how about a tube frame chassis to go with that cradle.
That isn't something I'd be interested in doing, don't think there would be much of a market for it. It'd also be alot of work lol
I'm thinking of this more being a service, than a money maker. There are not many '88s out there, or '88 parts cars. This way, anyone who wants an '88 rear, can have one.
Wouldn't have to dismember a Fiero to get it either
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10:25 AM
fierosound Member
Posts: 15213 From: Calgary, Canada Registered: Nov 1999
These would be cool, but I'd think shipping charges would be a killer on such a large heavy item. Can you produce and deliver these in a timely manner? Not trying to start an argument, but I seem to remember some problems with supplying seat covers to customers.
------------------ 3.4L S/C 87 GT www.fierosound.com 2002/2003/2004 World of Wheels Winner & Multiple IASCA Stereo Award Winner
I am actually opening a shop here in Seattle, and all transactions would be done with a contract that would be handled through my Fathers law office to insure noone gets screwed over
I've had alot happen since then, and have changed alot because of it and other circumstances. Not a single person will EVER get ripped off by me again
I would be interested, but the shipping cost is always so high. I have only been able to fine one '88 cradle at a good price but then the seller said they were unable to ship it. I would even be interested in a '88 cradle kit, (the four sides needing to be welded together) if the shipping was good for the smaller package. I would like to have one to put on a back burner in my plans for a TH425 swap.
Just one question, you said the new cradles will have the 3 links on both sides, but if there is an 84-87 owner wanting this for the 88 cradle swap what about the rear lower strut mounting point link attachment.
Fierokid 87 has a point. People wanting to change out cradles in the earlier cars would still need the spindles in addition to the strut relocation kit. Any ideas there?
Gary
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05:11 PM
Fierostarvin Member
Posts: 292 From: Hazleton Iowa Registered: Mar 2006
Hmmmm, sound good and all, but I'm curious about what type of "engineering" will go into these cradles. Do you have access to finite element analysis modeling to analize the forces and stress points? Will there be any testing and/or verification that the cradles are capable of handling the loads placed on it by not only stock powertrain configurations, but also high performance engine and chassis modifications? Do you have access to manufacturing/assembly facilities and processes that will ensure that things like material specs, welding, build tolerances, etc... are understood and controlled?
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see you do something like this. But I'm a little concerned that building and then selling something as critical to the vehicles safety & performance as the cradle is not to be taken lightly. I know one of the engineers who helped develop the original rear cradles and he has told me that GM spent over 2 years developing the rear cradles before they finally got a design that wouldn't fail under testing. If it took GM with several professional engineers and multi-thousands of dollars 2 years to come up with a viable cradle design, then you better know what the heck your doing if you think you can build one of equal quality and durability. Simply welding some tubing together in the garage ain't gonna cut it.
Best of luck
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09:27 PM
1986 Fiero GT Member
Posts: 3383 From: Eden, NY USA Registered: Mar 2005
Hmmmm, sound good and all, but I'm curious about what type of "engineering" will go into these cradles. Do you have access to finite element analysis modeling to analize the forces and stress points? Will there be any testing and/or verification that the cradles are capable of handling the loads placed on it by not only stock powertrain configurations, but also high performance engine and chassis modifications? Do you have access to manufacturing/assembly facilities and processes that will ensure that things like material specs, welding, build tolerances, etc... are understood and controlled?
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see you do something like this. But I'm a little concerned that building and then selling something as critical to the vehicles safety & performance as the cradle is not to be taken lightly. I know one of the engineers who helped develop the original rear cradles and he has told me that GM spent over 2 years developing the rear cradles before they finally got a design that wouldn't fail under testing. If it took GM with several professional engineers and multi-thousands of dollars 2 years to come up with a viable cradle design, then you better know what the heck your doing if you think you can build one of equal quality and durability. Simply welding some tubing together in the garage ain't gonna cut it.
Best of luck
The cradle I designed was built in SolidWorks and then stress tested with Cosmos. It will be 100% safe before I start selling
I will have my prototype on a 3800sc car, and will do extensive driving with it to ensure the strength
quote
Originally posted by Fierokid87:
Just one question, you said the new cradles will have the 3 links on both sides, but if there is an 84-87 owner wanting this for the 88 cradle swap what about the rear lower strut mounting point link attachment.
Are you talking about the sway bar attachment?
I wasn't really wanting do aluminum, it'd be more expensive, and I don't think the weight savings will really be worth it.
I can make the cradle however you want it, just tell me what to do. Special orders will of course cost more. If there is enough interest in N* cradles, then perhaps it will be the same price
[This message has been edited by RideZiLightning (edited 02-17-2008).]
Can you give me an address to come see the cradle? I live in Oak Harbor and would drive down, I need an 88 cradle now. Or email me and give me a phone number to call you. Use this forum email or andykeene@hughes.net
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09:30 PM
HTXtremes Member
Posts: 345 From: Mansfield, AR Registered: Sep 2007
I'd buy one for the N* just to have for my next build! Just so I could mock up everything even before I got the next car.
Same here, I am in the need of two right now . . . it is getting harder to find good cradles to work with . . . and if i could get on already setup for a N* Man, that would be great!!
you cant just slap a few peices on the ground and expect them to be leval you will need a table made for building frames. also what are your welding skills? there is now way i wuld ever let some one who never went to school or at least worked as a welder for a few years weld a part like this
Should this project get off the ground and into production, I'd highly advise the originator to buy some insurance to cover the possibility of getting sued by someone "if" or "when" this product ever fails or contributes to or can be blamed in anyway for the loss of a vehicle, property or life of an driver, occupant, bystander or other vehicles that might be involved in an incident where the vehicle possessing the cradle may have been at fault. The cradle doesn't have to be at fault, a good lawyer can always find a way to hook another entity into the fray. It's all about dollars. Cover your butt. Having said that, good luck with the project.
------------------ Ron
It's the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Soldier, not the politicians That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag.
Should this project get off the ground and into production, I'd highly advise the originator to buy some insurance to cover the possibility of getting sued by someone "if" or "when" this product ever fails or contributes to or can be blamed in anyway for the loss of a vehicle, property or life of an driver, occupant, bystander or other vehicles that might be involved in an incident where the vehicle possessing the cradle may have been at fault. The cradle doesn't have to be at fault, a good lawyer can always find a way to hook another entity into the fray. It's all about dollars. Cover your butt. Having said that, good luck with the project.
Just sell it as off road only
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11:40 AM
blackrams Member
Posts: 32784 From: Covington, TN, USA Registered: Feb 2003
Originally posted by Jake_Dragon: Just sell it as off road only
Jake, That's why you make the big bucks.
------------------ Ron
It's the Soldier, not the reporter Who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Soldier, not the poet, Who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Soldier, not the politicians That ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag.
Its not rocket science, all you need is a good cradle. Once you have a jig of all the mounting points its just a matter of cutting the tube. I just cant seem to be in the right place when I was welding I was just getting by, its hard to pay for school, a house and utilities plus have anything left over for fun. Now I do make good money but I don't have the same resources that I had when I was welding.
Couple of 6 inch I beams, 2 inch tubbing and you could fab up a pretty good jig. As long as its flat and square to work off of you could probably knock it out in a long weekend. But you have to have the tools and steel. I don't have access to either one. Anyone want to loan me a shop for a couple of days?
http://www.team321.com/ Dave has some replacement frames already made but they are not stock.
[This message has been edited by Jake_Dragon (edited 02-18-2008).]
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04:12 PM
Feb 19th, 2008
opm2000 Member
Posts: 1347 From: Versailles, Ky USA Heart of the Bluegrass Registered: Dec 2000
Well, In as much as you haven't shown or discussed what your proposed cradle would look like or be fabricated from, I thought this thread might be usefull. It shows several variations on a theme.
I hope this was helpfull.
David Breeze
------------------ Pantera Rebody Kits
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09:03 AM
FieroFanatic13 Member
Posts: 3521 From: Big Rapids, MI, USA Registered: Jul 2006
Well, the '88 cradle is a bolt-in deal, it's just that the angle of the struts is different so the tops have to be relocated
I am completely capable of making and providing brackets for conversions though
Are you saying you can make the adapter brackets for the struts that are needed to install the '88 cradle on a pre-'88 car? If so, how much? Cheaper than Held does?
(btw I'm allowed to crack the buffalo jokes .... it's Home 
)
when I was welding I was just getting by, its hard to pay for school, a house and utilities plus have anything left over for fun. Now I do make good money but I don't have the same resources that I had when I was welding.
