Front crossmember thickness

[swatman260]

I'm in the process of buying my frame metal, and have the 2x3 tube and my 3/8" plate for brackets. That leaves my 2 1/2" front crossmember, which has been hard to source locally. I've located a 2 1/2" mechanical tube at a local shop, but it's 3/8" wall thickness. The CCR plans I'm using call for .188". Would there be a disadvantage to using a thicker tube? Would it cause any weird suspension issues because it would be more twist resistant?

 

[2old2fast]

When I built mine all that was available locally was 5/16" , just be sure to burn it in good !

dave

 

[RPM]

We use 2 1/2" gas pipe. It is a good grade of steel and meant to be welded. The 2 1/2 is the inside with the od about 2 7/8. We have plenty here if you just need to buy a short section and all you can find is a full length.

 

[RESINATOR]

There should be no issue with using a thicker tube. We use the 2 1/2" x 188 DOM material, it has a clean and smooth surface and the seam is almost undetectable. If the tubing your using has a seam, make sure you put it facing down.

 

[swatman260]

Looking at some technical websites, I see that sch 40 gas pipe has a nominal wall thickness of .20 on a 2 1/2 pipe...so I would assume that I can use sch 40 safely? If so, most all of the supply places around here carry it. It is the dom steel that no one carries...

 

[TrackTV6]

Try Ebay, you can usually find a steel supplier selling short lengths. I bought different wall thickness and diameters from the same supplier and they shipped them in a banded bundle and the freight wasn't too bad.

 

[HenrysT]

Try here, they're are a couple of mail order places but these guys are pretty good... http://www.stockcarsteel.com/dom-steel-tube-drawn-over-mandrel/

 

[CDNflatlander]

Nice brackets RESINATOR, did you cut those out or are those off a shelf...if off a shelf, where?

 

[RESINATOR]

Thanks, those are off the shelf..Califonia Custom Roadsters shelf , we are a sponsor here.