Crazy idea time...
Okay, I imagine that the parts you are talking about removing are the
inner fenders and box-section portions that Gordon mentions. That
section seems pretty strong and if it doesn't actually add rigidity to
the frame, it certainly does add stiffnessto the front sheetmetal (or
in your case fiberglass). Would it help to strengthen the front
bodywork to fuse them into a single piece and have a tip-forward bonnet
like a bugeye or Spitfire? There are ways to make super light
fiberglass box-sections(more accurately half-round sections) with
mattress-foam and spray glue.
(Learned this trick in the Monster Business) You could stiffen the
bonnet with a couple of those.
-Marc
On Aug 3, 2004, at 7:06 PM, Andy Cost wrote:
> How much good does the front sub-frame do for the car? I am in need of
> removing about 200 more pounds from the car and the front subframe
> looks like
> it's just along for the ride. I would like to cut everything from the
> firewall forward except the lip that the fenders bolt onto and the
> very front
> section that the grille hangs from. I already have a radiator support
> that
> bolts to the frame, so apart from holding up the fenders and keeping
> the
> squirrels out what good does the front subframe do? Is it especially
> important for rigidity? Has anyone cut theirs off before? How much
> weight
> would I be saving?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Andy
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