My frame rail solution
02-14-2013, 08:43 AM
#21
Floor board strength is probably a major point for those rails. And a stiffer floor structure would impact the whole chassis stiffness.
I cut the rear seat mount braces out on my XP car. I was amazed at how much the passenger floor flexes when I step on it now. I left the front seat mounting point as I think that would make the floor way too flimsy. And this is with the FM frame rails. I rarely have a passenger seat installed but it is a nice option. Plus I end up in that area whenever I have to play with the ECU wires.
I cut the rear seat mount braces out on my XP car. I was amazed at how much the passenger floor flexes when I step on it now. I left the front seat mounting point as I think that would make the floor way too flimsy. And this is with the FM frame rails. I rarely have a passenger seat installed but it is a nice option. Plus I end up in that area whenever I have to play with the ECU wires.
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07-24-2013, 12:33 PM
#25
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I love these I have been thinking about doing this as my stock frame rails do not like having my trans cross member welded to them. Now that I have seen some pics of the floor and rails cut open I will be doing this in the near future!!!!
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12-08-2015, 09:29 PM
#29
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Online Metal Store | Small Quantity Metal Orders | Metal Cutting, Sales & Shipping | Buy Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Stainless | Metal Product Guides at OnlineMetals.com
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12-08-2015, 09:30 PM
#30
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Google for a metal supply shop near you, or there are a few online:
Order Mild Steel A513 Square Tube in Small Quantities at OnlineMetals.com
(no idea if that's the right wall thickness for this application or not, but you get the idea)
--Ian
Order Mild Steel A513 Square Tube in Small Quantities at OnlineMetals.com
(no idea if that's the right wall thickness for this application or not, but you get the idea)
--Ian
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12-08-2015, 09:34 PM
#32
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Indeed. 
I've used that supplier for years. Always small orders, always had great service. Some stuff, like 3.5" diameter aluminum round rod, you just can't find locally.
I've used that supplier for years. Always small orders, always had great service. Some stuff, like 3.5" diameter aluminum round rod, you just can't find locally.
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12-08-2015, 11:41 PM
#35
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I've used online metals before, I just figured the shipping would be ridiculous. It's surprisingly reasonable. They don't carry 14 gauge 2" square steel, so much for being spoonfed exact instructions. 
No metal shops in town, I just figured I'd see if a chain carried it.
No metal shops in town, I just figured I'd see if a chain carried it.
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12-09-2015, 12:03 AM
#36
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It's right there on their website, under "A513 Hot-Rolled" https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchan...45&top_cat=849
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12-09-2015, 08:42 AM
#38
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The 14ga spec is just a wag to begin with. Miatas are designed in Japan, and specified in metric. Any US measurement is going to be "close" at best.
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11-08-2016, 11:02 AM
#39
Old thread is old-
But at the stage im at in the build, its time to consider frame rails of sorts. Although this looks like a very solid solution, would there be any benefit to virtually re creating the FM style frame rails but with thicket steel to reinforce the oem rail section vs cutting it all out and placing 2" tube steel in there as OP has done? Seems like doing it this way would yield almost the same result with less effort.
But at the stage im at in the build, its time to consider frame rails of sorts. Although this looks like a very solid solution, would there be any benefit to virtually re creating the FM style frame rails but with thicket steel to reinforce the oem rail section vs cutting it all out and placing 2" tube steel in there as OP has done? Seems like doing it this way would yield almost the same result with less effort.
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