Im sure this has probably been asked before but...
How hard is it to build a frame for a hot rod?
What kind of tubing is the best?
How do you make a jig or keep the frame straight when welding?
Im sure Ill have more questions..
Thanks for your time,
Thomas [
This is a great 1st step
I probably spend more time researching aspects of my build then i actually spend executing. Make sure you are open minded in your searches. I look at as many answers to my questions till i find a common answer to the question, then use that because there are alot of guys out there that are great at thinking outside the box, but if you get the same answer over and over, its safe to say that that answer is a tried and true method.
It is best to start out building your mock up frame with 2x4 lumber that way you can get it dialed in right where you want it
When i go to start my frame, i will be using this method. Its very close to actual 2x4 steel dimensions and you can moch up the entire frame and modify as needed prior to cutting the expensive material.
It depends on who is building it, and what tools they have.
3/16th wall 2x3 or 2x4 rec. tube works well. Clamping the frame down to a flat surface as it is put together works well also.
This is a repetitive answer i hear constantly. Ive seen guys built a "frame table" to build their frames using large i beams. I think time would well spent building a table that you know will provide a solid surface to weld on and keep things straight.
How hard is it to build a foundation for a house ? For some people it is a piece of cake for others it would be impossible. Same thing with building a frame for a car, as it is the foundation onto which everything else goes. It has to be right or the car will not be right.
If you are asking this question probably you are questioning your own abilities, and that is good. It takes more than a 110 volt welder and some tubing to make a proper, safe frame. Yes, it can be done without a jig (I built my first frame 45 years ago on a dirt floored garage) but to do it right you need something to clamp the rails to while welding or they will pull out of shape and not be square to each other.
With the cost of tubing these days it is almost as cheap to buy a frame from one of the many companies cranking them out. You may not get exactly the configuration you want (the only way to do that is to custom build one precisely the shape you need) and you also have to be careful because there are guys out there turning out some REALLY bad frames (Rats Nest for example) but there are also some really good ones (Like our own RPM on here).
The final factor is how much equipment do you have. IMO you need at least a good 220 Volt Mig or arc welder, lots of clamps, a way to clamp the frame down, and a good knowledge of welding. I have been doing this for 50 years and still do not weld my own frames........they might hold but are not very pretty, and my Son has taken over that job in our shop. Before I had him I would tack weld parts then have a pro welder finish the job..........there is no shame in knowing your own limitations.
Don
This is a GREAT answer. When i started my build, i researched the same thing and decided that building a frame is not a good thing to start out on. I ended up basing my build off of 100% stock factory parts for a few reasons. I to am no master welder. I will not sacrifice the safety of me, my family and other people due to pride of trying to build my own frame.
Its fantastic that your questioning your abilities! Be conservative as to what you know you can and cant do. The rat rod culture living on, the safety of everyone and the enjoyment of building your projects depend on it!
Do your research and don't just jump in. You don't want to get in over your head and get discouraged and drop the project. My project has taken me about 3 times longer then i ever expected, but that's because i want to stay around to enjoy it.
If your not comfortable with your chicken poop welds, find a school in your area that has welding courses. That can be found at good prices and they will give you hands on learning that a book can never give you. I have watched TONS of videos and have learned off them. I also keep EVERY single piece of scrap metal because when it comes time to weld something important, i can find a couple pieces of the same material and practice. If i can make the welds look good and are strong on the scrap, i will move onto the structure.
Keep in mind that welding takes practice! I learned sheet metal welding chopping my top. Learning sucks and you WILL make mistakes, but as long as you correct them and learn something from them your golden.
I have noticed that i have to have a good clear mind when welding. There are days that i start a welding project, then find that today is not the day for it. The welds look like crap, they will fail, or are overall just not up to par. I will put the trigger down for the day and move onto something else. The next day i came back with a clear mind, everything comes out 100% better.
By the way, welcome to the site. You've come to the right place to ask questions and learn! I have learned a GREAT ton from these guys and if you have an open mind, you will too.
Good luck with the project!
