Any tips on building a tube front end?

[Fred Allen Burge]

Hello,
I've got an 04 WRX that's been hit in the front that I'm considering doing an engine swap and tube front end on. I'm wondering if any of you fabrication guys have any tips on building a tubular front end.

What I have in mind is cutting off the front of the frame horns and the whole bent radiator support. Then welding on a couple plates to the end of the frame rails. Then I'd like to bolt on the tubular structure that will locate the headlights, fender ends, bumper and radiator.

Also, I'd like to be able to remove this tubular front structure with the bumper, radiator and headlights still installed - kind of a quick remove front clip if you will for easier engine service/removal.


I have a basic knowledge of what to do and a picture in my mind. Just wondering if anyone who's done this before could give me a heads up on materials and construction techinques, etc. Anything would be helpful really, pics too!


Thanks,
Fred

[GTiR NX]

I have never done any thing like that on a car yet.
But I would start by welding/tacking some stands under the for corners of the cab of the car so that its off the floor and leveling it off side to side and front to back and wont move.
Then strip off the fends hood bumper engine.
Set some string lines check if things are still set in the right places and correct the things that are not.
Then go about building your new front end frame.
If you took the time to set every thing level and square should make things go easy and look good in the end. Might be over kill but thats me

[Mr.E.G.]

i want to see how this turns out.