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Hey Spartan,
Curious about why you are using welds. The adhesives that auto manufacturers and even body repairs shops now use are so strong that they form a stronger bond than weldment. Have you considered using adhesives instead?
Fire hazard? Manufacturers and body shops regulary use adhesives. They are lighter, cleaner, cheaper, stronger, easier to apply. Seems like a winner. Look at the photos above and see how many welds were made on the frame. Adhesives are much lighter than weldment. I used to be a professional welder on nuclear submarines. Adhesive technolgies now are more advanced than they use to be. Aircraft builders use adhesives to manufacture aircraft frames. With welding on thin materials you have to be concerned with burn through. Another drawback is welding will weaken the surrounding materials in the heat effected zone when heated to these high temperatures. IMHO a strong case could be made for auto frames held together with adhesives being structurally stronger than a welded frame.Fire hazard, weight, paint adhesion, nobody likes adhesive....
Fire hazard? Manufacturers and body shops regulary use adhesives. They are lighter, cleaner, cheaper, stronger, easier to apply. Seems like a winner. Look at the photos above and see how many welds were made on the frame. Adhesives are much lighter than weldment. I used to be a professional welder on nuclear submarines. Adhesive technolgies now are more advanced than they use to be. Aircraft builders use adhesives to manufacture aircraft frames. With welding on thin materials you have to be concerned with burn through. Another drawback is welding will weaken the surrounding materials in the heat effected zone when heated to these high temperatures. IMHO a strong case could be made for auto frames held together with adhesives being structurally stronger than a welded frame.
The new FP350S and GT4’s are all seam welded. On the Boss 302S seam welding was not an option on the 12’s, was optional on the 13’s and the 14’s were all seam welded. I was told the seam welding makes a noticeable difference. If I buy a used 302S it will be one that was seam welded.
Look forward to your design concepts. You can borrow the rotisserie when I'm done.I'm sure adhesives have got a lot better over time, and what was used in my 68 Cuda is dog sh*it compared to what we use today. And I agree with one thing : adhesive is cheap(er) than a fully welded body. But adhesives deteriorate over time too, stitch welds won't when done properly.
Fred, that's a ton of work on the body, congrats!!! I'll have some for you very soon by the way
And I'm jealous of that rotisserie, I need to get or build one for next winter when we'll paint the Cuda!
Fire hazard? Manufacturers and body shops regulary use adhesives. They are lighter, cleaner, cheaper, stronger, easier to apply. Seems like a winner. Look at the photos above and see how many welds were made on the frame. Adhesives are much lighter than weldment. I used to be a professional welder on nuclear submarines. Adhesive technolgies now are more advanced than they use to be. Aircraft builders use adhesives to manufacture aircraft frames. With welding on thin materials you have to be concerned with burn through. Another drawback is welding will weaken the surrounding materials in the heat effected zone when heated to these high temperatures. IMHO a strong case could be made for auto frames held together with adhesives being structurally stronger than a welded frame.
Adhesive will allow flex. A welded joint won’t.
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I'm sure adhesives have got a lot better over time, and what was used in my 68 Cuda is dog sh*it compared to what we use today. And I agree with one thing : adhesive is cheap(er) than a fully welded body. But adhesives deteriorate over time too, stitch welds won't when done properly.
Fred, that's a ton of work on the body, congrats!!! I'll have some for you very soon by the way
And I'm jealous of that rotisserie, I need to get or build one for next winter when we'll paint the Cuda!