Made our own frame connectors for the Duster...

[dustergal]

In between bouts of children barfing this week (bad stomach flu ) husband and I managed to weld in a set of frame connectors. We decided to make them ourselves, with 2X2 by 1/8 inch steel tube.

We did NOT cut into the frame rails or the floor pans, so these *could* be removed in the future if desired with no harm done to the car.

I cut the steel, husband did the welding.

Some pics.


The cut for the front



For the rear



We welded in some steel to box in the ends.



Test fit to the front frame rail.



Both pieces (one for each side) ready to be welded



After welding and a coat of primer/rust preventor paint. (I still have to put another coat of paint on)

We put the car up on 4 jackstands, and made 100% sure it sat level before welding them in. The weather was nice enough to take it for a short drive, and I could really notice the difference in handling.

 

[onehellofadart]

Looking good!!
Your pretty handy to have around Dustergal!!!!

 

[beeper*71]

Looks good.:clap: Very similar to how I did mine.

 

[dustergal]

Looks good.:clap: Very similar to how I did mine.

You made your own too? Got any pics?

 

[beeper*71]

Pics? Sure. The first pic shows the rear...I have since added plates over this area for more strength and in the second pic you will see the plates I added at the notched area to tie them to the floor.
Up front the tubes mount flush against the back of the torsion bar crossmember which is also reinforced with more steel plates at the mounting spot.

 

[69.5CUDA]

i did a set last year..slit cut the floor inserted a set of u shaped 1/8th steel tube welded then flush ground everything...yup there part of the car

 

[dustergal]

Looks like a real nice job there Beeper, thanks for sharing the pics! :clap:

 

[Foggy]

You two make a good team. My wife stopped helping me after we moved a hemi block to the trunk of my '56. Go figure.:doh: