TR4/4A Tackling the biggest problem with my TR4A.... Frame Damage :[

[Djoslyn]

IMHO...the chassis will flex were circled.
I would make the green lines in one continuous plate...65mm x8mm.

I've come across your frame modification post many times . I hadn't planned on going as thick as 8mm but definitely thicker than the existing metal that the frame came with. I've also considered adding some sort of gusseting external to where the trailing arms would mount and the rear frame rails since my car is not a IRS car.

 

[Djoslyn]

Managed to remove a lower control arm mount that had been poorly repaired. Replaced a piece of the frame underneath it that was dented and thinned out from the previous repair.

 

[RGK]

I had my 4A's frame bent accidently. Wish I had kept the right side headlamp, it was a true survivor.

 

[Hamish Racing]

Wow that is a true short wheel base!
Everyone ok I hope.

 

[RGK]

Wow that is a true short wheel base!
Everyone ok I hope.

Yes, 'twas back in 1968.

 

[Graham H]

That was a sad ending and then dumped in a muddy paddock?

Graham

 

[Djoslyn]

It's been a little over a week since all this was done but I managed to get a ton done.

The frame has been sand blasted! Thankfully no new surprises were found after the thorough cleaning....

I've also cut out all the reinforcement pieces I plan on adding onto the frame and started welding them in place.

 

[Djoslyn]

Some more progress with a vacation in Jamaica in between

I decided to finally tackle a long needed item on my list of things to fix. My crank pulley now has Timing marks! The woodruff key was pretty worn as well so I replaced it while was at it.

As far as the frame goes, I've treated it with eastwoods AfterBlast prep to protect it while i'm finishing up the modifications to it.
I've also welded all the lower control arm mount reinforcements into place and drilled the extra holes in them to accept the upgraded pivots.

Today I managed to box in the cross brace that the lever shocks mount to and finalize the shapes of the braces I'm adding to the front spring/shock towers.

The only bit of fabrication left to do is to add the upper bump stop mount at the top of the drive shaft tunnel. Since this frame is from a IRS car it didn't come with that bit...

Lots of welding to finish up too....

 

[malbaby]

Dane....you have done a very nice job in restoring and strengthening the chassis and still retain the original factory look.
Please pardon my following comments.......I notice that you have welded in seperate plates rather than one continuous strong inner strengthening plate through the cruciform area.
IMHO, the chassis will still flex and twist to some extent as the originals did. The fact that yours is not an IRS car puts additional stress on the cruciform area as the back of he chassis is loaded/unloaded via the rear leaf spring mounts.

 

[Djoslyn]

Dane....you have done a very nice job in restoring and strengthening the chassis and still retain the original factory look.
Please pardon my following comments.......I notice that you have welded in seperate plates rather than one continuous strong inner strengthening plate through the cruciform area.
IMHO, the chassis will still flex and twist to some extent as the originals did. The fact that yours is not an IRS car puts additional stress on the cruciform area as the back of he chassis is loaded/unloaded via the rear leaf spring mounts.

You are correct. They are separate plates. I know this wasn't the strongest way to go. My intent is to reinforce the frame just a bit more especially due to the extent of the repairs in that area. I've also added some fish plates at some of the areas of repairs.

I agree there is definitely more I could do to help this frame out with the flexing and twisting but I think I'm happy with where it is at currently for the scope of this project. And I will say, I really do appreciate all of your input that you've given to me throughout this.

 

[malbaby]

Happy that I may have been of some help.