Straight rails vs. tapered rails

[mikesplumbing]

Does anyone have an opinion or reason why a fella might decide to build a tapered frame instead of just building a simple straight frame. The taper in most frames apperar to be only about 3" total or about 1 1/2 on each side, and that's on the rearmost end of the chassis. What's the real benefit? Or does it just make it easier to fit everything in?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Francis Blake]

Normally the frames wider on the rear are for the 27 style

 

[EX JUNK]

The reason that my frame tapers from front to rear is that the body tapers and it also allows my coil overs to mount at a more effective angle. My frame measures 22 3/8'' at the radiator and 26 3/8'' at the rear axle. Because it is a turtle deck model, I have a 108'' wheelbase. Here are a couple of pictures of the chassis.

Jim

 

[LKE]

I've done them both ways. For a 23 T I would go with straight rails. It's easier to build, and work off of. My last car had straight rails. My new car, 24 C cab, has tapered rails. But only because I wanted the look of a radically pinched frame.

 

[mikesplumbing]

HOLY COW!!! I dam near wet myself, what an awesome chassis!!!!!

I think I get it, and to just use a straight set of rails should serve me just fine. I just don't want to make a mistake I might regret.

Thanks guys, now I'm going to go back and stair at that picture for the next hour.

Mike

 

[Hotrod46]

I tapered the frame on my 25. I wanted it to fit the width of the firewall and just fit a 32 grille shell in the front. Only a couple of inches difference in width from the firewall to the radiator, but I thought it looked better . Just a personal preferrence.

Mike

 

[putz]

Another reason to use straight rails is easier to keep everything square.It doesnt take much to screw things up measure everything many times before welding.

 

[Rick]

The best reason to have tapered rails is your coilovers work much better spread farther away from the pig.much more stable ride.IMHO.