TFSS: How To Build A Tube Chassis Front End - Wheel Tubs

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 fabrication methods used to install a set of Front Wheel Tubs. In addition to the tubs themselves, some additional sheet metal is added to completely enclose the engine bay. Cutting the existing chassis for clearance mods to work in conjunction with the front wheel tubs is also demonstrated.
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[@binfordtools]

Wow, thank you SO much for making these videos. It's encouraging to see fabrication by using common shop tools and techniques.

[@vanjabi8827]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE DETAILED CONTENT! THIS IS BY FAR MY FAVORITE SPOT ON KZbin

[@underoath4177]

Love the tip of using a big piece of scrap to reference off of two faces of tube. It's little tips like that that make me appreciate what you do. So many people in the fab industry have the mindset that the less other people know, the more valuable the person that does know, is. Thanks for all you do man. Also, You might try checking out a guy on here that goes by EricTheCarGuy and see what kind of microphone he uses. It seems to hold up to shop use and gives great sound.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+underoath4177 Thanks for watching! I'm talking to a few sound engineer friends of mine and working on a mic solution. Hopefully soon I'll get the audio set up right.

[@hapyharyhard0n581]

Im in the middle of this now on the same car. Thanks a ton! Awesome stuff!

[@ze_german2921]

I Love what I'm seeing so far, you could use shop air to cool down your spot welds as your welding and reduce the risk from warpage and burnin through your metal. I Love what I'm seeing so far

[@goughgreer-barry1773]

Awesome vid mate, learning more and more with every video, i love the work you do with just basic fab tools and the time/offert put in, it shows in your work. AMAZING

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Gough Greer-barry Thank you!

[@BlakesGarage]

Great video again! Keep up the awesome build. I'm loving how everything is coming together.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Blake's Garage Thanks!

[@therealq10]

I just binge watched this series and I was so upset that I caught up to you haha. This is amazing and very informative! Thank you so much for putting this out here for those of us who are interested in learning this art.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+therealq10 Uh oh! I better get back to editing then haha.

[@therealq10]

+The Fabricator take your time, I'm just grateful that you're doing this haha. If you get some free time, would you make a video or drop some advice about tools? Im looking to pick up a tube bender and have no idea where to start.

[@mrhaveaparty]

Ive always wanted to learn how to do everything you have made videos for. finally someone is going through the steps, because these are the only videos in all the searching that I have done that explains it all in so much detail. will be using these videos as a guide when building my wagon drift car

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+mrhaveaparty Awesome. Feel free to share some progress of your work along the way. I'd like to see it!

[@mrhaveaparty]

I havnt quite got the welding skills to do everything on my own, so am getting help in that department from an amateur fabby mate of mine. But will defs send some pics through of our work for u to see.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

mrhaveaparty Awesome. Can't wait to see!

[@bradbucc]

You can also just use a compass with a sharpie in it to match the curve of the shock tower to the new sheet metal. Learned a ton. I have an e30 on a rotisserie and want to prep for big tires front and rear--this helped me get some ideas. Loving watching these every day. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+bradbucc My pleasure. Thanks for watching! The compass method works quite well. I actually use it frequently. It was a toss up as to which method I was going to use on this one, but a few people took a vote and suggested the hand method would be good for those who are limited on tools (even though a compass is cheap). I'm pretty sure I will be doing another wheel tub vid at some point where I will demonstrate other methods.

[@LoneFighterX]

+The Fabricator How about using a copper wire or some other flexible wire, bend it around the shock tower and just trace it on the fender with a sharpie, i think that would give you the exact shape and it doesn't require any tools. Really enjoying your vids, maybe the best fab channel i've watched so far.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Gregory Yiokkas I tried using a welding rod once, but it was a little difficult to trust. Most of the time I just use a compass, or measure the gap and build a scribe with the correct spacing to trace the radius of the tower. It really all depends on the vehicle.

[@bradbucc]

+The Fabricator Nice. I think that's a wise approach--the least common denominator when it comes to tools. Carry on!

[@neffk]

Yeah. This is a standard fitting technique in carpentry.

[@21April853BC]

Bro, youre an amazing fabricator.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thank you!

[@peter033kjv]

I love your videos! Very informative.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+peter033kjv Thank you!

[@MrFireman164]

Always nice work!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+MrFireman164 Thanks!

[@v8berenguer372]

You are not a fabricator. You sir, are a metal ARTIST. Love your channel.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

Thumbs up, nice attention to details.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Robert Perrigo Thank you!

[@huckstirred7112]

whatching your vid at 2 am , wonderful vid i must say ; then bam the music woke up the neighbors

[@andrewaharvey]

great video thank you

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+the real Andrew Harvey You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@gseyank100]

Where are your green offset snips. I’m going to have to bring you a proper set of snips next time I’m in Vegas. I’m a tin knocker. So I naturally enjoy metal work. Thanks for all the videos. Much appreciated. 🤙🏻

[@pontiacmaniac7772]

I wish I still had access to a sheet metal shop. I did a couple years ago. Before I even had a car, now I have a car and I can't do any of this. I have some tools but I want to really make quality stuff so having a shop with a wide range of equipment is helpful.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Many tools and specialty tools make it easier. Quality comes from the builder regardless of the machine. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesvella3696]

love the tshirt!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Thanks!

[@marceltimmers1290]

Hi mate. Very nicely done again. That last little corner had me flustered, I was wondering how you where going to make all those compound bends in there, but you got there I will never be able to do this, but I love watching you working it all out. Oh and by the way, I love work....... I can watch it for hours. ; )

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Marcel Timmers You absolutely CAN do it. It just takes some knowledge (which you now have from the video) and a little practice. Give it a try on a small scale. You'll be surprised how easy some of this is. Thanks for watching!

[@marceltimmers1290]

Man your fast, are you sitting on that computer? Thanks. I suppose that I should just make a start, I do have most of the equipment that you have, it's just that damn brain that is holding me back. Severe depression and anxiety you see. I was just watching Jodie at weldingtipsandtricks on you tube and asking if he had seen you. No answer as yet. But he is good at melting metal together.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Marcel Timmers I am in the office right now cutting videos together. All 3 screens are lit up with videos haha. Fabrication is one of the few things in this world that make me happy. The other part is teaching. That is primarily why I do it. I've watched quite a few of Jodie's vids. Always loved his teaching style - very straight forward. You can tell he's been in the industry and takes pride in it.

[@marceltimmers1290]

As do you mate, as do you.

[@insaynbcr]

There is a lot to be said about a good sawzall. You know where my Sears Crapsman sawzall knockoff is? Well, neither do I. Just trying to cut an old muffler off a car it bogged down and got hot. Trimming sheet metal off my VW Baja was clearly too much for it too. I got so frustrated with it, that I literally unplugged it and launched it out of the garage, over my driveway, into the street where it bounced and slid clear across the street and hit the curb on the other side (pretty hard). There it sat a day or two until it was picked up and became someone else's bundle of joy. I moved on to air powered die grinders and a plasma cutter. Your saw looks like it has a few more ponies and makes some smooth fast cuts on the factory strut towers, like butt'ah.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+insaynbcr This is one seriously awesome read hahaha. Good tools produce good results. Most of that is based on you, the builder/user with the tools, but there is comfort knowing your cut will be true every time you use it. This is why I'm such a brand junkie to DeWalt Tools. I have a similar story regarding a set of locking pliers. They were cheap knock-off junk, and I was too cheap at the time to buy a pair of real Vise Grips. These knock-off locking pliers would routinely pinch the skin on the palm of my hand to the point where one day I just sent them flying off into a field. About a week or so later, I noticed a utility worker out behind the shop in that field. He ended up finding the knock-off locking pliers laying on the ground. I didn't see the moment of action, but heard a pretty loud cursing yell with enough time to turn around and see those same knock-off locking pliers get launched further into the field. I own Vise Grips now. Pretty sure the Utility Worker has considered it as well.

[@coreyprangnell]

Have you ever built a strut tower for a pt cruiser?

[@moosestangls5099]

How thick of tubular I use? An on my radiator support bracket an intercooler bracket I use? Best on mustang ls swap front

[@jackstand3513]

I would use a compass and scribe it. Run the sharp end on the piece that your wanting to scribe. With your piece where you free hand drew it. However keep the writing piece north and south as you mark it. Leave the line it will be on the money.

[@BreakAwayXD]

Good stuff, personally when i transfer contoured complex surfaces i use cardboard/card stock to make a template, for me its easier than regrinding

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

There are many different ways to get the job done. Templates make many jobs go faster, but it's up to the person doing the job to decide what works best for them. I can usually get simple shapes mated up quicker without the use of templates. In this case, the wheel tub itself was the template.

[@jimzivny1554]

Nice clean well thought out work. I have a question, I've become a master at wrecking Sharpies, they don't have a long lifespan in my garage, what is the red marker you use in your videos?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I use the Milwaukee Inksall marker. It's pretty stout for this type of work.

[@jeffreystull2099]

Where did you buy the trailer fender from

[@skidlyfe81]

Use a compass to mark the strut tops

[@troyross5336]

Love the videos man! Teaching a heavy fab, machinest a whole bunch about sheet work! What tool is that your using to cut the sheet however? Looks similar to a nibbler?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Double cuts. They are pretty good for quick work.

[@renerostohar]

Whay you want to cut away the innerpart of the strutbar? You make it weaker but put also no structur back. What is the filosofie behind it???

[@reginaldmorton2162]

This is sum good shxt..

[@gpsboladao8874]

to measure the radius of that suspension fit you could just wrap a hard wire around it and trace it in the fender, right?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

That could work but wire almost never traces the exact path due to spring back and the fact that it only follows a border. It will get you close though.

[@CodyYankey]

The black gloves you are using, what are they? They look great for automotive work.

[@mykmichaud]

My knuckle knows they are nothing vs. a recent slip with the cut off wheel. I learned, USE LEATHER, or GOATSKIN (soft & tough) when doing welding and grinding work. :) P.S. I dig the old KBPI sticker on your hood. I've been here since before it was KAZY 106.7. Rock On! Keep makin' noise and sparks and vids! Maybe work on better P.P.E. ;P

[@undefined.value.]

I have a rusted spot where the battery tray is on my S14 and I want to cut it out and replace it with a section from another car. I came to this video for tips on the welding portion which I've learned a lot. I have an older Hobart 180 MIG, and I kind of wanted to know what sort of settings I should run to make this possible without burning holes in the metal. Any suggestions?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I don't know what specific settings are optimal on that machine. You should grab some scrap of the same thickness and test it out. That will get you a lot farther in less time.

[@emmanuelmartinez2769]

hey HOW do you have that blue vise set up??? figure is a larger base compare to where the vise is bolt on ??

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Emmanuel Martinez It is free standing on a pedestal I built so I can move it around as needed.

[@haz1554]

Where can I find sheet metal?

[@bprolifik]

With such an awesome engine bay that stock KA has to go! Any plans to do a swap?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Scott M. It is still undecided what he is going to do power wise, but there were talks about swapping.

[@michelleherrera2480]

hey so I've seen your welding and am new to it, i seehow sometimes you use stacked tacks and other times you use a constant bead. Is there the same penetration and strength with the tack method as a bead?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Individual tacks (often known as "Stitching") and full continuous beads can both maintain proper penetration and strength. Each type of weld or method is adjusted on the machine accordingly. Continuous fast filler welds are not necessarily for the full strength as much as they are just for filling, but they should be dialed in properly to hold.

[@michelleherrera2480]

wow you are freaking awesome thank you so much for the info. Thanks i really appreciate the insanely fast response. I think i will try some more testing on my end for my welds.

[@1dickycat]

Yet another awesome vid! Keep 'em comin' man! Question, how do you clean up the welds inside of your 90's down on the bottom?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+1dickycat Thanks! There's still a half dozen or so more chapters for this build to come in Part 2. I'm not sure I understand your question about the inside welds. Which section are you referring to? Or do you have a time reference in the video you could point out for description?

[@1dickycat]

+The Fabricator Around the 47 minuet mark, on the left there's the inside 90 degree and to the right of that is the tub/bottom corner. i've never found a good way to clean the welds in them tight corners/seams.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

1dickycat If I really have to clean up a weld like that, I'll use a carbide bit or very small grinding wheel. All of this was welded on the inside of the wheel well without burning through so everything could be left exposed.

[@1dickycat]

+The Fabricator OK, that would work. So once you'er done welding everything, how do you clean up your burn marks or do you just leave them?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+1dickycat All the heat signatures (burn marks) are left as is since the finish will be painted. The heat signature is just discoloration. If someone wanted to clean it up, or remove the heat signature, a surface prep pad could be fit the grooves to scuff it away. It will leave a bushed finish depending on the grade, but that could all be finished with progressively finer passes.

[@Tweaked_ej6]

Great videos as always. I am behind as I just discovered your channel not to long ago. One question i have is: When you were shaping around the strut tower would it not be easier to make a template then transfer the curve over to the tub? Seems to have always worked our great for me but I was more curious if there was a method to your madness. Something I may have possibly overlooked Thanks!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Timothy Paas Thank you. Tracing the design out is really up to the builder. I commonly use 4 different methods personally (depending on the build itself), but it was a toss-up which one to demonstrate here. It was suggested during filming of this segment that I use the method that will help train someone who has little to no tools since it will help develop more skill further on. I have another chapter coming up which uses templates (a little differently). The combination of the different methods will help more viewers discover multiple methods in the end. Thanks for watching!

[@Tweaked_ej6]

+The Fabricator Now that you say that it makes total sense! I rely on my contour gauge more than anything else when it comes to stuff like this, But not everyone has a contour gauge. I have even more respect for you doing it the way that the average person with a lower skill would typically have to go about it! Keep up the wonderful work even after the many years of doing this I am still learning new trick from your videos.

[@waynesalter908]

Why not use a compass to get the radius

[@Tekila0]

Is the strut bar going to be a part of the How to Built A Tube Chassis series? It catches my eye every time I watch the intro.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+trevor kidd I actually posted it way ahead of schedule kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6CxZ3mCnpqIhtE

[@Tekila0]

+The Fabricator Oh man that was before I was subscribed, thanks! Watching it now.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

trevor kidd Enjoy!

[@eastcoastcustomsreadingcus2950]

so you moved up from Harbor Frei.,t to De walt. wow livin large lol

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

East Coast Customs Reading Custom Paint I'm not following you on that comment....

[@eastcoastcustomsreadingcus2950]

thats fine. I only meant that as a joke. you got the game on was what it was meant to be. I was just looking back when you were in the house doing vids. I do apologize if I came off wrong. no one has to follow any one. My vids ar nothing of value right now anyways. But am working on getting back on my feet again. AGAIN i DO APOLGISE . I do use Harbor f tools. honest. not bad stuff for a dyi. you advanced, got the cash and buy better. nuff said. I learn alot from you.

[@philfox8878]

Couldn't you have used a profile gauge I find them very useful for curves and akward shapes Keep up the great work

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Yes, but there are other ways around buying tools you might not use as often.

[@philfox8878]

I use mine about a couple of times a week on stockcar bodies

[@mattnsac]

You can make a profile gage out of a piece of cardboard. Cut a 1" strip and make a 45deg point on the end. Find the longest point from the body and make a hole in the cardboard that distance from the point. Stick a drafter style Sharpie through the little hole and trace away. I learned it from Chris Alston Chassisworks for Pro street wheel tubs and works perfect

[@RogueFabrication]

Great early video from TFS!!! ... Your "military voice" is showing a little ;)

[@ChuckSalerno90]

What about the frame seem? Shouldn't that have been closed up?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+Chuck Salerno It could have been, but it was never split open to begin with . It remained factory welded. There wasn't really a need for welding it up.

[@jack22swim]

wish I could fab like you 😶😭

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Practice. I wasn't born doing this.

[@kramer26]

You're like a younger version of Denis Collins from Gas Monkey, if he was a welder and fabricator.

[@EternalTTV]

What thickness of metal used?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

It varies throughout the build. I typically say what thickness it is in each vid.

[@EternalTTV]

The Fabrication Series I am from Russia and not fully understand it all) I'm sorry)

[@MeBeYours]

Which tubs did you start with?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

What do you mean "which tubs"?

[@MeBeYours]

+The Fabricator sorry, what tractor fenders did you start with? I have an s13 im doing tubs on and really like the look of those.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

+MeBeYours It's just a universal trailer fender cut in half. Measure your clearance and buy the correct size.

[@MeBeYours]

+The Fabricator alright thanks

[@EtherGaming604]

Can you reupload these videos with better audio? I can’t stand the constant buzzing and tapping but your videos are so informational

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

BcBoost Nothing I can do about them. They were made with the free KZbin editor which causes the clicking and I didn't record Season 1 with a mic (other than what was on the camera). What is there is what you get unfortunately.

[@EtherGaming604]

Thank you for the quick response on a 2 year old video ! I will definitely take what I get and give thanks for such an informative easy to follow series. New subscriber and happy to have days of watching ahead haha

[@huckstirred7112]

begging you to dropp the banging music

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Can't do anything about it now.

[@melody3741]

please fix the popping audio

[@melody3741]

if its possible idk if it is... but it hurts

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Melody That's a byproduct of the free KZbin editor (which I used to use when I started this series). There's nothing I can do to fix it at this point unfortunately.

[@melody3741]

Weird... Thats okay i guess. Youd think a website dedicated to video wouldnt have a problem like that.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Melody It's a really crappy watered down editor haha. I promptly switched shortly after Season 2 was launched.

[@thecarguy7932]

Harbor freight!

[@austinsmith6334]

U

[@huckstirred7112]

woulda plasma be better than a shere

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

"Better" is up to the person doing the job. I rarely use a plasma for anything.

[@janier124]

lol and what not

[@robertsears2762]

106.7 KBPI The Rockies, I assume you are in Colorado. Can I share my email address if you need precision Machining?

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

robert sears I'm in Vegas. You can email me if you want. I do have a local machinist that tackles my small work (that I can't do with my machines) but I am often asked if I know anyone in an area, so I can drop a referral.

[@kennedywong9854]

Great!! check out my 240sx.

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

I'll have a look. Thanks for watching!

[@renerostohar]

Men that it do not hurts on your ears. 😱 Or are your ears already fucked up?