Thread: Back Halfing

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Was thinking about pro streeting my '70 Monte and seen some kits from S&W and other places. I know some guys do this on their own, but was wondering how hard it actually is.

Never did one, but got very close. We almost prostreeted my Son's Capri, and did some research on it. We thought the best way to go was to buy one of the mandrel bent frame kits, and simply cut off the existing frame in front of the axle and start anew. Then we were going to use one of the 4 bar setups available, in conjunction with a narrowed 9 inch rear.

What stopped us was the cost. By the time you buy those components, plus some narrowed axles, a good 9 inch center section, and some big mickeys and wheels, you are in for about $ 5-6,000.00. We just couldn't justify that kind of money in this particular car. Maybe some can get it done cheaper, but that is what we came up with.

However, I still like the looks of a tubbed out prostreeter. Hope someone on here can give you some better info.

Don

I've done a number of them, not too bad depending on your fabrication and welding skills. The store bought packages are the way to go, hard to make them up yourself with components and a little bit of $$$$ for you time and come out ahead.... I've used Art Morrison and Chassis Engineering kits, both are equal in quality and price.

Biggest thing is getting the car set up level and square. A chassis table is nice, but not required if you are very careful about measuring and leveling.

Even with a full frame car like a Monte, a 6 point cage is dang near a necessity to add rigidity to the chassis. No use going to all the work of backhalfing if your are not going to make the chassis rigid enough to stay straight with all the increased bite the big meats will bring you....

Thanks guys. I was hoping to only spend about 25 hundred total. There is a local guy that wants 8 to 10 grand. I can weld, but my buddy is an excellent welder. He does it for a living and has also welded circle track cages. here's a link to S&W's set up. I'm not sure if it comes with the housing though.
http://www.swracecars.com/rearframes.asp#64

Oh yeah, forgot about them!!!! S&W makes some really nice back half kits, too..... I have seen a few of these back half packages on eBay from time to time being sold for a bit less then retail, might not hurt to check there, too...

I was checking out some tubbed cars on there last night and didn't even think to look for kits. Seems like it would be a good investment in the car. It looks like tubbed cars are still in demand to a certain crowd. I don't think I'm going to do it for under 2,500 though. I was pricing wheels and tires and they aren't cheap. 3,000 is still alot cheaper than the chassis shop around here.

Well, 8 to 10K is terribly high..... I can usually get them done for about half that if the customer finds his own 9" housing and some of the other goodies.... I would say 3 to 4 would be a lot more realistic.