Long stiffening kits Options

[ahdoman]

Does any body make a stiffening kit that can be welded to the outside of the long?

[ConeDodger]

Yes but I am at a loss to remember who it is... do a search and there have been recent threads that discussed the options in this regard.

[ahdoman]

As always, I tried that already. The problem is the word "long" is in just about every post.

[MDG]

AA sells the clamshells that go on the outside; I think they are a Restoration Design product

[Grelber]

I got mine from Brad Mayeur at 914ltd.

[Bruce Hinds]

I bought a set many years ago from an outfit called Part Werks of Chicago. they go back and connect into the trailing arm mount too and really strengthen the chassis. Problem is they are heavy. I thought the strength would be good for my v8 project, but I never installed them.
If you want to check to see if they are still around, they were at 3750 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 7C, Chicago 60613
312-472-1096
They are substancial and come with a new jack tube and a support plate to hold it in place. I think I paid 200+ for these things about 20 years ago, I may let them go but haven't decided it I want to put them in or go through all the effort to replace the longs.... all the work these guys do on the cars is encouraging.
B

[ahdoman]

Thanks all.

The only thing I could find at AA is the replacement parts that restoration design makes. I believe these are the replacement shells and not a stoffening kit.

Anybody got a web address for 914LTD? I found them on yellow pages but nothing more.

Also nothing on Part Werks of Chicago except a couple of threads on club complaining about them.

[Heeltoe914]

Steve what is your purpose? Are you looking to repair of stiffen the chassis? I for one think the inside eggman??? Are the best IMHO.

[tat2dphreak]

I got mine from Brad Mayeur at 914ltd.

THIS is the one you WANT.

it ties the suspension to the long for more rigidity. great product.

[Heeltoe914]

I am sure Brad makes good stuff. anyone have pics of his kits?

[ahdoman]

Unfortunately it looks like "the turd" has a sag problem on the drivers side. I think there's rust inside the long but it hasn't made it's way through to the outside. The bottom seam flexes a little. I need something to "clamshell" the rear portion starting about 10" in front of the jack point and extending back to where the long curves up. Andys came through with a couple of pieces of stock that might work. I'm going to spend the day tomorrow cutting, grinding & welding.

[dakotaewing]

Here is a few pics of one of Brads older kits with a few of my own modifications...
Im the last pic you will see a gap between brads kit and the top of the long - This
is where I addes some additional 1/4" square rod to brad kit to fill the gap, later
welding this area as well -

[r_towle]

George Hussey (AA) designed the original clamshell overlays that weld onto the outside of the long.
Its meant to go on very tight, it should help aline the car...

Rich

[pete-stevers]

not sure but i think chappy has them installed on his crazy turbo

[Rand]

Just check it all out. There are some very knowledgeable folks who say the inner side is where the strength is. The outer is just a shell and reinforcing that does more to add weight than strength.

The outer shells have some questions. Engman's inner is without question.

Personally I hate adding weight, so I make damn sure it counts. For me that means Engman style in the cabin, and some very carefully placed bracing between the firewall and suspension ears, plus tie the rear shock tower tops to the longs better.

[shoguneagle]

I went to both extremes - I welded Brad Mayeur's kit to the external of the longs "after making sure/making rust repairs" to the original longs. In addition, I welded the inner stress kit into my car. I believe without checking the kit belongs to Engman but check the suppliers listed either on this board or the other one to ensure I am right. I maybe giving credit when it belongs to someonelse. They both work together quite well.

I purchased another outer long stress kit but do not remember who made it. I believe it was the sheet metal parts provider who was recently bought out by someone from Canada.

Hope this helps.

Steve Hurt

[Cire]

Steve what is your purpose? Are you looking to repair of stiffen the chassis? I for one think the inside eggman??? Are the best IMHO.

Got any more pictures of you putting in the long stiffener? What are your thoughts on if you had to do it again... Would you do it the same way? Did you do the back first and connect the two sides? Did you do two sides and connect the back? I also see you have some epoxy or sealer or something in your pictures. Whats that for? = )

Please tell all.

Eric

[Grelber]

Here's a pic of my passenger side with the Brad Mayeur long kit welded in, and painted, etc. We put the new jack posts on as well. I also put in the Rich Johnson rear console stiffening kit as well (way overkill, but hope one day to have some serious horsepower).

[Cire]

Here's a pic of my passenger side with the Brad Mayeur long kit welded in, and painted, etc. We put the new jack posts on as well. I also put in the Rich Johnson rear console stiffening kit as well (way overkill, but hope one day to have some serious horsepower).

Looks great. Did you do the work yourself? Do you happen to have more pictures? How much was the Brad Mayeur long kit? How long did it take you to get it welded in? If you had to do over would you stay with the style you selected or would you go to the internal long stiffeners? I had 30 more questions but I will slow down a bit. = )

Thanks again for the great info. = )

Eric

[carr914]

AA sells the clamshells that go on the outside; I think they are a Restoration Design product

The Only thing is AA sells these as a pair, you have to buy the Passenger & Drivers side. I got my Passenger side from Restoration Design.

T.C.