Hellwig FX Frame Kit installation experience?

[john87442]

First of all it’s supposed to be made for g body’s, it’s not really the. Kid they hired that summer copied it from the a body frame kit they had and a lot of modifications are needed cutting etc.. however it definitely strengthens the frame. Yes I used the strap and tacked a couple steel rods to verify I wouldn’t warp anything and you have to tack it then move to another piece so you don’t overheat one section.
I have an original manual that lists measurements for the body bushings that I also had to fix so I could confirm the proper location and that I didn’t warp anything.
Yes on installing the new body bushings on position three you have to enlarge the hole to allow it to fit, and think about the new brake and fuel lines because you can’t run them in the c channel now.
I also installed the Umi shock tower brace and front brace too. Along with the rest of the Umi suspension kit.
As others have said not an easy job but it’s much better than it was. Glad I did it along with the other frame improvements I made. However I did a frame off restoration and started with a sandblasted frame.

 

[john87442]

Oh yeah as to the not a great welder…. As I was told as long as you have good penetration the welds will look great after you grind them. Seriously though I’m new to it.. bought a Eastwood mig and a plasma cutter and locked myself in my garage it all came out alright… at least that what I’m telling myself.

 

[WyoGN]

not for gbody, but....abody chevelle has similar c hannel frame and there's people on youtube doing that frame. I would think it's the same. weld brace across to keep frame in shape. level frame on jack stands ect . you don't need a jig. you're not building the frame from scratch. I am going to be doing my chevelle with the kit fom hellwig. move around to keep from getting it too hot. from what I've read and heard makes a huge difference. good luck and go for it!

 

[Ugly1]

not for gbody, but....abody chevelle has similar c hannel frame and there's people on youtube doing that frame. I would think it's the same. weld brace across to keep frame in shape. level frame on jack stands ect . you don't need a jig. you're not building the frame from scratch. I am going to be doing my chevelle with the kit fom hellwig. move around to keep from getting it too hot. from what I've read and heard makes a huge difference. good luck and go for it!

Was thinking it was a X style cross brace. 😵‍💫😖

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

Oh yeah as to the not a great welder…. As I was told as long as you have good penetration the welds will look great after you grind them.

Here's something I've been known to say: "A grinder and paint make me the welder I ain't."

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

not for gbody, but....abody chevelle has similar c hannel frame and there's people on youtube doing that frame. I would think it's the same. weld brace across to keep frame in shape. level frame on jack stands ect . you don't need a jig. you're not building the frame from scratch. I am going to be doing my chevelle with the kit fom hellwig. move around to keep from getting it too hot. from what I've read and heard makes a huge difference. good luck and go for it!

The jig is for aligning the flexable frame straight, level, and square and to restrain it from moving or shifting around during the welding job. Jackstands do not restrain the chassis from moving and most garage floors and driveways are not flat enough for accurate measurements unlike a chassis jig which is accurately parallel and straight. Most of those guys who boxed their frames on Youtube have likely warped them.

The second function of a chassis jig is to provide accurate reference points for measuring, height, length, width, and centerline. Not all concrete floors are flat even though they may look like it to the naked eye. Who is to say your frame is already straight before boxing? With 40+ years of wear and tear it would not be surprising if there are some distortions. Frames should be checked before any modification work is started anyway.

Another issue is with welding all those layers of plates to the frame, how do you block capillary wicking of water between the layers causing rust damage?

 

[john87442]

The jig is for aligning the flexable frame straight, level, and square and to restrain it from moving or shifting around during the welding job. Jackstands do not restrain the chassis from moving and most garage floors and driveways are not flat enough for accurate measurements unlike a chassis jig which is accurately parallel and straight. Most of those guys who boxed their frames on Youtube have likely warped them.

The second function of a chassis jig is to provide accurate reference points for measuring, height, length, width, and centerline. Not all concrete floors are flat even though they may look like it to the naked eye. Who is to say your frame is already straight before boxing? With 40+ years of wear and tear it would not be surprising if there are some distortions. Frames should be checked before any modification work is started anyway.

Another issue is with welding all those layers of plates to the frame, how do you block capillary wicking of water between the layers causing rust damage?

Not sure if it was the best way but I used primer on the frame that I could still weld with, then used Eastwood chassis paint with the two foot hose spray nossel for the inside frame to thoroughly paint it. The outside frame got chassis saver black. Came out nice.

 

[john87442]

Here is a picture

 

[WyoGN]

that's why they say in the instructions to weld braces in to keep the frame where you want it.....I understand what a jig is and what's it's for...again....no jig needed to box in a frame.....it's already assembled.....but maybe you know more than Helwig and all the people that have installed their kit.....doubt it though

 

[scoti]

If the rails are adequately braced, welding in boxing plates won't ruin anything. It will be a stiffer version of what it currently is. As long as you don't plan on excessively stupid speeds that a street car should never encounter, it will be fine.