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Bits inside chassis tubes
Cozza - 10/12/03 at 10:51 AM

As I have been going around checking and cleaning up my welds, I have heard some bits moving inside the chassis tubes. I think it must be small bits of welding wire.

Do others have this problem? Is it much of an issue?

I have a cunning plan to fix it, short of cutting the ends of the chassis off. How about if I drill a few access holes and inject Waxoyl rust preventative which should hopefully capture these small bits?

Any thoughts guy?


Findlay234 - 10/12/03 at 10:57 AM

when you start drilling into the chassis to mount things youre naturally gonna get some swarf in there, and when you bugger up youll drill out the rivet and the back part of it will fall into the tube, not much you can do. Doubt it will do anything to the tube itself and the only problem will be the noise while moving but i think the sound of the engine and the wind rushing past your ears will be louder.


Cozza - 10/12/03 at 11:06 AM

I think you're right Findlay. I have big ears so there will be a lot of wind noise!!


Findlay234 - 10/12/03 at 11:09 AM

Yeah i was worried about it a while ago when i first started drilling into the chassis and i know wishbones have a small amount of welding crap inside


James - 10/12/03 at 11:30 AM

Cozza,

You won't hear it- don't worry!

James


Cozza - 10/12/03 at 11:34 AM

Should I prime the chassis before fixing the mounting brackets? I'm thinking of fitting the front suspension brackets before painting, priming the whole chassis and then fitting the other brackets as I go. This is because I fear there may be some time between now and getting all of the brackets fixed!

Cheers


Simon - 10/12/03 at 01:25 PM

Cozza,

I'd recommend getting some sort of protective coat on it as soon as poss.

I didn't on mine even when I had to leave it outside (under cover). The steel will rust very quickly, and it's a very long job to clean it all up again!

ATB

Simon


JonB - 10/12/03 at 02:03 PM

I keep my chassis (and my spare steel) wetted down with a spray of WD-40. It's been over a month sitting in my garage (albeit in a fairly dry climate) and there's NO visible surface rust on anything yet.


David Jenkins - 10/12/03 at 02:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by JonB
I keep my chassis (and my spare steel) wetted down with a spray of WD-40. It's been over a month sitting in my garage (albeit in a fairly dry climate) and there's NO visible surface rust on anything yet.


...but wait until you try painting it!

You have to remove EVERY trace of WD40 before painting, otherwise the paint will just wrinkle off a bit later.

You'd be better off painting with a decent, tough primer and just accept that you will have to sand it down if an unexpected bit of welding is required, then repaint.

David


Hornet - 10/12/03 at 03:11 PM

And hes in a warmer fekin climate than us


Cozza - 10/12/03 at 06:58 PM

Where can I buy "The Tool" for cleaning up welds I have seen mentioned on numerous threads?

Cozza


blueshift - 10/12/03 at 08:47 PM

from screwfix, halfords or your local friendly tool shop.


James - 11/12/03 at 09:39 AM

Get a saucer shaped and a cup shaped one.

If you can get 'em from a show or tool fair then so much the better- they're about £5 there. Also, get the 'twisted knot' type. They're more effective and break up less.

HTH,

James


JonB - 13/12/03 at 03:15 AM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by JonB
I keep my chassis (and my spare steel) wetted down with a spray of WD-40. It's been over a month sitting in my garage (albeit in a fairly dry climate) and there's NO visible surface rust on anything yet.


...but wait until you try painting it!

You have to remove EVERY trace of WD40 before painting, otherwise the paint will just wrinkle off a bit later.

You'd be better off painting with a decent, tough primer and just accept that you will have to sand it down if an unexpected bit of welding is required, then repaint.

David


I've found that a quick spray with some Brake Parts Cleaner and a wipe down with a cloth rag will easily remove the WD-40. Might be slightly tougher in tight spots but the brake parts cleaner will nearly remove the WD40 itself, and it dries without leaving any residue.

FWIW my steel came coated in machining oil to prevent rust so I would have been in the same boat anyway. I wipe the steel down during construction then re-spray it with WD-40.