I've boxed the front of my frame for the IFS I installed and I boxed the rear for the IRS I installed. I've had a few people recommend boxing the rest of the frame for both appearance and strength.

My question for anyone that's fully boxed their frame:

What did you do for ability to mount all of the brackets on the frame (Cab mounting, running board brackets, bed cross rails, etc)?

• Did you drill access holes for access to the inside of the frame? If so, where all did you drill these holes (to make sure I'm not missing any that I've thought about)?
• Did you weld nuts to the inner frame rail before boxing to bolt from the front side?
• Did you weld a bolt to the frame?
• Did you leave the frame un-boxed wherever a bracket attaches (seems like this would look funny)?

Also, if you happen to have any pictures of how you mounted any of these brackets with a full boxed frame that'd be helpful since I'm a visual person.

Thanks
Ralph

 

Sorry, no pictures that would help this situation. It is my understanding (somewhat subjective) is that all that requires boxing is anywhere an independent suspension is installed, and that is what you have done. The ’61 unibody pickups split (and where discontinued) because of the box and cab being one piece, they are supposed to flex independently (still are today).

As far as looks and appearances go, no one is going to see it. I think a good compromise would be a few vertical 3 or 4 inch wide reinforcement plates in positions that still allowed access to critical brackets and bolts.

 

i boxed, and then drilled & welded in flange nuts where things needed to be bolted on.

I used one of the step drill bits, this made a small inset for the flange.
I used 3/16 material for the boxing plate.

Sam

 

I welded nuts on the inside, including front cab frame wings, running board braces, rear cab mount brackets. I think I missed something for the front end of the bed, unless those bolt to a cross member. I also put a 1/2" conduit inside the left rail for running wires to the rear lights. Nobody will notice but I think it's kinda trick.

 

I boxed all the way back to just behind my IRS. Welded bolts in the frame for the running boards, drilled axcess holes for the front bed mounts. I removed the original transmission crossmember and built a new one for my T5z transmission. Pictures in my Gallery.

_____________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside Custom

"If you wanna make a small fortune from Hod Rodding, start with a large one"

 

Thanks for the replies, it's very helpful.

48 Steel, I'm not sure why I bother to post questions before just looking at your gallery for answers first :-) Seems like every question I ask (IRS install, Gas Tank Install, Frame Boxing) you've already done it and posted pictures. Maybe your gallery should just be my browser's homepage.

 

Thanks you are too kind. I've received a lot of help on FTE and I am always ready to help if I can.

_________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside Custom

"America's first recyclers- Hot Rodders"