How to Channel a Car Body

What is Channeling?

Channeling is the process of narrowing the frame of a car body, typically by cutting the body in half and welding it back together with a narrower center section. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including:

To improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency
To reduce the car’s weight
To give the car a more aggressive look

How to Channel a Car Body

Channeling a car body is a complex and time-consuming process, but it can be done at home with the right tools and skills. Here are the basic steps involved:

Remove the body from the frame. This is typically done by unbolting the body from the frame and lifting it off with a hoist or engine crane.
Cut the body in half. This can be done with a sawzall, plasma cutter, or other cutting tool. The cut should be made along the body’s length, typically about halfway between the front and rear wheels.
Weld a narrower center section into the body. This will require cutting a narrower section of metal to fit between the two halves of the body. The center section should be welded in place with a MIG or TIG welder.
Reattach the body to the frame. This is typically done by bolting the body backonto the frame and reinstalling the suspension and drivetrain components.

Tips

When cutting the body in half, be sure to leave enough overlap for welding. The overlap should be at least 6 inches on each side.
When welding the center section into the body, be sure to use proper welding techniques to ensure a strong and durable joint.
After welding the center section into the body, be sure to grind down the welds and smooth out the surface.
Before reattaching the body to the frame, be sure to test fit the body to make sure it fits properly.

Conclusion

Channeling a car body is a complex and time-consuming process, but it can be done at home with the right tools and skills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can give your car a more aggressive look and improve its performance.