I'm looking at doing a radiator support, engine cage, and shock mount system for my cruiser and was wondering what a reasonable size tube to use would be.

The basic idea is to have a loop go over the top of the radiator, a second loop close to the firewall, and a pair of stringers out near the fenders where I will mount my shocks from. If I get ambitious, I might add a pair that go directly over the engine <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Would 1.5" diameter 0.12" wall thickness tubing be enough?

Or should I spring for the 2" diameter 0.125" wall thickness DOM? I just priced this at the local steel shop and was told $4.20 a foot <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

Thus far, I am estimating about 25 feet to do this project.

TIA,
John

The 1.5" should be plenty strong enough. That is what my engine cage/fenders are made from and they take a beating quite well. It's actually strong enough that it took alot of the flex out of the front of the frame. No more hood sliding 3" to the side when flexed up.

I made my engine cage for my FJ40 out of 1.75" X 0.120" wall. Shop around, that price seems very high!

1 1/2" or 1 5/8" 120 wall should be plenty, go 134 wall if you want more strength, you should be able to get a price around $1.85 a ft, if your going to pay $4 it better be CroMo