seam welding and rear suspension strengthening, What to do, What I did... |
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seam welding and rear suspension strengthening, What to do, What I did... |
Andyrew |
Mar 22 2006, 01:55 AM
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#1
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Spooling.... Please wait Group: Members Posts: 13,377 Joined: 20-January 03 From: Riverbank, Ca Member No.: 172 Region Association: Northern California |
So my project for a stronger chassis has begun.
Heres were Im at right now. Took the suspension out today. I'll go do some welding and prep tonight, hit the bed, see what you guys say, and do some more welding tomorrow. (IMG:http://www.teamgracer.com/cars/914club/914v8/914-8%20suspension-003.JPG) Picture of some buckling of the suspension. Other side has a raised area, but is generally flat, this side has raised and concave area's. I'll be adding something here for strenthening, a tube? A flat piece of metal? A triangle? (IMG:http://www.teamgracer.com/cars/914club/914v8/914-8%20suspension-004.JPG) (IMG:http://www.teamgracer.com/cars/914club/914v8/914-8%20suspension-005.JPG) (IMG:http://www.teamgracer.com/cars/914club/914v8/914-8%20suspension-006.JPG) Here is some area's im going to weld, any two pieces joined together I will stitch weld. |
ChrisFoley |
Mar 22 2006, 08:03 PM
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#2
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I am Tangerine Racing Group: Members Posts: 7,968 Joined: 29-January 03 From: Bolton, CT Member No.: 209 Region Association: None |
Cracking in this area is primarily due to repeated flexing of the panels which loosens up the pinch welds and/or starts cracks at highly stressed areas of panels. I think what I designed eliminates the flex issue by spreading the loads out to otherwise unstressed areas, therefore stops cracking and spot weld loosening.
I've never been a big fan of seam welds. While it tightens things up it also causes shrinkage/warpage. I like to design things that minimize the total amount of welding required, and use the least amount of added metal to accomplish the goal. Note the additional 14ga. piece along the rocker in front of the outer console. It isn't essential but provides reinforcement to the area between the console and the jack post. I think the GT kits had a similar piece in that location. Regarding the tubular reinforcement of the inner console, I don't think the rearward tube is nearly as valuable as the forward one since the highest loads are on the outer wheel in cornering and the forces push the console in and up. The upward force is well resisted by the existing structure IMO. Here's an example of the tubular brace I like. Attached image(s) |