Topic: frame material question

[helo-tech]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the site and to Rats as well, I've done tons of auto work over the years but never a ground up build of a rat.

I'm planning on building my own frame and probably the body too, I will be adapting the front suspension from a '55 ford pickup but converting it to a transverse leaf spring vs. the dual springs lengthwise. I also have the rear end from the same truck, it will be overkill but I want the same track width and I'm getting the stuff for free so I can't complain.
I have an early I-6 ford motor and hopefully will be getting a C-4 to match up to it shortly, the body will be 2 seats but I'm thinking of doing it "narrow and long" with the seats "in-line" vs. side by side, the whole body will not be much wider than 30" or so. I'm also thinking of putting the driver in the back (and higher) and the passenger in front, kind of like an old biplane configuration.

since I'll be building my own body I'm not constrained by a certain length of frame, right now I'm thinking of a wheelbase in the neighborhood of about 120" or so (maybe longer).

so here's the question, I was thinking about using 2x4 "C" channel for the frame, do you think this will be strong enough or should I go with 2x4 square tube.

thanks for the insight.

[hotwheels]

Personally i would go with tubing for the frame, you can add linkage, braces, etc to the tubing easier then the c-channel.

[helo-tech]

thanks for the input, I kind of was leaning towards the tube but felt the need to ask, what do you think about the size? should I stay with the 2x4 or can I use 2x3 and be safe?

[hotwheels]

You can use 2x3 tubing. Still has plenty of strength. Glad you asked...

[helo-tech]

thanks a bunch. I'll be sure to keep the pictures coming as I proceed.

[hotwheels]

That'll be awesome. Love build pics.

[obama]

May want to check with local DMV about the passenger in front idea.. You and I can make it work, but they have to make it legal.

[miraclepieco]

Sounds like a wild setup! 

[Xlarashun]

Way back in '76, when we were in Virginia, we put a sprint car on the street, stretched the frame 30" to seat two in a row and passed inspection! Back then, turn, brake and head lights, horn, wipers, mufflers and treaded tires were all that was required! other than a title, insurance, etc.