As a minitrucker, I can tell you that building a C-Notch, or in this case a Step Notch, is one of the first fabrication projects you’ll do once you have a welder. A C-Notch sounds just like it is, a C shaped chunk is taken out of the frame just above the axle tube so that you can get more suspension travel. The notch is filled with a C shaped piece of steel and a boxing plate is usually installed on the inside of the frame. C notches have been around for a long time, are common on street rods and hot rods, and are strong and simple if done right. But if you want to go low, really low, then something like a Step Notch is going to be required. In the mini truck and sport truck worlds a step notch separates the men from the boys.

It also separates the hacks from the fabricators. Recently we saw a “Step Notch” on a 1950’s Chevrolet truck that was horrible in every way. It looked like crap, was horribly designed and executed, and really did nothing for the strength of the frame. In fact, we’re sure it was significantly weaker than when built by GM. The shop that got this truck for front and rear suspension enhancements decided that the entire rear frame of the truck needed to go and cut it off at the front of the offensive notch and then used box tubing for the rear frame rails.

If you haven’t gotten all screwed up and in the position of having to replace horrible work, then a Step Notch like the one in this video is what you would need. This one happens to be from Paul Horton’s Welder Series and comes laser cut and tabbed so it is super easy to assemble. You’ll see in the video below just how one of these goes together.

It will also give you an idea of how to assemble a kit like the one’s offered by KP Components, a division of Chris Alston’s Chassisworks. Their Notch Kits are available for a variety of hot rods and trucks and come ready to assemble in both weld-in and bolt-in varieties. CLICK HERE TO SEE THEIR NOTCH OFFERINGS