Maybe a lame question to ask, but would it be necessary or overkill to buy the frame reinforcement kit from OPG for a '69 Skylark with a 455 with 500-550 estimated Horsepower (build in progress)? I'm about to send the frame to powder coat, so now's the time if its a step I need to be taking. I appreciate your input guys, thanks.
The main weak spot is in the rear close to where the rear end mounts. I can’t remember the name of the bracket but there is a re enforcement bar you can add. Of course there are more serious kits but that’s the main piece most people add.
No experience here... but what are you looking to avoid? Are you considering additional bracing or just boxing?
Like Sean mentioned the ones for the rear are frame reinforcement braces, I put them on my 1969 Skylark, I got mine from Hotchkis
The factory deemed them necessary, so yes, adding them is a no brainer. This is A body stuff guys, no reason to pay more at OPG, shop around and get the best price.
Like Sean mentioned the ones for the rear are frame reinforcement braces, I put them on my 1969 Skylark, I got mine from Hotchkis
I installed a set of factory rear re-inforcement braces in my car. It is almost a no-brainer. However if you are talking about something like this "boxing" kit I'd go for it if my frame was off the car especially if you want better handling or less twist on launch. Buick made the '65-'67 fully boxed and also the convertables after that to stiffen up everything. I wonder how much the kit weighs? I have a MIG welder but I'm not that good so I'd have a pro install it. Frame FX Kit, Hellwig, 1968-72 A-Body, 2dr @ OPGI.com
Given certain horsepower ranges the frame can be twisted by the forces exerted. I'm wondering at what range is it necessary to add the bracing.
At about 650 HP my turbo Buick 350 started ripping the engine mounts from the frame. A mid and front plate to hold the engine secure so I’m currently doing that. The frame bracing kits are more related to handling and chassis stiffness for cornering.
Would A body benefit the same as G body for rear seat braces? Really stiffened up the GN I had - as measured by the drivers seat.
Boxing the frame is a good idea. The C channel frame is a noodle. Here is the company I went with. https://www.abcperformance.net/
There’s no kill like overkill...boxed frame and made my own welded rear supports (those red gizmos above) https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/boxing-a-frame.339710/
This is what I used , really stiffens up the frame nicely. Also go over the frame real well with the welder those factory welds were really sparse a lot of times and missed where they were intended on welding
