horizenjob wrote:
Langdon, AB - is that near Calgory? How easy is it for you to get good steel? Do you have to get it shipped?
Yes, shipped. All in the cost of doing it right.
As for the doom and gloom, that's not my intention at all. Education is.
Yes, they allow crappy material to be used, to try and satisfy budget constraints. The tubing size for the 7 weight category is larger than most use, does that make it wrong?
I understand that there is extra cost involved. I also understand that they are careful about the alloys because of required skill and knowledge, not because it isn't better. They know that trusting the average joe to do research and follow procedures is not a safe bet. If they keep the material spec within the reach of most, then less money has to be handed over to certified welders to do the work. This would up the cost of a build quite bit.
NHRA, which sees substantially more momentum, has gone the other way in spite of the cost. Once your car is very fast 8.50 or faster, then you must use 4130 and it must be TIG welded, with no grinding.
I think that if you had the chance to make the frame 25% stronger with no weight penalty, and maybe $500 more cost on the whole of the project in terms of material, it should be an easy decision.
I'm not promoting a sale, just offering up suggestions on easy improvements. Excess yield strength is like anything else good in this world: Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Look closely at the floor, and how the rollbar is protruding through it with the plates still attached. This was deemed safe for racing by a tech guy....Now look at the roof.
When somebody comes to me for a safety cage, I don't always accept the minimum rules as the be all end all. I think about what I've learned and read, and apply as much as I can within the time and budget constraints of the job. Like this, for instance....
Floor boxes designed to spread the load not just wide over the floor area, but to other strong areas of the car.
But, behind the scenes, there is more to the box then meets the eye...
The box is supported by the tube, which is welded to the lateral tube and through-tube for the wiring. The box and all corresponding tubes carry the load in the event of anything bad.
Overkill, sure. Re-mortgage the house, no. When you guys are doing this yourself, your cost of labour is minimal. I'm sure nobody plans on going on the roof, or getting crashed into, but why not consider the choices of where your money could be spent? Good tires, strong and intelligent suspension and frame. A good seat with excellent attachment consideration, and fuel safety. Everything else like power and looks should be secondary to the budget.
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