I downloaded it from but it is pretty good stuff. It's called chevy power.

Re: Frame stiffening (tworottiedogs)
 

Could you email it to me please?

Re: Frame stiffening (tworottiedogs)
 

I wouldn't mind a copy of the Prep Doc also :yesnod:
Thanks.

Re: Frame stiffening (MIKER)
 

Miker,
In a word, Yes. My 71 felt much stiffer and more in control immediately after installation.
W.

Re: Frame stiffening (tworottiedogs)
 

tworottiedogs,
Please email me the doc. I'm at
will_shepherd@hotmail.com
thanks

Re: Frame stiffening (inferno-vette)
 

See below.


[Modified by 45ACP, 8:25 PM 7/27/2002]

THIS is the 8meg document you guys are asking for!
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf