Hellwig FX Frame Kit installation experience?

[jdperk]

Hi all, I have the Hellwig Gbody Frame FX kit and am getting ready to install it on my 1986 El Camino. Now I know it is only for the Monte and the other 2 doors because the El Camino frame is about 9 inches longer. My intention is to extend the pieces by remaking the pieces longer. I have searched high and low for any video or article of anyone installing this kit on a Gbody frame. Recently, one guy, "daredevil7442," on Youtube posted an install but stated there were issues and never elaborated.

Has anyone installed this frame kit? Can you tell me about your experience of your install? The instructions state to pull the frame in the center before welding expecting the frame to bow out; however, the "daredevil7442," guy on Youtube frame did not move back stayed fixed in the pulled in position. It would seem to me that if the frame is held at the static position without adding any tension the frame would keep its shape because after all the extra metal should stiffen it up and not let it move. I would like to know what issue you ran into and how you solved the issues.

Questions:
1. Did you grind everything flush including the spacers between the long pieces that stick up?
2. Did you have to cut any holes to insert the body bushings inside the frame?
3. There are two 1 inch wide long pieces with a holes at each end where does this go on the frame?
4. Any issues with transmission cross member?
5. Any other frame stiffening need to happen as in the rear frame rails behind the axle as mine are open on the inside for the El Camino, and there is no connecting brace between left and right frame rails?

I have already installed an LS1 with a 4l60e transmission back in 2005. My rear brake line rusted out so its time for a frame off restoration.

Thank you for any advice and information.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

There are two big issues to tackle with major frame modifications. First is not boxing it whild its flexed out of straight or square. Most driveways and garage floors are not flat enough to get accurate measuremrnts with. Major frame work really should be performed by a frame shop with a chassis jig.

The second issue is heat warpage from welding. Welding always causes some shinkage in the heat zone of the base metal. Pump too much heat at once and your frame could warp. Lots of hotrodders have heat warped their frame while trying to box them. In extreme cases the frame can warp enough so the body 8no longer can fit over it. The most common warpage that happens to the middle rails bellowing out of straight. This means careful heat control must be used by using backstep welding methods.

https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/...source-center/welding-how-tos/weld-distortion

 

[jdperk]

Anyone who has installed the Hellwig Frame kit can you tell me your experience?

 

[403Olds]

I've not installed the kit, but have put new body bushings in, and had to weld in large washers to repair the mounting holes in the frame I suspect you will run into similar issues there. Marking the holes is critical for putting the body back on. I did fabricate a tube to go between the rear spring perches, and a brace to tie in at the rear frame horns. Both were beneficial to the stiffness of the chassis. If i had the rear axle out, I would have braced the shock tube to the rear crossmember. I also added the H and R rear trailing arm braces. Might as well add these when you are working on it. As far as the frame itself, rather than the ratchet straps, I think tacking in a couple pieces of tubing to hold the frame solid from bowing out would be sufficient to keep it square. There's really not alot of strength in the middle of the chassis, and once the transmission crossmember is out, it's a noodle.

Good luck!

 

[jdperk]

I am on the fence about welding any other bracing on the frame. UMI offers a front horn brace and a brace between the rear shock towers that I will install. The car will be just a street car for fun driving. At the most I could enter into an autocross but that is highly unlikely.

Anyone who has installed this frame kit please reply. Any information will help me succeed. I'm not a great welder but I should be when this is installed.

 

[melloelky]

this's a pretty grass roots forum, i don't think you're gonna find more than a handful of people on here that have experience with it.mostly because those of us that can/do fabricate wouldn't or couldn't spend the $$$ on a kit when we can do something similar that mimic's the end result of using that kit.there's quite a few guys on here that have built some great rides that will tow the line against some larger pocketbook builds.

 

[jdperk]

Most guys don't have a large garage/shop with bend/brake equipment. If one spends the time with hand tools to fab thick metal it would be less expensive to purchase a designed solution. I prefer not to reinvent the wheel just to save money because time is money. I am building this in a junkie one car shed with a low ceiling and a 1980s mig welder. I bought the Hellwig kit a couple years ago when it was less expensive. So, there are a couple of guys out there that has installed the Hellwig kit and I hope they chime in.

 

[Ugly1]

I’ve never done that type of extensive frame work. Your talking hotrod or drag racing even true oval track frame braces for a jig setup. Yes it can be done and you can find how to do it. Also look into the extra braces for the GNX that is available. Not knowing what you plan to do with the car is a major factor that makes the difference.

You can add braces to the center frame C channel in small spaces and it will stiffen it vs. the whole thing so you can get to the body bolts. If you have a frame shop locally they may be able to set it up. These guys have some ideas for bracing http://buickgn.com/hrframebraces.htm
And look up custom car frame builders. They may have videos that will give you ideas. Given not knowing where you are some guys from here may be local and know people.
There’s always a guy that knows a guy that might know someone! Hope that may help you and good luck with the build!

 

[Tony1968]

I also added the HR lower rear control arm braces and the upper rear braces. I see a lot of guys adding plates along the inside of the C frame but the Hellwig actually wraps around the entire frame. I took my time and had no warpage. It is a timely process for sure.

 

[john87442]

Hi all, I have the Hellwig Gbody Frame FX kit and am getting ready to install it on my 1986 El Camino. Now I know it is only for the Monte and the other 2 doors because the El Camino frame is about 9 inches longer. My intention is to extend the pieces by remaking the pieces longer. I have searched high and low for any video or article of anyone installing this kit on a Gbody frame. Recently, one guy, "daredevil7442," on Youtube posted an install but stated there were issues and never elaborated.

Has anyone installed this frame kit? Can you tell me about your experience of your install? The instructions state to pull the frame in the center before welding expecting the frame to bow out; however, the "daredevil7442," guy on Youtube frame did not move back stayed fixed in the pulled in position. It would seem to me that if the frame is held at the static position without adding any tension the frame would keep its shape because after all the extra metal should stiffen it up and not let it move. I would like to know what issue you ran into and how you solved the issues.

Questions:
1. Did you grind everything flush including the spacers between the long pieces that stick up?
2. Did you have to cut any holes to insert the body bushings inside the frame?
3. There are two 1 inch wide long pieces with a holes at each end where does this go on the frame?
4. Any issues with transmission cross member?
5. Any other frame stiffening need to happen as in the rear frame rails behind the axle as mine are open on the inside for the El Camino, and there is no connecting brace between left and right frame rails?

I have already installed an LS1 with a 4l60e transmission back in 2005. My rear brake line rusted out so its time for a frame off restoration.

Thank you for any advice and information.

Installed this on my 87 442 frame this past winter.