Frame Redesign

The frame for the project came from the local British auto wrecker. It was thoroughly sandblasted prior to working on it. I purchased all of the components that were to be mounted on the frame; the Corvette rear suspension and third member, the muncie transmission, and an empty block that was boiled out and its exterior painted. I fabricated the metal parts for the frame modification and had Donsco Offroad Vehicles do the welding - my life is riding on those welds.

The original frame ran under the Spitfire stock half-shafts. The Vette rear suspension required an overhead frame member for mounting. The modified frame components were constructed out of 2inch x 3inch x 1/8th inch cold rolled rectangular steel tubing. I ran 2 inch x 2 inch x 1/8th inch square steel tubing from the new rear frame members up to the front of the stock frame. They were attached to the stock frame at several places to enhance full strength. This approach modified the stock 'hourglass' frame to an 'H' frame with cross-member. The frame is very rigid and has worked flawlessly since 1970. The enigine, running gear, and suspension were mounted prior to putting the body on the frame.

The first diagram shows a stock Spitfire frame. The second diagram shows a top view of the modified frame and the third diagram shows the way the frame was modified to make it ready for the installation of the Corvette third member and rear suspension.

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