Hello Everyone!

I know this has been discussed recently, but I can't find it!

What tube thickness is best for the chassis?

I can't get 16SWG any more, so I am left with the choice of 1.5mm or 2mm thick.

What has everyone else gone for?

I have calculated that using 2mm material will increase the weight of the chassis by approx 13kg.

The problem is, I can get 2mm material from a local fabricator for £6.50 per 7.5m length.

However, 1.5mm thick material is just under £10 for a 6m length.

As you can see, 2mm will be a lot cheaper.

Is an extra 13kg going to make much difference?

Cheers!

Chris.

only if you intend racing michael shumacher.

thats about the difference between your tank being half full or 2/3 full.

atb

steve

If your starting from scratch, just lay off the beer for the last 3 months of you build and you will offset any weight you have added by using 2mm section

or if your a skinny get, dont fit a passenger seat therefore you cant take the wife/girlfriend/mistress with you = a good few kg of weight saving

You sure you can't get 16SWG anymore? It's pretty ubiquitous stuff that everyone uses.

Cheers,

James

James,

I think the problem is that I asked him for 1.6mm 25mm square hollow section.

I shall ask again for 16 SWG 1" section.

Cheers,

Chris.

I would go for the 2mm wall thickness, you will end up with a stronger, VERY slightly heavier chassis, it is much easier to weld, and cheaper.

On the down side, your 0-60 time will be 0.000568 seconds slower.

Another interesting thought which should be discussed is the difference in thickness between the chassis and the brackets will be less so a lot less prone to stress fracturing. Also, although no less resistant to corrosion, but you will have an extra 0.4mm before it would become a problem!

Thanks for the advice.

I'm fairly sure I will be going for 2mm.

Cheers!

Chris.