C-Notch on a 54

[Houston54]

Should have put a C-notch in during the initial build but did not so now I am correcting that oversight.

The frame is already boxed on the inside so the plan is to add a 1/8 thick gusset to the outside of the frame rails as shown. Cut out the notch and box in the notch using some 3/16 flat stock that will be bent to conform to the notch shape. The inside frame surface will also receive a 1/8 gusset plate similar to the outside plate.

The plan is to leave one inch of material from the top of the notch to the top of the frame. Is that enough? I will be running leaf springs.

[six5]

Houston I personally would not run with just an inch above the notch... You need more material on top to be safe.......

[N2TRUX]

I agree with six5. You need a little beef at the C-notch. I would use a boxing plate as well. Here's what the shop did on my 77 using a piece of pipe for the C-notch and boxed the frame with plate.

[Houston54]

Thanks. The frame is already fully boxed. I have redesigned the notch to leave 1.5 inches of material at the top. The total frame depth top to bottom is just under 4".

I also plan to add additional side plates to the outside and inside surfaces of the frame. These plates will be 3/16 thk.

The notch itself is more of a U shape with a flat top area. It will be filled with 3/16 thk material as well.

I will be strapping the top of the frame rails with 1/4 thk material to provide additional strength.

Does this still sound like a recipe for disaster?

[Houston54]

I went ahead a pulled the trigger on the C-notch this past weekend. It looks to me like it will be more than strong enough.

Here is a link to some pics.

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/21770193

[N2TRUX]

Holy moley, that's double boxed! I believe you have adequate reinforcement....