I have read a few threads debating the merits of using aluminum or steel for the infill panels between the K's and the M's where the rear trailing arms mount. To be safe, I have decided to use steel, but am wondering what thickness I should use. I have some 14 gauge steel that I could use for this. Would this be appropriate?

Thanks,
Shaun

It's partly up to you. When I was making a chassis I used a massive panel of 3mm plate! This is quite probably overkill though, but all I had at the time, so I bunged it in. 14 gauge should be fine, and the other option or a bit of extra strength here is to make the two trailing arm brackets out of a single bit of 2 or 3mm box, cut the welded/seamed side off and have a the bracket extend up to the top rail, and down to the bottom rail.

Hey up. I used 3mm steel too after speaking with other members. Just don't wanna risk it bending and coming apart.

3mm steel in mines as well.

I've used 16 gauge on mine, and I thought that was probably overkill. Then again I made some very hefty trailing arm mounting brackets as well.

I used 16 Guage and made trailing arm mounts from one bit of 50 X50 X3 RHS slotted for the armsand welded to the frame and sheet.

Caber

16 gauge for me too - plenty strong enough. The trailing arm brackets do most (if not all) of the work).

Using 50mm channel is a really good idea - I found out too late to do it on my chassis.

David

[Edited on 6/11/06 by David Jenkins]

Thanks for all the great replies. I am using rose joints for my suspension, so I have gone with brackets that are much narrower (1.25" OD) than the book standard units. This goes a long way towards minimising the overhang issues that come with welding 2" brackets on 1" RHS, and also shortens the span of the fixing bolt.

Cheers,
Shaun