Chassis Strengthening by welding in plates?

[Northernregal]

Nice kit, wrapping the frame is going to be good and stiff.

 

[Tony1968]

Agreed ! I think hellwig says over 300% stiffer. What is really shocking is how flimsy the stock frame really is. Then again 80's general motors shouldn't shock me. Hahaha

 

[Northernregal]

Looks really good! Just be sure to tie the rear frame ends and support the center when you weld it out. It will warp and you will hate your life putting the bushing bolts in. Ask me how I know.

 

[Tony1968]

That's a big 10-4 ! Already have tubular steel to weld up the rear prior to doing the frame narrowing kit for tire clearance. Plus Hellwig recommends using ratchet straps to pull in the center of the frame 3/8" because they guarantee that it will move outward from the heat no matter how slowly and skipping around the welding goes. I hate to think what you went through

 

[Northernregal]

The rear frame ends warped in about an inch and the center out about 3/8". Once I figured out what happened it was an easy fix. I like to think it's chassis pre-load on the body now. Lol

 

[superbon54]

When I welded in my hellwig fx kit, I tacked a bracket across the center body mount holes and had my rear “bumper” installed. I jumped around, welding no more than 1” at a time and when it was all done, everything was straight and true. I was super nervous though!

 

[Tony1968]

Can I assume that you didn't weld in braces first ?

The rear frame ends warped in about an inch and the center out about 3/8". Once I figured out what happened it was an easy fix. I like to think it's chassis pre-load on the body now. Lol

 

[Tony1968]

My bumper is still tight from factory and I will tack braces on top and bottom of center before I do final stitch welding. Thanks. Wish you had pictures

When I welded in my hellwig fx kit, I tacked a bracket across the center body mount holes and had my rear “bumper” installed. I jumped around, welding no more than 1” at a time and when it was all done, everything was straight and true. I was super nervous though!

 

[Northernregal]

Can I assume that you didn't weld in braces first ?

Lol. That would be correct.

I went slow, let it cool after 4" stitches, moved around on the patches. All the things that should have prevented warping. But it still happened. So I warn others now. 😉

 

[Tony1968]

Hellwig recommends 1.5" stitches far apart and they still say it with move. I'm surprised yours didn't end up like a pretzel ! Haha
I will keep you guys posted
Maybe I should start a new thread