Tubular chassis builder
 

I am looking for somebody who could build a tubular chassis for a DSM that the drivetrain, suspension, and exterior/dash could bolt up to. I know it's slow, expensive, and seemingly pointless but I don't care, I want it done. Any suggestions would be great and any advice from those that have gone tubular would be appreciated.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Race craft.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Paging: John LaCroix

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

TNT in Blaine has a chassis fab guy that does a lot of hot rod chassis.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Wow you guys rock! Thanks for the quick references. I'll get started with these but keep it coming.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Bulfab has some pieces also, if not racecraft.

Is meanstreet still around?

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Is bulfab even around? He doesn't answer email.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

No Richard is no longer running his own shop (meandtreet), he now works for Race craft.

What happen with that black evo tube chassis from years back?

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

You could always fly a chassis guy in like Brent did. I think it was Gary Reese, who also did Buschur's. All I remember is that he had a long ponytail and didn't talk much. Most beautiful welding I've ever seen.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

I just bought the crossmember and mustache bar bullfab is still around!
but yes he doesnt answer emails

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

He's in the shop making stuff, he's a one-man business, and it's part time.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Ha, the only form of contact information provided on his site is a form you fill out and send to him with your email address, not sure how else you get ahold of the guy. Must not want work that bad.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

if your serious and got the money upfront i would contact bulfab hes 'Vassil' on here

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

I hope you have extremely deep pockets.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

keep in mind half the battle is getting through a nhra inspector/ cert (like I was), and the big RACECRAFT tag tacked onto the main hoop is pretty much a 30 second ordeal to get your sticker

for the purposes around our region, you're paying more for brand recognition and the associated credibility that comes with it, rather than top-notch work speaking for itself. This is in no way to say that any of the area fabricators don't produce exceptional work, but if you're looking for the least headache, especially at Brainerd, go with a big name.

If I ever took my '56 to someone, it would be to Kurt at http://www.autokraft.org/gallery/anderson/

this guy does the work, stands by it, and will line up next to you on bracket days

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

something like this has gotta be well into the 5 figures right? Like 10-30k?

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

I asked once what it would take to turn my car into a rwd and the figure I got was $45k

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

That sounds like someone wanted you to go away :P I would expect ~$15k for something like this.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

I'll find him and contact him for sure, thanks!
I also contacted the fab team that did the green 240 drift car at MAP's show and he estimated roughly 6K give or take for taking the shell and adding in a tubular skeleton throughout allowing all the stock stamped metal to still serve as mounts and shaping, yet have the rigidity needed to not worry about strut rust, floor pan damage/repair, etc. The issue I felt with going with that option was simply the feeling that cars or at least street cars weren't their biggest markey/forte along with a long time frame which didn't bother me however.


I am l looking to actually keep the AWD and just keep the basic features. I know that since the sub frames exist, it'd be more handing the person a rusted out DSM shell, along with the well known pre done sub frames (unless they requested their own in an effort of similicity, and going from there. The car would continue to be driven on a regular basis (currently everyday, but doesn't have to stay that way by any means.) I would mainly be interested in something light, stiff, safe, and resistant to the usual corrosion and abuse that most DSM's suffer from. I understand finding a rust free DSM and transferring all the parts over would cost me at least 3K minimum for the kind of shell I'd want. Since I don't plan on drag racing, nor any major changes in my setup, I'd like to keep it simple. Cosmetically and electronically speaking, I have my connections and have tons of room to play there. It's simply the measuring, welding, and logistics of tubular that I cannot perform and the only reason I am not confident in doing this entirely solo.

Re: Tubular chassis builder
 

Patience metal fab seems to be big into tubular stuff as well and they can get certifired.