Need Dimensions & Angle, PLEASE!

Retribution · Feb 14, 2013

Can anyone give me dimensions for the tube/ladder style chassis?

I need the dimension between the main rails where the motor sits.

i also need the dimension between the bottom tube under the cab to the top tube under the engine.

Finally, the angle of the up-turn in the tube near the firewall.

I see this style a lot and I want to take a crack at it myself.

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks

Elliott · Feb 14, 2013

I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on this, I make my frame rails 32" on outside, 12" from bottom of frame to bottom of frame on kick up, and I do the lower frame on 45 degrees and the upper on 40 to help strengthen it up. I like about 7 1/2" from top to bottom of the frame under the seat, you can shrink that up but if you run exhaust in between the rails it gets tight if you use a decent size muffler.And the 32" outside dim gives you enough room to clear your driveshaft on one side and exhaust on the other.Hope that helps

Technician · Feb 15, 2013

Good info. Thanks

Retribution · Feb 15, 2013

Elliott said:
I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on this, I make my frame rails 32" on outside, 12" from bottom of frame to bottom of frame on kick up, and I do the lower frame on 45 degrees and the upper on 40 to help strengthen it up. I like about 7 1/2" from top to bottom of the frame under the seat, you can shrink that up but if you run exhaust in between the rails it gets tight if you use a decent size muffler.And the 32" outside dim gives you enough room to clear your driveshaft on one side and exhaust on the other.Hope that helps

Elliott - Thanks for the info, I got a PM from another Hardline member and both of you gave me roughly the same dimensions, thanks again.

Now that I got that info, I have to ask what radius bender die do I need to fabricate a full chassis or do I need more than one? If one or more than one, can someone tell me which one's I need?

Thanks

Technician · Feb 15, 2013

I use a 6" clr die.

Elliott · Feb 15, 2013

I think mine is a 5.5" radius I can measure it Sunday for ya, that tho is another thing that is just personal preference, I myself like the one I use now any larger and sometimes the bends look big depending on what part it is.But really one die is all you need, just make sure to get a 180 die. There is never a reason to buy a 90 and need the 180 later.

Retribution · Feb 15, 2013

Technician said:
I use a 6" clr die.

Elliott said:
I think mine is a 5.5" radius I can measure it Sunday for ya, that tho is another thing that is just personal preference, I myself like the one I use now any larger and sometimes the bends look big depending on what part it is.But really one die is all you need, just make sure to get a 180 die. There is never a reason to buy a 90 and need the 180 later.

Thanks Guys, I really can't believe one die is used for the entire chassis. I thought there would be various bends requiring different radius dies.

Rockwells607 · Feb 15, 2013

I got the 5.5" die and like Elliot said, I just use the one and don't see any use for other size radius, after you use it awhile you will get crafty and see cool lines and bends

Retribution · Feb 26, 2013

Guys

I've got a couple more questions, please.

Can someone tell me the separation between the upper and lower rails and is it different front to rear? Also, do you use .120 or .188 wall tubing for the main rails?

Thanks

HotwheelsYJ · Feb 26, 2013

Re: Re: Need Dimensions & Angle, PLEASE!

You're over thinking it. 8" top to bottom frame rail will accommodate most t'cases & give you a mostly flat floor. Get your seats & lean them back till you feel comfortable. Some people want to lay down, others would rather sit upright. Make the angle of your B-pillar tube somewhere close to your seat back angle.
Use thicker tube where you're more likely to slam it on a rock.

The best thing about a scratch built buggy is you can do whatever you like to it!

Draco · Feb 26, 2013

Retribution said:
Guys

I've got a couple more questions, please.

Can someone tell me the separation between the upper and lower rails and is it different front to rear? Also, do you use .120 or .188 wall tubing for the main rails?

Thanks

Mine's about 4" between the two. No difference. .188 main lowers.

Retribution · Feb 26, 2013

Re: Re: Need Dimensions & Angle, PLEASE!

HotwheelsYJ said:
You're over thinking it. 8" top to bottom frame rail will accommodate most t'cases & give you a mostly flat floor. Get your seats & lean them back till you feel comfortable. Some people want to lay down, others would rather sit upright. Make the angle of your B-pillar tube somewhere close to your seat back angle.
Use thicker tube where you're more likely to slam it on a rock.

The best thing about a scratch built buggy is you can do whatever you like to it!

Yea, I probably am over thinking it but, I want to minimize mistakes by thinking it through first.

One bit of information I obtained from your post is "8" top to bottom frame rail will accommodate most t'cases & give you a mostly flat floor". This is exactly exact the type of feed back I am looking for, embed the transfer case within the rails, top to bottom.

Thank You!

Elliott · Feb 26, 2013

8" will work good, and you can't over think a buggy frame you always need to be 3 steps ahead of where your are.Sounds like your pretty smart because you are thinking ahead so you will be fine I bet.