Over the cold months, S13Counterpart and myself have been contemplating the fabrication of a vast array of S chassis items. The first of which to come are replacement S13 frame rails, an ideal project as all R and D comes out of pocket. We began with a stripped 180sx half cut, purchased late January/early February. We then took to removing the frame rails from the half cut by drilling out the spot welds, and removing the desired part.
From this part, we were able to map out every contour, changes in width, etc and began making templates and jigs, in order to reproduce the original rails…including the factory alignment points (a very important feature to retain). We fabbed up a few trial jigs, endured some trial and error, and came to a setup we are starting to like. Still tweaking it though…as we wont be satisfied until the rails are a perfect match. Unfortunately, this weekend S13Counterpart was out with a back injury. I have minimal fab experience, but we had some 22 gauge laying around the shop… I was bored and decided to pound one out. The result was not bad, I’m more than confident that S13Counterpart will do so much better with the welds, being ticketed and all. Without further delay, here is the first one out (and coincidentally my very first fabrication project).
Sorry for pic quality, was taken from crackberry
So, if anyone is actually interested in such an item, now is the time to let us know. The final product will be made from 14 gauge (same as factory) and geared for a simple install- drill out the old spot welds and then weld the new piece in. No sawzalls, no hack jobs…clean and simple…just like a collision shop. I would have no less for my own car, and I assume you all share the same pride in your ride. More to come soon!
Those are also in the works… Along with OEM rear quarters… Those are something I’m highly looking forward to.
Almost every major panel that needs replacing will be available for the S13 hatch and S14. Eventually.
No coupe specific parts yet. We need to acquire a coupe.
personally don’t need these anymore … but for when i did i’d had jumped all over these
good luck guys should be a few guys in need of em … and as long as your not trying to ass rape in price your be good lol… regardless its good to see things like this coming out of the forum
Keep in mind they’re still hand made… time = money… lol
The final design will also have use of some dimple dies. And still have a spot for water evacuation. As well as the factory alignment points.
Another thing to add here, is that our metal supplier, place we are making the rails, quarters, and so on, all get a piece of the pie. And they’re all Canadian. Not only are you fixing your ride, your also supporting our Canadian economy. Food for thought. Go Canada.
And because this is an OEM replacement. Meaning drilled out spot welds etc… The carpet has to either come out or be moved… These are not simple patches. These are true full replacements…
if you price it competitively you will have MAD customers (lots of s13 ressurection especially LOL) both all over canada AND states and hell maybe even the world (i know in the uk ppl want it too)
price!! I need some of these ASAP. I was going to go to the metal shop tomorrow and bring my models, there supposed to make two for $120. The part I am having made starts after the frame gets wider, this way its just a channel with a bend, no change in width so its probably much easier to make = cheaper. I would rather replace the whole part though, so if your ready to make some soon LMK asap so I can buy from you if its not that much more otherwise Ill probably buying some of the other stuff (rockers) in the future. Good luck with the project! I’m sure you will help alot of ppl.
This is essentially our ultimate goal. To offer products to the public so they can do a proper restoration. Who knows… Maybe restored 240’s will bring up their value again.
I’m personally mostly anticipating the S14 rear quarters… Since I need them myself.
I personally don’t see the average s-chassis owner trying to have these things shipped. Especially over the border. never mind over seas, lol…
Right now our main initial focus is the oh-so wonderful son’lings…
Yeah… It’s a tough job… But someone’s gotta do it. Or else there’s just wasted ballerness floatin in the air…
Yes we have a rough idea.
I’m not 100% sure I understand your post correctly. But if you’re asking us if these will cost about $120 for both the answer is no.
The material itself cost us $90…
Finally someone added the multi-quote button… Thank god…
