54Belair is correct. The older frames, he said, are made to flex, more accurately, to twist. The body, already being a rigid box, is made to pitch and roll by use of rubber and other flexible fasteners. Also, welding on frames, while permissible, should be done by an expert who would follow proper procedures some of which are spelled out in the 55-59 maintenance manual (as a reference). The heaviest engine and tranny available in the 40's could be same or more than a 350 with aluminum tranny.(example: 216 + SM465=780 lbs, 350 + 700R4=710 lbs). Boxing is for hot rods with purpose built frames and the ride gives you HotRod Hemorrhoids. If it was a stock frame all the way, I'd say spread the load of the engine mounts with "L" shaped or "C" shaped channel inside the frame rails, bolted on. Make them about a foot, or so, long if possible.(Been there, done that) I don't know what the Fatman front does to all this. Sounds like you are going more hot rod/hybrid/stock to me.
Last edited by bartamos; 10/28/2011 9:32 AM.
