Strengthened & Stiffened LCA's
#1
2060lbs and falling...
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Location: Madison, WI
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Strengthened & Stiffened LCA's
Well I'm crazy but here it goes. While doing all the ES bushings stuff I decided to take the opportunity to improve yet again. I spent some time cleaning off the little bits of rust and prepping up the LCA's. What did I prep them for? I prepped them for welding. The welds on the stock piece are certainly adequate for everyday use but this car is not intended for daily use. The LCA is comprised of two stamped 3/16th's pieces of steel which are MIG welded together at about 40% of the junction seams. The rest is held together by some big @ss spot welds. I laid a bead at every possible place I could. Now the pieces are welded at at least 80% of the seams. This will do a lot to stiffen and strengthen the front geometry and improve handling; no? I know it greatly increases the possible damage in the event of an accident but we'll just have to hope that doesn't happen.
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#2
2060lbs and falling...
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iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 5,160
vs. Stiffened
Just thought I'd post to see if anyone has done this or as an idea to others. Your opinion is welcome and I'd like to hear it. If only we could adapt the front suspension from the latest Maxima or Altima. Those light aluminum pieces would be really nice.
Just thought I'd post to see if anyone has done this or as an idea to others. Your opinion is welcome and I'd like to hear it. If only we could adapt the front suspension from the latest Maxima or Altima. Those light aluminum pieces would be really nice.
#5
2060lbs and falling...
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iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 5,160
Sad part is that its going to be extremely difficult to feel the differences once I finally get driving again. I'm doing all these things at once. When I finally drive it will be the first time since, ES bushings, 5Spd swap, extreme weight reduction, and this stiffening.
Dave, I'm lucky on the welder. I use our school's brand new Miller. Its a beast. We got MIG's and TIG's and ****. They really aren't that bad though if you want one that much. Its basically the price of one average mod. $250 for a decent home use welder and $100? for tanks and gas. Toss another $50 in there for safe measure. So, $400 and you're welding away. Also, you could get one used. Go to an estate sale or something. That is what I plan on doing when I get my own.
Dave, I'm lucky on the welder. I use our school's brand new Miller. Its a beast. We got MIG's and TIG's and ****. They really aren't that bad though if you want one that much. Its basically the price of one average mod. $250 for a decent home use welder and $100? for tanks and gas. Toss another $50 in there for safe measure. So, $400 and you're welding away. Also, you could get one used. Go to an estate sale or something. That is what I plan on doing when I get my own.
#7
I did that about a year ago on mine.. noticed zero difference.
shawn kissed my *** until I felt sorry for him and welded up the set I did bushings on for him.
Oh... and don't expect to find a good MIG for under $400. Add another $200 for gas and needed accessories like tank of C25, good gloves, mask, various sizes of wire, etc etc etc
shawn kissed my *** until I felt sorry for him and welded up the set I did bushings on for him.
Oh... and don't expect to find a good MIG for under $400. Add another $200 for gas and needed accessories like tank of C25, good gloves, mask, various sizes of wire, etc etc etc
#8
2060lbs and falling...
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iTrader: (10)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 5,160
I was unaware gas was all that much. What is C25? I already have a mask and gloves but what are the reasons for using verious wire sizes? We only have one size here at school. I think its .32". I don't remember I just look at the chart whenever I'm welding.
#9
Originally Posted by Broaner
I was unaware gas was all that much. What is C25? I already have a mask and gloves but what are the reasons for using verious wire sizes? We only have one size here at school. I think its .32". I don't remember I just look at the chart whenever I'm welding.
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