OK, I am contemplating welding the seams between the shock towers and the reinforcing plates/ eng mount stands for increased rigidity. Seems like a good idea. They did it to gt 350 R mustangs back in the day (Of course they welded EVERY seam on those cars for road racing) My only concerne would be, the change in the stress loading on the towers/rails if I do this. I would of course reinforce other necessary areas in conjunction with this approach, as well as adding toporangers export brace and belly bar. What do you guys think??? Inquireing mind wants to know.
its a common practice in the racing world. as long as you properly prep the areas and know how to weld the sheet metal properly you should defiantly have a much stiffer car.
I'd do it, especially if the engine is out! Just make sure the car is properly supported. My towers were cracked, ended up adding the gusset and tower bracing from the Boss 302 modifications book. I have yet to remove the engine but it's on the list.
I'd trim back the towers, then do the seams if you feel it's needed. The tower trim is worth it's weight in gold when it comes to header bolt access and spark plug changes.
Thanks for the input guys!! And the diagram Mr Thomas. I am, after a bit more research, going to stitch weld em and few other areas as well and tighten up the flopsy mopsy front structure on this thing. Like Darren said "Nows the time" Thanks!!! Pete
A lot of the stock cars I built started out as a bare 108 inch wb GM Metric chassis like a Monte Carlo, Regal, Cutless or Grand Prix. The first thing that we did was to weld up the seams on the frame. Took all of the frame flex out of the chassis.
Started stitching the towers up...And ran out of wire... Going to do the sway bar mount brackets and a few other assorted flex points...When I get wire...LOL...Then I'll run out of gas...
