[Tyroma]

Hey Gang...

garage is almost finished, so I will be getting started on my 41 Plymouth rod build. I have been talking to a lots of people and getting lots of opinions...so please add your two cents...

I will be replacing the flathead 6 with a 275hp 1966 Chrysler 273ci with a NP A833 4 speed trans. I also plan on putting in a beefier rear end with a corresponding new driveshaft.

What I am wondering is if I absolutely need to box the frame. I don't really want to monkey with it, but if it's gonna twist too hard, then I may have to.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks!!!!!

Ty

Here are some pics of the undercarriage. Let me know what you guys think...

[sunsetdart]

best bet is to box it. Remember, it had a 6 in it and you are going to an 8. Now I know a 273 is no torque monster but it still will twist the frame alot more than the 6 so better safe than sorry.

[aosborn]

Can you post a photo of the frame? There may be bracing that can be added that will stiffen the frame without all hassle of fully boxing it. Boxing the frame rails without corresponding stiffening members between the rails does little good.

[tomslik]

they're plenty strong, don't worry about it...

[junkyardjeff]

If i remember correctly they have a big X in the center of the frame and should be plenty strong enough.

[Tyroma]

Originally Posted by aosborn

Can you post a photo of the frame? There may be bracing that can be added that will stiffen the frame without all hassle of fully boxing it. Boxing the frame rails without corresponding stiffening members between the rails does little good.

Sure...I'l post a pic of the undercarriage. It does have the X in the middle, BUT all the rails have big holes in them to lighten them up. Stay tuned for pics...

Thanks for the notions, all.

Ty

[40dodgeman]

The pictures show a frame like my 40 Dodge those frames are pretty strong.
I had my dual exhaust run through the X frame to give more road clearance.
Worked real good and looks better then have it hanging low.

[bates_k]

Are you planning to take the body off?? If so, square up the frame and weld all the joints,
That's about all I'd do...

K

[aosborn]

I agree with bates_k weld up all the rivited gussets after doing any straightening and squaring of the frame and you should be good.

[Tyroma]

Originally Posted by bates_k

Are you planning to take the body off?? If so, square up the frame and weld all the joints,
That's about all I'd do...

K

Hey...

I am not planning on taking the body off. The frame is already super square, so I think I'll just weld the joints. Thanks!

TY

[timothale]

In the old days chrysler corp had the toughest frames out there They used to show ad spots in the movie theaterrs showning a car going off a cliff and how strong the AL-steel bodies were. On my son's 36 we just welded up all the seams and overlap joints. I think he had to trim the X member for clearance..

[1941rick]

what are you going to do to the front end?
looking at mine the steering box looks like it might be in the way.
I was thinking of putting a 340 auto in mine.

[Tyroma]

Originally Posted by 1941rick

what are you going to do to the front end?
looking at mine the steering box looks like it might be in the way.
I was thinking of putting a 340 auto in mine.

Hey! That's good to know that there's someone else doing the same project..let's stay in touch on this task, so we can bounce info/question off each other. Where are you located? My home email address is tyroma2005@hotmail.com drop me a line there.

I am going to try to keep things as stock as possible. I thought that the steering box may be in the way too, but remember that we can move the engine to the left a bit as long as we keep the trans tail and rear axle perpendicular (with a 3 degree or less offset). I am going to start by taking the whole front end off, pulling the flat 6 and trans, and then hang the motor in place and see what fits and what needs to move.

So...I am going to try to keep the stock steering set up...it's pretty beefy. I will replace the original coil springs to accout for the extra weight of the engine.

Email me soem pics of your car if you have any.

Take care and keep in touch!!

Ty