Im looking at doing something like this: https://www.flyinmiata.com/fm-frame-rail-reinforcement-kit.html except to a 280zx.
I would like something that can also take a bit of abuse from scrapes as the car does sit pretty low. Ive ruled out using aluminum for sure.
Should I use stainless sheet and bend it to shape or just use stainless angle bolted to the rails and floor?
If cost is at all a factor, I would skip the stainless.
If you have the equipment or connections to cut and fold, go for it. Since I don't have such a shear and brake I would end up making it out of square tube where I cut the top off and use the cut of top pieces, cut down the middle, fipped around and welded back on, to fab the flange. If yo need it to look neat, attack with a hole saw several times along the length.
I don't see how anything bolted in can provide predictable performance.
Sure some improvement, but how can it be as rigid as a welded member?
Id be looking for torsional stiffness not just axial (fore - aft thrust)
It might not be as rigid as a welded in member, but it might be more rigid than before, and still removable for service.
bentwrench wrote: I don't see how anything bolted in can provide predictable performance. Sure some improvement, but how can it be as rigid as a welded member? Id be looking for torsional stiffness not just axial (fore - aft thrust)
On the Flyin' Miata parts, we did see a measurable decrease in twist. Welding relatively thick stainless (or even mild) to a thin floorpan covered in undercoating is not as easy as it sounds, bolts have a much higher success rate.
The original FM parts were bent up for us at a local sheetmetal shop. We just brought the dimensions. The less you have them do, the less expensive it is - so have them just do the four bends. You can drill the holes.
I have access to sheet metal tools. What thickness would be desirable?
Be careful where you mount that plate. Being a s30 chassis owner, I'm sure you know what happens to the frame rails of these cars.
In reply to Trackmouse:
Im more than aware. My s30 is in a sad state right now. The s130 is much better and Im hoping that adding something may help prevent some bad things.
Fitzauto wrote: I have access to sheet metal tools. What thickness would be desirable?
Ours is 14ga 201L SS.
In reply to Keith Tanner:
Thanks!
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