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Just about ready to weld the chassis...
doughie - 22/4/12 at 09:28 AM

I'm an amateur builder - from your experience - is there anything i should consider?

am thinking about...


  1. the order of welds?
  2. are there any bits that it would be good to add at this stage?
  3. can i move the tacked chassis around to get the best angle to weld?
  4. is it the right time to weld up the front suspension brackets?
  5. any issues i should look out for?
  6. etc...



chassis - nerly ready to weld
chassis - nerly ready to weld

Daddylonglegs - 22/4/12 at 09:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by doughie


  1. the order of welds?
  2. are there any bits that it would be good to add at this stage?
  3. can i move the tacked chassis around to get the best angle to weld?
  4. is it the right time to weld up the front suspension brackets?
  5. any issues i should look out for?
  6. etc...



1. Just be aware of warpage so keep the welds opposite (a bit like tightening down a head for example)

2. Depends on allsorts - engine, gearbox, etc

3. I used a manufactured support at one end and an engine stand at the other to make a 'rotissarie' for the chassis - made full welding so much easier

4. As long as you are sure they are in the right place and orientation

As for the rest, I'm sure someone will be along with more sound advice

HTH

JB

[Edited on 22/4/12 by Daddylonglegs]

bi22le - 22/4/12 at 09:51 AM

I have not built a chassis but i feel my chassis is missing proper twing eye at the front a full cage and a prop catcher.

just my thoughts.

good luck

iank - 22/4/12 at 10:33 AM

Daddylonglegs is on the money.

I'd put the engine/gearbox in where you want it - you may decide you can push it back a few inches by moving a tube a little - much easier when it's just tacked.
Weld the suspension brackets on last after the major welding is finished - a self jigged chassis will always warp a few mm somewhere no matter what you do.

zilspeed - 22/4/12 at 10:45 AM

I echo the comments regarding welding sequence.

The capacity for a fabricated structure to warp and deform is truly staggering.
You need to do continually accept that the bit of weld you just did put some stress and deformation into the structure. Now go and balance it out with some deformation in the opposite direction to pull it back.

If you go for the other approach - start at the one end, finish at the other, it'll be a banana.

mark chandler - 22/4/12 at 11:18 AM

Do not weld all 4 sides of each join at once, one face then jump to the other side the frame

Provided its decently tacked moving about is not an issue, if you get all the outside welds done it should be very strong at this point.

If welding in a floor stitch weld, then add in when cooled or it will warp and drag in the chassis, better IMHO to rivit in a floor later on.

Regards Mark

doughie - 22/4/12 at 01:24 PM

Thanks everyone - lots of good advice - off to the garage now...