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Stopping a car body twisting after cutting and welding
trogdor - 14/10/08 at 02:05 PM

Hi, wasn't sure where to put this so i cheated and put it here where most peeps will see it.

I know mr whippy will appreciate a post about my car rather than work, so I am asking what is the best way to support a car body that is going to have portions cut out of it.

I have my saab 96 shell supported at the back jacking points by two axle stands. The rear axle has been removed.

Now the stands are holding the car fine but i want to make sure the shell doesn't twist, i will be cutting fairly large holes in the rear arches.

I was thinking of getting some angle iron and tack welding it in various places to keep the shell straight along with some wood beams diagonally across the door aperature. Does this sound like enough?

Many thanks

Mr Whippy - 14/10/08 at 02:13 PM

well I had to do much the same with my beetle as it had the floor, sills, front and back cut off due to rust.

so before I cut anything....

I welded tube bracing (cut up old swing chair!) across the door opening, side to side at the front and back of the door pillars and one at the bottom across the tunnel. A few diagonals would have not gone amiss but everything worked well and the shell is completely straight

You’ll also be glad to know I’ve done heaps at work today and my boss is delighted so far, sure I’ll be getting a gold medal soon

[Edited on 14/10/08 by Mr Whippy]

speedyxjs - 14/10/08 at 02:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
You’ll also be glad to know I’ve done heaps at work today


OMG

r1_pete - 14/10/08 at 02:50 PM

quote:
You’ll also be glad to know I’ve done heaps at work today and my boss is delighted so far, sure I’ll be getting a gold medal soon

[Edited on 14/10/08 by Mr Whippy]


Make sure its not a watch.....


Agree with the bracing ideas, basically do as much triangulation as you can.....

coozer - 14/10/08 at 03:25 PM

Planning a cage? Put one in before cutting to keep it in shape.

Pezza - 14/10/08 at 04:41 PM

I made a good long trip down to the far side of the new forrest once to see a mk1 capri that the owner had welded up himself.
Bonnet didn't shut properly, passenger door didn't shut properly.
The welding was done to a good standard, but lack of bracing had fooked the whole car

trogdor - 14/10/08 at 05:51 PM

a cage is tempting, i was working on it being a saab, these can take a fair bit of punishment, theres a guy i know who rallied one, rolled it, then continued to use it as a daily. Got a fair few looks picking the kids up from school apparently.

However not sure i am up to making a cage, you can buy them but they arent particularly cheap. Will have a go at bracing it with angled steel. deffo don't want to fook it.

wish it was in my now leak but not yet flood proof garage. My dads sprite is in there now until summer/spring