LS Grand Am Frame Strengthening Questions
- Thread starter smed7880
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Triangulating the rails where possible is best but just tying the frame rails together where possible is an improvement over stock.
That front set-up, connecting the link bar mounting points together, & the rear shock brace from UMI are worth adding.
Adding a brace @ the extreme rear of the rails is another opportunity that's overlooked.
That front set-up, connecting the link bar mounting points together, & the rear shock brace from UMI are worth adding.
Adding a brace @ the extreme rear of the rails is another opportunity that's overlooked.
Buried deep in the old threads I beleive there was one about home brewed frame braces. This included frame rail end braces.
I recalled seeing the information in a post/thread which is why I mentioned it. Not sure what thread though....
For myself I have the UMI upper shock tower brace, upper and lower Hotchkis rear axle control arms, and an aftermarket 1/4 inch square tube t-mission crossmember.
Boxing the frame with the body still attached is possible but instead of going for a butt joint where the two edges, top and side, meet directly, you may have to trim the boxing strip so that it fits snugly inside the upper and lower rail panels and then indent it to get a 1/8th to a 1/4 inch of sill that you can use as a threshold or step for your passes. Remember to chamfer the insert panel(s) to get a wider surface to throw your passes at, it gives better penetration for more strength.
Absolute best option is to swap out the stock frame for a specialty iteration specifically built for the G-Body. Couple of the sponsors on this board are builders/suppliers.
Nick
Boxing the frame with the body still attached is possible but instead of going for a butt joint where the two edges, top and side, meet directly, you may have to trim the boxing strip so that it fits snugly inside the upper and lower rail panels and then indent it to get a 1/8th to a 1/4 inch of sill that you can use as a threshold or step for your passes. Remember to chamfer the insert panel(s) to get a wider surface to throw your passes at, it gives better penetration for more strength.
Absolute best option is to swap out the stock frame for a specialty iteration specifically built for the G-Body. Couple of the sponsors on this board are builders/suppliers.
Nick
I haven’t seen anyone using something like this, however I’ve only seen a brace setup like this on Trick Chassis’ website….
www.trickchassis.com
Not saying to throw ton of money at it, but if time is a factor and you’re unable to separate the body from the frame, a brace setup like that might be the best compromise. Exhaust fitment will be difficult however.
You could stand to stiffen the body a little if you throw poly body bushings at your car.
ASC worked out a rear seat brace for the GNX’s that Kirban reproduces:
www.kirbanperformance.com
If you’re handy with a welder, it’s far cheaper to make your own.
G Body Sub Frame Floor Brace - Trick Chassis
1-5/8″ .083 chromoly Floor bracing Builder kit TRIM TO FIT Main tubes will be pre notched. YOUR STOCK transmission cross member does not fit after the floor brace kit is installed. 25.5 Bars are only a seat bar and 6A 6B bars. If you don’t have stock floors, a stock firewall, and the oem door...
www.trickchassis.com
Not saying to throw ton of money at it, but if time is a factor and you’re unable to separate the body from the frame, a brace setup like that might be the best compromise. Exhaust fitment will be difficult however.
You could stand to stiffen the body a little if you throw poly body bushings at your car.
ASC worked out a rear seat brace for the GNX’s that Kirban reproduces:
1984 1985 1986 1987 Buick Regal Grand National Turbo T T-Type GNX GNX REAR SEAT BRACE #7169
www.kirbanperformance.com
If you’re handy with a welder, it’s far cheaper to make your own.
Found rust in the left rear frame rail. Its body off now.
Will box while out. Not sure what else yet. Ordered the Hellwig 11104 G body kit.
Thanks for the input. its nice to ask rookie questions on a car forum and get intelligent replies.
Will box while out. Not sure what else yet. Ordered the Hellwig 11104 G body kit.
Thanks for the input. its nice to ask rookie questions on a car forum and get intelligent replies.
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