Hi All,
I have been reading this forum for for about 6 months, so it's time to speak up!

I must say, this is a gold mine of information. I have learned a lot form you guys. Thanks.

So here is the first of many question. I am at the stage where I am to fit tubes N1 & N2. I would like to fit them at an angle, rather than horizontal. Any advice? Will is affect the chassis strength?

Andrew

welcome to the nut house,some peeps have put n1/n2 at an angle,it makes no real difference in reality.
are you using rons book or mcsorley plans?
usefull tip no 1,mcsorley plans are more accurate tho missing suspension brackets etc.

I'm using the McSorley plans. I may swap the N1, N2 tubes for 1 inch round tubes set at an angle. Who else has done this, and what angle did you use?

Just to point out Imho every time you alter one small thing, it has a large knock on efect.
It will mean you have to make your own side pannels for a start. You will limit your options. But all the best with it, The Avon does this and it looks good.

I angled mine , as I wanted the Caterham look , that was 6yrs ago ,it hasn't fallen in half yet!!
Rescued attachment chasis.gif

I have put mine at an angle - but then the top rails forward of N are 2 inches higher than book, so I put the back end of them at the book position. No idea how it will affect the strength, but I htink they look better.

I angled mine on a McSorley +442 and feel that it should be a stronger arrangement, as the ends of members N1 and N2 now intersect with the ends of M1 and M2, rather than joining in a Z arrangement, where you are subjecting the K1 and K2 to a shear force rather than compression or tension. With N1 and N2 dropped, to me it appears "right".

Also, if you are building a 442, your elbows will be more comfortable with N1 and N2 lowered, IMO.

here are some photos of mine in which you can see how N1 and N2 are angled:


And an old side pic:


[Edited on 5/5/06 by datz510]

Thanks for the replies.

I thinks the tops of the H tubes will have to be angled to suit. I like this look. It gives the profile of the car a bit more of a "waist".