Chassis bracing

[ELUSIVE]

I'd like to stiffen up the chassis for better handling with some bracing. my question is - Would i need to use steel tubing? its just that in the interest of saving weight i thought a good alloy would do the job just as good..
Share your thoughts, post your pics

cheers

[ELUSIVE]

ive got access to some materials for cheap today only if anyone has any advice or knowledge on the topic please, post away!

[gorgonheimer]

Chromoly tubing is your best bet for strength and weight saving but requirements for heat treatment after welding make it not that feasable(spelling?) The best comprises is to use mild steel dom tubing. Strong and welds easy.

[FestYboy]

^yup, what he said.

[ELUSIVE]

thanx guys, appreciated. thats what i needed to know. now i got the materials sorted i dont suppose you can recommend a diameter?? again for the weight factor - whats the minimum diameter i should go before it compromises strength?

cheers..

[FestYboy]

depends on length and projected load and if it's being triangulated with other pieces.

[Ghost]

fill your body with foam. my buddy did this in his race car (s13) and claims it stiffens it as much as a cage. I cant say that much because my suspension is junk but it definitely stiffened it up!

[perucho]

fill your body with foam. my buddy did this in his race car (s13) and claims it stiffens it as much as a cage. I cant say that much because my suspension is junk but it definitely stiffened it up!

Good idea for a race car, bad idea for a daily driver. But I'm sure someone will try it now! Water will get trapped in the foam and rot the frame. There are much better ways to do it properly.

[Aaronbrook37]

Good idea for a race car, bad idea for a daily driver. But I'm sure someone will try it now! Water will get trapped in the foam and rot the frame. There are much better ways to do it properly.

My problem with the foam, and stitch-welding, and other permanent bracing ideas is that they're absolutely horrific in the event of a collision or accident. I'd much rather have my chassis weak and absorb the crumple force from the shock of a collision than have the whole car's body stay intact and have my seat belt draw and quarter me.

[Ghost]

Good idea for a race car, bad idea for a daily driver. But I'm sure someone will try it now! Water will get trapped in the foam and rot the frame. There are much better ways to do it properly.

WTF are you talking about dude. there are many types of foam that are closed cell structure meaning they cannot absorb moisture.

[mattman]

what about strut tower braces and who makes one for the festy

[muscle_Car1]

Cusco & fms used to make some. Dunno anymore

[perucho]

WTF are you talking about dude. there are many types of foam that are closed cell structure meaning they cannot absorb moisture.

Good idea. Fill up your car with foam. Good luck.

[Ghost]

lol do you have any idea what the foam was originally used for?

...sealing out moisture



some people are just so smart