Jim Thomas Drawings

[Dominik]

I built five chassis over time, mainly using Cobra Restorers prints. But also with input from Mickmate. The main consideration is, to what tolerances do you (need to) adhere to?

You may find that for overall main rail length according to ISO 13920, 7/16" (11mm) or even 5/8" (15.8mm) can be acceptable. But how do you know? And is your tape measure accurate over that length?

Wheelbase can be adjusted within reason by the control arm position. Camber curves by relocating the control arm brackets slightly.

What about angle variations? You may compromise on the anti-dive angle with no problem, but what about other angles?

How about parts being parallel, like the suspension pedestals (not easy)? Or the spacing between the main rails (easy)?

Once you have done it a few times and spent a day or two aligning all suspension you ask yourself: Must I be more accurate in welding, which is a pain, or do I spend some thinking and correcting the suspension settings and mounting points?

And to what point can I compromise? What adjustabilty is possible in the existing suspension parts? And would you make the controls arm slightly different to accommodate the chasisis?

And, where do you get those suspension drawings??

I found it easier to weld a chassis after the suspension is done. You line everything up and then weld the mount to the chassis.