The main supporting structure of an automobile onto which other components are attached is known as a vehicle frame. Almost all motor vehicles manufactured before 1930s have this skeleton which is separate from their bodies. In the course of time things changed as manufacturers shifted to unibody construction. This means that the bodywork and the chassis are integrated into one another.
However, hot rods still feature a frame that is separate from their bodies. As such, it is one of the things that make them unique. Having a separate frame allows for placement of large engines. Larger engines in turn allow for greater linear speeds. Also, hot rod frames support other mechanical components of the vehicle besides the body. Hotrods have stronger frames that enable them to deal with the dynamic and static loads without having any undue distortion or deflection.
There are multiple static and dynamic loads that hotrod frames handle such as the cargo weight. Others include the vertical and torsional twisting motions that result from the car going over uneven surfaces. Since most hotrods are meant for speed, they should contain a chassis that is able to endure the crosswise lateral forces from road conditions.
Side winds and automobile steering motion may also bring about traversal lateral forces. The frame design must allow it withstand collisions and the sudden resultant impacts. There are a number of things to consider in frame construction for hotrods. These include, starting, longitudinal tensile forces due to acceleration, and torque due to engine transmission.
Hotrod frames are mostly constructed using ladder type frame. Up to now, it is the simplest and oldest of all types of frames. Typical ladder frame has two channels, that is, trails or beams that have symmetry. The two are joined by transverse cross-members and run the whole length of the car. The cross-members are installed after specific intervals as considered fit. Similar to all other frame designs, it has its merits and demerits.
Its ability to offer good beam resistance is one of its advantages. This advantage is realized due to the continuous rails running from the rear to front. On the other hand, its resistance to warping or torsion is quite poor especially if the cross-members used are simple or of poor quality. The other thing that a person constructing a ladder frame has to deal with is the overall height of the vehicle.
Generally, once a vehicle has ladder type frame its height tends to increase. This is brought about by the fact that a floor pan has to be added to the frame. In fact, the floor pan sits over the frame as opposed to sitting inside. Fortunately, since frames for hotrods are custom built this problem can be addressed easier before the work begins.
To conclude, a person must have their chassis produced by the best for safety reasons. Normally, experienced chassis producers are the best at this are they are better positioned to include the specifications that a person wants. It is the experience coupled with innovation that makes this possible. As hot rods are unique, a person must ensure that the uniqueness is also captured in their chassis.
However, hot rods still feature a frame that is separate from their bodies. As such, it is one of the things that make them unique. Having a separate frame allows for placement of large engines. Larger engines in turn allow for greater linear speeds. Also, hot rod frames support other mechanical components of the vehicle besides the body. Hotrods have stronger frames that enable them to deal with the dynamic and static loads without having any undue distortion or deflection.
There are multiple static and dynamic loads that hotrod frames handle such as the cargo weight. Others include the vertical and torsional twisting motions that result from the car going over uneven surfaces. Since most hotrods are meant for speed, they should contain a chassis that is able to endure the crosswise lateral forces from road conditions.
Side winds and automobile steering motion may also bring about traversal lateral forces. The frame design must allow it withstand collisions and the sudden resultant impacts. There are a number of things to consider in frame construction for hotrods. These include, starting, longitudinal tensile forces due to acceleration, and torque due to engine transmission.
Hotrod frames are mostly constructed using ladder type frame. Up to now, it is the simplest and oldest of all types of frames. Typical ladder frame has two channels, that is, trails or beams that have symmetry. The two are joined by transverse cross-members and run the whole length of the car. The cross-members are installed after specific intervals as considered fit. Similar to all other frame designs, it has its merits and demerits.
Its ability to offer good beam resistance is one of its advantages. This advantage is realized due to the continuous rails running from the rear to front. On the other hand, its resistance to warping or torsion is quite poor especially if the cross-members used are simple or of poor quality. The other thing that a person constructing a ladder frame has to deal with is the overall height of the vehicle.
Generally, once a vehicle has ladder type frame its height tends to increase. This is brought about by the fact that a floor pan has to be added to the frame. In fact, the floor pan sits over the frame as opposed to sitting inside. Fortunately, since frames for hotrods are custom built this problem can be addressed easier before the work begins.
To conclude, a person must have their chassis produced by the best for safety reasons. Normally, experienced chassis producers are the best at this are they are better positioned to include the specifications that a person wants. It is the experience coupled with innovation that makes this possible. As hot rods are unique, a person must ensure that the uniqueness is also captured in their chassis.
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You can get a summary of the things to consider when selecting a builder of hot rod frames at http://www.hotshoehotrods.com/index.html right now.
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