front chassis rails

[trickey33]

Information required re front chassis rails

 I am in the process fo replacing the front chasssis rails on my 1.5 but I am having them made by a sheet metal frabicator . my question is should the top face

of the rails be straight,as my are slightly curved ie about 20mm front to back .( sagging in the middle) I know the bottom of the rails is shaped but mine have been patched before and

I was wondering if they had been patched after they had sagged a bit  I cannot tell from the inner wings if they are distorted due to the curved shape of these

and the rust.

Does any one know what the correct shape for the top of the rails should be .

Thanks

[canuck]

Hello trickey33 and welcome aboard.

I do not know the correct shape of these rails but;
you may wish to consider buying a new replacement section? 

 

the ones shown above, (click for bigger view) are from a MM supplier, measure 32" long and I believe are the same for the the Riley. What is nice about this is the reference points for the stay bar and lower suspension pivot are in place.  
This may be an easier option for you?

Bruce

[trickey33]

HI
Many thanks for the images in the meantime I have got brutal with the existing bent ones by using a length of heavy box section and a porta pack and they striaghtened out
quite easily so I assume they were plated in the past with them already sagging (it doesnt say much for the mots 40 years ago as when I purchased the car I ran it for 6 months
before taking it off the road )It then sat under a tarpaulin for 25 years so I have got quite a bit of welding etc to do yet

Thanks again

[canuck]

trickey33

Good on ya!   The cost of replacement new is not earth shattering.

I attach the factory  alignment spec that you may need to reference.



having the chassis rails out of alignment is not a good thing.  

Be safe
Bruce