Hello List,
Before finite element analysis was available, the car manufacturers were
required to test the seat belt anchor points with a pull test. Basically a
forward pulling force (in excess of expected force) was applied to the seat
belts and the anchor points would have to withstand this force.
Seat belts are normally anchored to the car's body and not the car's frame.
A car's body can be relatively strong as long as all the components are
present.
A car's body is designed kind of like an aluminum drink can. An empty
aluminum drink can will support a full sized adult standing on top of the
can, without collapsing. However, if someone dents the can with a flick of
a finger (with an adult standing on the can), the can will instantly
collapse. The dent damages the can's structural integrity, leading to it's
collapse.
Please pay careful consideration to where seat belts are anchored, prior to
removing body shell components. As Tom mentions, a structural roll cage
attached to the frame could be a good choice.
Regards,
Mark Gill
From: thomas walter <roundrocktom@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: thomas walter <roundrocktom@yahoo.com>
To: Daniel Neuman <dneuman@quark.sfsu.edu>
CC: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Hard Tonneau cover & folding hardtop!
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2003 11:14:21 -0700 (PDT)
Daniel,
Roadsters were built long before Finite Element
Analysis were done, so I suspect there is little
rigidity lost with the removal the trunk wall. Body
just "sits" on the frame.
I suspect a well designed roll cage, for a road racer,
could be used to strengthen the frame... but for most
of us, little change.
Yes, I love stock roadsters... but fun to have a
little license when restoring a "basket case"
roadster.
Tom
--- Daniel Neuman <dneuman@quark.sfsu.edu> wrote:
I wonder what would taking out the trunk wall do for
the strength of the
frame in that area? What about removing portions of
the parcel shelf
itself? Would that totally comprimise the
structural integrity field in
that area?
Daniel 69 2000
Oakland CA
I'm trying to remember one of the Oregon club
members
roadsters (10-15 years ago). They removed the rear
parcel shelf, bringing the body work just behind
the two seats. Stock trunk lid. Very deep trunk on
that roadster!
Actually looked pretty good, and less draft for
the driver.
Tom Walter
Cedar Park, TX.
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