65 Valiant options for front frame/suspension

[65_valiant]

I'm nearly done with the 66 Nova I've been building the last couple years and would like to get back on the valiant, but it has some rust issues on both front frame rails and the crossmember where the torsion bars slide into. I've seen the rms unit. Are there other options also? Just starting to look into it all again.

 

[junkyardhero]

you'll need to address the structural frame issues before installing any type "aftermarket" suspension system.

upfront, the coil over systems bolt to the frame so obviously that needs to be shored up. on the t-bar crossmember, just because you're eliminating t-bars doesn't mean you can disregard the piece. that assembly provides critical lateral frame support and even if you're not anchoring t-bars back to it, there needs to be a piece tying the frame side to side-- whether that be a replacement piece or a fabricated piece.

 

[65_valiant]

you'll need to address the structural frame issues before installing any type "aftermarket" suspension system.

upfront, the coil over systems bolt to the frame so obviously that needs to be shored up. on the t-bar crossmember, just because you're eliminating t-bars doesn't mean you can disregard the piece. that assembly provides critical lateral frame support and even if you're not anchoring t-bars back to it, there needs to be a piece tying the frame side to side-- whether that be a replacement piece or a fabricated piece.

Absolutely! Sorry, the way I wrote the post DOES kinda sound as if I'm attempting to skip the repair. Plan is to section and fill it in properly. As for the t-bar member, there's nothing keeping me from doing the same section and fill as the frame rail correct? Ditching the t-bars so the sockets are useless.

 

[junkyardhero]

Absolutely! Sorry, the way I wrote the post DOES kinda sound as if I'm attempting to skip the repair. Plan is to section and fill it in properly. As for the t-bar member, there's nothing keeping me from doing the same section and fill as the frame rail correct? Ditching the t-bars so the sockets are useless.

correct.

just remember that it has to tie to the "frame rails" and to the floor.

ideally, you would set it up so that you could integrate subframe connectors as well.