Suicide cross member

[gold03]

I need some advice on my front cross member for my 1949 Ford bobber. I'm going to put in a round front cross member that will support my suicide front end. I have 3 1/2 inches of space between the upper and lower frame flanges, so I'm looking at three inch tubing. How heavy/thick should the tubing be? I tend to overbuild and am trying to avoid the same with this one.

Input from guys with experience would be very appreciated.

gold03

 

[donsrods]

Since that cab and the rest of it will probably be heavier than say a model a, I would go with 3/16 wall. You can get by with 1/8 on something like a T bucket, but I am like you and over build stuff. But I also have never had a structural failure so that must be a good thing.

Go 3/16 and sleep better at night, plus the cost difference between 1/8 and 3/16 will be negligable. Also, do not use water pipe, get the proper DOM tubing, but it sounds like you know that already.

Don

 

[gold03]

Don, I appreciate the input. Thank you very much.

gold03

 

[donsrods]

You're welcome, Gold. I'm like you, I just would rather be safe than sorry.

Don