Tub a Unibody

Discussion in 'Race car chassis tech' started by GRIMM, Dec 27, 2007.

  1. GRIMM

    GRIMM Well-Known Member

    How would you go around tubbing a unibody car?

    I was just looking into some newer cars, as i cant wait around for an older car to make itself available.

    The cars i have been looking at tubbing were early 90's camaros, not exactly the best looking cars, but if i can make it go fast ill take it :)

    Thanks
     
  2. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    I'd guess you'd just have to fab a subframe where the rearend can hang out, similar to the "back half" kits you see for sale.

    What's happeneing with the Wildcat these days?

    Devon
     
  3. kriegs

    kriegs Member

    As an owner of a chassis/fabrication shop most of the cars I do are of the unibody variety these days.For a first time do-it-yourselfer I would suggest a kit from S&W,Art Morrison or Chassis Works.All companies make excellent products and have knowledgable sales and tech support.You should always add sub frame connectors and at least a 6-pt. roll bar or more depending how fast you want to go.You should also be very adept at welding.There are many scary cars out there that have been mig-welded very poorly.Everything I do in my shop is tig-processed,but using a mig welder is fine if you are using mild steel and you know what you are doing.Both Chassis Works and Art Morrison used to have excellent how-to articles in the back of their catalogs and may have at one time offered videos.I think due to insurance purposes some of this has been curtailed.If you wish to call me with any questions I can be reached at 216-272-8509.Ken Krieger/Independent Design,Hinckley,Oh.
     
  4. NJBuickRacer

    NJBuickRacer I'd rather be racing...

    Save a lot of money and buy a roller already done. Most people dump the rollers for less than half of what they have into them, especially after they transfer their drivetrain into a new car and the old one's in the way.
     
  5. GRIMM

    GRIMM Well-Known Member

    As long as it can be done :)

    Its not as fun if i dont get to do it myself though, im fairly handy with a welder.

    Not much on the wildcat as of yet, bottom end is almost sealed up (got the gated/baffled oil pan and pickup), just need to modify a few things to get it to fit, and the pickup interferes with the back of the pan about 1/8" before its fully forward, but i put it on and i think it will be fine, not much stress on it.

    Got the SP2, looks sweet, heads should be coming in sometime soon (didnt finish porting before TA's christmas break), got the roller rockers on hand, bu cant do anything with them without the heads. When they come in, we will be sealing the chambers up and measuring for pushrods, ordering the valley pan, and sealing the engine up.

    Then comes all the rest of the stuff we need, then some fun and hopefully not a broken driveshaft or ring gear before we can replace them.

    For now im just looking for another car to drive, my commuter seems to have developed a problem in the form of a spun rod bearing (i believe), but it still runs (barely).

    Actually, if my Geo Storm commuter dies, i think i may stuff a V8 into it, and have myself some fun!

    Thanks for the help
     
  6. Michael Evans

    Michael Evans a new project


    I helped tub a 1982 Camaro and I thought it was a nightmare.

    I did not think there was so much to it.

    Maybe it might not be for someone that does them on a regular bases.
     
  7. Michael Evans

    Michael Evans a new project



    That is how I will be doing it the next time.
     

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