Description
One of the things I read on the interweb talked about the drivers side footwell panel flexing under braking, and I have an opportunity at the moment
to reinforce it. However, I'd like to know if it's actually a thing to worry about or whether it is an uncommon occurrence.
I've used the recommended Haynes Roadster 3mm metal plate, split in two with the bottom half carrying the brake and clutch master cylinders (MX5
donor hence the hydraulic clutch). The lower half is bolted to the other half and to the chassis member at the bottom and seems fairly solid, but I
know the average braking force exerted by a human can be quite significant. Obviously even though the clutch is also hydraulic it won't be adding
to my troubles.
If anyone has reinforced this panel, do you have any photos showing what you've done and what benefits it's given? Or is it less of an issue
than people say?
3mm is pretty hefty steel, much thicker than car manufacturers so I doubt you have a problem.
My bulkhead is 1/16" steel, I cut a spreader plate to reinforce where required, I doubt you have anything to worry about.
[Edited on 22/8/18 by mark chandler]
Yep, 3mm is more than man enough. Mine is still solid after 4000 miles
Description
Perfect, thanks for the confirmation. One less thing to worry about.
If you do encounter flex (unlikely given your steel thickness) fabricate a brake master cylinder stopper.
I've knocked them up for the hairdressers and son's IntegraType R to good effect.
A google search will bring up several accessory ones but at £100+ it's taking the wee.
HTH.
Cheeers, Pewe10 
It may flex although I doubt it, but even then it's not going to rip out is it? Sounds like beefing it up would be just useless extra weight. What's the thickness on a production car 0.8 - 2mm even in high load areas such as subframes and suspension mounts. If you still want to stiffen it up do it properly with webs not plates
quote:
Originally posted by pewe
If you do encounter flex (unlikely given your steel thickness) fabricate a brake master cylinder stopper.
I've knocked them up for the hairdressers and son's IntegraType R to good effect.
A google search will bring up several accessory ones but at £100+ it's taking the wee.
HTH.
Cheeers, Pewe10
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
One of the things I read on the interweb talked about the drivers side footwell panel flexing under braking, and I have an opportunity at the moment to reinforce it. However, I'd like to know if it's actually a thing to worry about or whether it is an uncommon occurrence.
I've used the recommended Haynes Roadster 3mm metal plate, split in two with the bottom half carrying the brake and clutch master cylinders (MX5 donor hence the hydraulic clutch). The lower half is bolted to the other half and to the chassis member at the bottom and seems fairly solid, but I know the average braking force exerted by a human can be quite significant. Obviously even though the clutch is also hydraulic it won't be adding to my troubles.
If anyone has reinforced this panel, do you have any photos showing what you've done and what benefits it's given? Or is it less of an issue than people say?