Thread: Plumbing inside a boxed frame?

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I am starting a new project (32) and I just got some frame rails in and im going to start boxing them and so forth. I was wondering if anyone has ever ran the brake lines, fuel lines, and tranny lines inside the frame and than box it. I think i have seen a topic on this before and I tried searching for this and I couldnt find anything. I figured you would use the bulkhead fittings to go in and out of the boxed part. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I would have pressure test all these lines before I welded the boxing plate on. Any ideas appreciated! I think it would give a very clean look to the frame.

It has been done and it does improve the appearance.....

For the long runs, you need to include some method of clamping
the tubes to secure them from the effects of vibration. This can be done
using weld-on studs spaced at 2 or 3 ft intervals. Then, you can
use Adel clamps or similar attachments. Otherwise, your system
will flex itself to death. Try to keep the connections on the outside of the frame so you can service them in the future....this means that your brake lines would be one long piece instead of spliced.

Dont run hose inside the frame (obviously). Even braided hose should
be limited to short pieces to connect hard line at the ends.

Your bulkhead fitting idea is also good if you can figure out how to
make all of the connections and then place the boxing plate...it
may take several sets of hands.

You might consider a weep hole at the lowest point so, if a leak did
occur, you would see some evidence before your frame filled up
with gasoline!!

While you are on the hidden agenda, you should also think about any wires that may be needed down that low and do them also....most wiring will
be thru the body but think about it......any transmission wiring, brake switch wiring, VSS wiring, etc?

mike in tucson

We once ran both wiring and fluids through the boxed frame...after it was built.

We just ran common 1/2" conduit through then the brake, and fuel tubing. Then we filled the frame with Polyurethane foam from the hardware store.

It's been 5 years now and still OK. MIZ

It's all really nice in the rails...until you have a leak or decide to change things around on the car.....

ya i know, I think ive talked my self out of this idea. If there was a way I could make it all without any joints in the boxed area I would do it, but I cant think of any GOOD ways of doing it with no joints.

Originally Posted by Uptown83

ya i know, I think ive talked my self out of this idea. If there was a way I could make it all without any joints in the boxed area I would do it, but I cant think of any GOOD ways of doing it with no joints.

It's good to see that you've come to your senses. Some things are just better done with a more cluttered look. However, is you use some nice Adel clamps every 12" on the line, it'll look professional and you can show it off to your buds. You can get Adel clamps most anywhere, but I've glommed some nice ones with black rubber inserts from my local True Value Hardware. Nail 'em to the frame with self-tapping sheet metal screws.