Well, well, I didn't mean to start a knowledge competition about Hellwig Frame FX kit. I appreciate all of the post as I read them all. Hot Rods were first built by kids trying to make their cars lighter and faster. Along the way they learned from each other and the automotive aftermarket was born. That other Hoppo's frame kit is something I didn't know about before I settled on the Hellwig kit. Hoppo's kit is a lot of metal welded on top of the frame no different than the Hellwig kit. I don't have a frame jig nor do I want to make one nor do I want to pay big bucks for someone else to install the kit too expensive. Over the years I have paid good money for others to do the work incorrectly where I would have been better off doing the repair myself. Finding a good shop with knowledgeable people is hard and when you do you have to pay for that knowledge and experience, as well you should.
So here is what I have learned with everyone's input.
- Others have installed the Hellwig kit with success and little warping by bracing the center section by welding across the two sides to hold it in place.
- Slow 1 inch welds and possible cooling with air will help control warping.
- Measure, measure, and measure to know the frame is not moving (too much).
I know this Hellwig kit is not made for my El Camino since the frame is longer. I will modify the kit to make it work. I will probably remake the pieces longer so I don't have another joint. Boxing the frame to make it ridged should help taking corners and aid the swaybars to be more effective, well that is my thought process. I will use weld through primer between metals and inside the C channel prior to welding. I will probably use Eastwoods frame paint to paint inside the frame.
I bought this 1986 El Camino new in 1986 a single owner. I have installed a 2000 5.7L aluminum LS1 with 4l60E transmission back in 2005. I intend to freshen up the motor with a new cam, LS6 intake, and maybe headers if I can find some that fit the El Camino with a column shifter. The LS1 swap is fun to drive.
I will start a new build thread with pictures and measurements when I get started.
Thank you for all the input.