Tubing size?

[cozee]

My winter project, a '52 Chevy 3100 cab/bed will be going on a scratch built frame. Going to be running a Caddy 500 with a 700R behind it. It will be putting out around 425hp/530ft.lb. when I am done with it. I have the tendency at times to get a little heavy footed. My question is tubing size. I am thinking 2" x 4" x .188" but but something keeps telling me I should go a little larger, like with 2.5" x 5" x .188"? I don't wanna take any chances on twisting or breaking things. Wadda ya think???

Thanks,

Cozee

 

[Sam_Fear]

I'm no expert, but I'm thinking 2x4 will do fine. A lot of guys go with 2x3, but if you plan to abuse that 500 I would go with the 2x4. 2.5x5 will get kinda bulky to work with and will look... well, bulky.

 

[Bonehead]

If it is welded up right, and you can triangulate it any way, the 2x4 should be plenty.
But I also understand overkill, if you feel like you need it.

 

[Anarchy]

I just tacked together a frame made out of 2x6 from the fire wall back and 2x3 out front since I wont be running fenders up front with this one. 2x6 is diffinatly over kill but it had a good price tag, free! its not to bulky but its dam heavy, once i get it welded up it will take a couple friends of mine to get it off the table lol.

 

[donsrods]

To my way of thinking, 2 x 3 is T bucket size tubing and 2 x 4 is for a bigger body, like an early pickup, or Model A, etc. It is not only stronger, but looks more proportionate to the size of the body. I always use 3/16 for the extra strength and the ability to tap threaded holes for non structural items like line clamps, etc.

No need to go to 2 x 5 unless you are building a dually.

Don