Greeting all. I am a new member. This is my first post on a forum. So, what I have is a '77 Spitfire, I'm putting a ford 2.3l with a M5od trans. from a '96 Ford Ranger in. I have the original engine and trans. out, I have the frame cuts made and am ready to weld in the the changes. I'm planing on using 3"x1/8" flat stock, virtically placed in the frame and welded top and bottom then 1"x1/8" placed horozontaly from the inside frame wall to the other new piece. A sectional view will look like a vertical rectangle with a square attached at the bottom. Doing this will give me plenty of room, but will it be strong enough?
Welcome Richard,
Post some photos if you can and maybe we can get a better idea of what your doing. I'm sure others can help also.
I have interest in what you are doing for as my son has a 73 spitfire.
Calvin
Sorry about the delay. I will get some pictures posted this weekend. After talking with a friend that builds stock cars, I am going to put a new crossmember in just behind the location of the original. I am going to put the 3"x1/8" in at an angle from the bottom to the side creating a triangle shaped tube. This will give me a little more space. I am also going to put a gusset on the outside of the frame, welded to the front body mount and going back about a 10" and another from the second body mount going forward. They may end up being one piece. I'm sure this will make more since with some pictures.
I posted some pics in the Project Journals section, titled - 2.3 liter Ford/Spitfire