Re: Fun with used cars
Posted by Ross On 2013/7/24 20:45:13
Per request, here is how I strengthened the underbody before cutting the roof off.
First shot shows the profiles I used. I had them bent up from 12 gage. On the right is a section of rocker panel to give an idea of location. I put in new rockers at the same time.
I had to use the 3 profiles so I could install the pieces by sliding them into the car from the rear end. The ends of the frame outriggers were all cut off 1/2" or so to accomodate what became a box section inner rocker panel. The broad top of the middle profile was welded to the floor stringers and also to the heavy box section that spans from b-pillar to b-pillar on the hardtops. The outer rubber body mounts were discarded and replaced with steel discs and the broad flange was bolted down through them to the frame outriggers. The C-profile was then inserted from the rear and stitch welded to the other profile to form a box section with very good torsional and bending stiffness.
The forward ends of the profile sets were tapered to fit the bottom of the A pillar and well welded to it. Braces from the leading edge of the A pillar were brought down to the profiles to eliminate cowl shake and door sag.
The rear end of the profiles were cut off about flush with the forward edge of the rear inner fender. A large flat plate closes that hole and carries torsional load from the rear sheet metal down to the profiles.
There was also bracing from the B pillar downwards before the rocker panel was installed.
I think the whole affair weighs about 120 lbs or so. Door gaps are unchanged and the car feels very tight. Also, this was all done so that the body can still be lifted off the frame with out encumbrance if need be.
Attach file:
(78.64 KB)
(83.57 KB)
(63.40 KB)
(76.31 KB)
(109.18 KB)
(85.54 KB)
(90.51 KB)
First shot shows the profiles I used. I had them bent up from 12 gage. On the right is a section of rocker panel to give an idea of location. I put in new rockers at the same time.
I had to use the 3 profiles so I could install the pieces by sliding them into the car from the rear end. The ends of the frame outriggers were all cut off 1/2" or so to accomodate what became a box section inner rocker panel. The broad top of the middle profile was welded to the floor stringers and also to the heavy box section that spans from b-pillar to b-pillar on the hardtops. The outer rubber body mounts were discarded and replaced with steel discs and the broad flange was bolted down through them to the frame outriggers. The C-profile was then inserted from the rear and stitch welded to the other profile to form a box section with very good torsional and bending stiffness.
The forward ends of the profile sets were tapered to fit the bottom of the A pillar and well welded to it. Braces from the leading edge of the A pillar were brought down to the profiles to eliminate cowl shake and door sag.
The rear end of the profiles were cut off about flush with the forward edge of the rear inner fender. A large flat plate closes that hole and carries torsional load from the rear sheet metal down to the profiles.
There was also bracing from the B pillar downwards before the rocker panel was installed.
I think the whole affair weighs about 120 lbs or so. Door gaps are unchanged and the car feels very tight. Also, this was all done so that the body can still be lifted off the frame with out encumbrance if need be.
Attach file:
(78.64 KB)
(83.57 KB)
(63.40 KB)
(76.31 KB)
(109.18 KB)
(85.54 KB)
(90.51 KB)
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