32-34 rails?

[BigIrish]

Has anyone used the 32 or 34 rails from Speedway or similar to build a frame?

For the next project I really want the look of a vintage frame since it will be mostly exposed (kind of vintage racer thing like below).

I figure the options are:

1. Get new 32 rails and use those. Only problem is they are $750 plus truck freight, so close to a grand for 2 lousy rails. Seems mighty pricey

2. Build 2x3 box frame (going to be lightweight) and graft on 32 frame horns in the front. Won't have "the look" in the rear though so will have to hide it with the body.

3. Get an old 30 something frame and cut it up for the rails.

Time is somewhat limited these days with new baby, but money doesn't grow on trees either....

Thoughts?[S What have you guys done? Don't want a standard box tube frame this time around.

 

[jfg455]

I just saw donsrods sons build where they used a builders front frame horns (ie: firewall forward) and then had a steel fab shop bend them a C channel to match the end of the front frame. Then it all looks the same and if you have 2 10 ft sections made they will be cheaper than the formed rails.

 

[BigIrish]

Ok, that's exactly what I'm looking for!

Anyone know who sells the front 1/2 frame rails? I seem to only be able to find full rails and small frame horns for the very front of the frame

 

[BigIrish]

Ok I found them - ASC sells the first 49" for $245 and they can ship UPS. That's more like it!

http://ascrails.com/pricesheet.html

Ordering a '32 set & crossmember today....

 

[acourtjester]

frame rails

Hi
I've done both I think the frame made from rectangle tube is the easiest to do. Atached pictures shows my 34 with AS frame rails and the other is scratch built frame for a 30 2 door. I copies the frame horns from a 32 frame and plasma cut that into the rectangle tube.

have fun
Tom

 

[donsrods]

Big Irish and I traded PM's on this subject, but I thought this thread my Son Dan did on the H A M B might help someone out.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248088

For the siderails he had a local metal shop bend up two channels with a tapered shape to them.

Don

 

[BigIrish]

Very nice work on all of those frames.

I don't have the patience to do that much work on the frame though, so I called ASC.

 

[jfg455]

the box frame cut apart and rewelded into the right shape works well. Not to much time into the mods if you keep to it. I am thinking on my next frame build to use the formed C channels from a steel shop and the set the inside plate into the frame a 1/4" so it will have a factory look but still be boxed. possibly even with lightening hole flared into them. We are always looking at ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality or asthetics. [

 

[BigIrish]

Got my rails yesterday - look good except I wasted some money. I bought the first 49" of the frame for about $250. Only problem is I want to mate these front rails/horns to 4" boxed tubing for the rest of the frame. Well that means I have to hack off 20" of the rear part of the rails to get to the point where they are only 4" tall.

And wouldn't you know it - they sell the first 29" for only $160, which is exactly what I needed. So FYI in case anyone else wants to do something similar.

 

[jfg455]

are you going to run the frame straight or Z it? If you are going to Z it then just use the 5" section for the Z. Then it won't matter what size it is because it will hit the smaller rail on an angle.

 

[BigIrish]

Good thought - but no, not going to z it. I don't like the look of a front z for some reason. I got a 1.5" drop front crossmember and I'll get a 4" drop axle which should be fine. Not looking to get it down in the weeds, looking for more vintage racer look than slammed rat rod with this one.