TFSS: How To Build A Tube Chassis Front End - Measuring & Fabricating the Primary Tubes

The Fabricator Series Segments (TFSS): Chapter pulled from "How To Build A Tube Chassis Front End" which demonstrates complete tube chassis front end fabrication on a Nissan 240SX S13.
This Chapter covers the design and fabrication techniques of the primary tubes.
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[@1_lowlimited]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to make a great, detailed and informative video! Ive learned a ton from your channel in the last few days! Keep up the great content

[@randypullman1155]

Brilliant episode! Is there any chance of me finding an episode where you backhalf to the motor mounts and discuss advantages of the two different styles of four link in a small car for a drag strip?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Randy Pullman If I can find a vehicle owner or client wanting this type of work, absolutely. There will be some videos soon involving construction and setup of a 4 link (maybe a few actually).

[@jameskierstead9312]

Nice Work Bro

[@Dino30ish]

Very informative with the bender .......... I have a JD2 model 32 (air / hydraulic ) , and getting the bends correct has been my biggest issue ....... The angle is always right , but the distance between the bends always seems to be off ................ Now I know how to look and see where the start of my bend vs the start of my dye is setup ... ... I put my tube in and lock it down , but the bender has about 4" of arm movement before it grabs the tube to bend (if that makes sense ) ......................... But now , I know what to look for and see how the dye grabs vs the bend starts ......................................................... I am Subscribing to your channel , your info just helped me build the crossmember to hold the transmission in my 4x4 project ........... ............... THANK YOU SIR ! ............. Thank you for sharing your skills and helping the "Fabrication Challenged " group like me .............

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Norman Murray What size die does that happen with the most? My 1 inch die has a lot of movement before it makes an impression in the bend. I do pre-load the bender before setting it up, but the 1 inch always seems to be just shy of the angle it needs to be. As long as the measurements for the final product are based off of the same starting point (like the start of the die), everything should line up where it needs to be on the final product.

[@Dino30ish]

On both of my 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 dies ....

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Norman Murray Interesting. There is a little play on mine, but its very consistent with those sizes.

[@4g63mark]

GREAT STUFF!!!! Just found this channel. I couldn't hit the subscribe button fast enough. :-)

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+4g63mark Thank for joining!

[@geluix69]

Great tips., very usefull.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks for watching!

[@McGrathMotorsports]

Reasoning for primary tubes mounting to side of frame rail versus top of rail?

[@ryansedlacek2965]

Inspired me to do my 1975 dodge colt V8 swap

[@rifleman7313]

Could the same tube front end concept be used for a V-8 swapped Mazda Miata?

[@samuelkoning876]

are there anny good cheaper tube benders for chromolly steel rollcages and or a tube chassis

[@tyler_gregan]

i would love to see a header build

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Tyler Gregan I have the word out right now for a turbo manifold. I'll keep a header in mind.

[@vandieselcuuuz]

Can anyone tell me tube dimensions please

[@AlfredoPalhares]

Hello, Could you share where/how did you get that tube bender? Thanks,

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Alfredo Palhares The bender is a JD Squared Model 3. I bought it at JD2.com

[@xDSTALKERx]

how far from the beginning of the bend, is the center of the bend?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Half way haha (sorry, couldn't resist). The actual answer is based on each angle of the bend and its CLR. The answer changes on every bend. Check out Tube Bending Basics for more info. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ_CnZloh618htU

[@seangeeb]

While using mild steel, isn't the owner worried about rust? Since its outside the car and untreated/uncoated?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

seangeeb It wasn't left uncoated when finished. That would be pretty silly.

[@trittyvar3523]

hey man, can you build a header just cause?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+tritty var A header is on the list. Need to find the vehicle first.

[@mrdielawn5033]

why are primary tubes mounted downwards?? do they gave to be?? can they be at an angle or from the side?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I'm not sure I understand your question.

[@seangeeb]

Lol..

[@KnittyGrittyGarage]

has anyone ever cutout the backside of the front wheel wheel like between the tower and firewall?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Sure. It's not as common but it has been done.

[@brian856]

Is your pipe bender bolted into the ground?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Yes. In "Tools of the Trade" I show how I do it.

[@m7313673]

What is the size/spec of the tube? Thanks

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Marc Ragoonanan These primary tubes are 1.5" x .120" wall

[@TRWperformance]

hi, what kind of steel do you use ? thanks

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+TRWperformance It all depends on the build and requirements. This particular build used mostly ERWS (mild steel), but some is DOM. It's all based on the requirements and budget.

[@TRWperformance]

+The Fabricator thanks

[@stealthygsr]

Is that the JB2 Model 3 bender? Pro's/Con's? I've been looking at getting one for tube fronts/cages/bash bars. Watched all of your vids and its pointing me in a good direction for my first attempt

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+stealthygsr Yes, this is the JD Squared Model 3. It is definitely my favorite bender so far. Virtually anything you have to bend fora car can be done with the Model 3. If you need to bend heavy duty parts (for off-road/crawlers) with very thick wall tubing, the Model 32 will handle it. I personally haven't exceeded the limits of the Model 3 though. It's pretty stout.

[@stealthygsr]

Good to hear. Now I just need to decide on a welder. I'm not sure if a 140a Mig will do the job or if I'll have to spring for a 180a

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I use a Millermatic 135 for everything I don't use the TIG on. It's more than enough to hold this front end together and more.

[@stealthygsr]

Even for a cage? I'm kinda thinking to get started I will just get a 135 MIG and have my buddy with a TIG do whatever I can't with the 135. I'm just trying to spread out a small tool budget

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I use the TIG for cages because I like to have more precise control over the welds, but people use MIG welders on cages all the time.

[@i2aspire]

where did you get your tubing bender from

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+i2aspire The bender is a JD Squared Model 3. I bought it at JD2.com

[@i2aspire]

+The Fabricator thank you

[@DEATHWISHVQ]

Salvage car? Tube chassis.