Firstly, I gotta say, epic work man. Im currently planning to make my own road legal warthog. At this time, I dont have the funding to buy a vehicle to start my build, however I'm currently making 3D plans (actually done in blender) for a tubing frame that can be dropped on a jeep or sedan frame without too much dificulty. The only way i can make this frame work is if it costs around 100$. My price estimates for the vehicle are still a bit to high, so With that said, would you mind helping me out by answering a few questions?
Firstly about the frame, how strong it?, how much does it flex?
and lastly, are there any places that 2X2 tubing that could possibly be substituted for 1x1 tubing (3/16 thick walls)?
This is definatly one of the best builds on the 405th! I really hope to see it finished.
-Gryphon
If you are looking at jeeps I would look for something with a longer wheelbase than a wrangler. Right now i am looking at 106 inch wheelbase but it could of been longer even up to 115 to 120 inches with out a problem.
The metal is going to cost. I have around 800 tied up in metal for the body right now. I would have to go through my tickets for the exhaust cost. I payed more for the metal i picked up this time home than i did last time. It had gone up almost 10 bucks a stick.
Before you work on your frame i would decide 100% what chassis you want to use and try to get it running or needs very little work. It will cost more in the long run trying to find all the little things. I only payed 500 for the bronco, but that was everything there and working except a engine and i have one of those in the shop already. I found others that were cheaper between 200 and 300 dollars but they didn't have a title, just used around the hunting camp. I was looking for one that had been rolled, but didn't want to waste more time on that.
Firstly about the frame, how strong it?
It is very strong, I put everything not just to look like a warthog but to work as a roll-cage. I plan on driving it on the street and at the very least off-road. Accidents are going to happen so all you can do is prepare.
how much does it flex?
It doesn't flex very much, i wanted it to be solid. I can put a ratchet hoist on it and pull it over some, but you aren't going to get it to flex by hand.
are there any places that 2X2 tubing that could possibly be substituted for 1x1 tubing (3/16 thick walls)?
That will be determined on your personal design. I am using .125 or 1/8" thick mild steel. Legal drag race requirements on a roll-cage are .120 mild steel or .085 for chrome molly steel. Chrome molly costs more but it weighs less too. ( hope these specs are still up to date, NHRA may of changed them some) The reason i went with the sizes i did was to get the sub frame (roll cage) looking like the warthog main frame as much as i could. I have used 2" x 4" , 2" x 2" and 1" x 1" . You will want to price the thicker 1" x 1" and compare it price wise to the other metal sizes.
Anything else you want to ask my opinion on just ask here or in a pm.
