alexideways Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 Here's an idea I read a while ago. I think it was in sportcompactcar "before it became a crappy primedia sh*t rag" They used expanding foam sealer in the rocker panels to stiffen the chassis. I know I can get this stuff in different densities at hardware stores. The question is, could I use this to inject into the hollow members of the shell like, rockers, A,B-pillars and the rim of the roof to stiffen the chassis (for street use) around the passenger compartement instead of having tubes around. I'd still use a dash bar, main hoop, fr. & re. strut connectors but, no links between main hoop and the front part. Thanks. P.S.: I know many people have told me that "You know what happen if water gets there. Keep moisture... but, does'nt the foam forms a slick seald layer on it's surface when it's dry? Plus the car would sit in a garage and rarely see the rain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naviathan Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 I don't see it adding much in the way of structural support. That foam isn't very strong and it's not meant for anything more than filling gaps. I couldn't see it hurting anything either though. Aside from the retaining moisture issue that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 Structural foam can be used to stiffen parts of the chassis by filling voids. I looked at doing that to my racing 240Z and, after reading up on the stuff, I realized that the benefits would be outweighed by the drawbacks: 1. Cost - the proper structural stuff was pretty expensive and I figured it would be about $400 to do all the areas in my car. 2. Repairability - any area or panel that has this stuff stuck to it is basically unrepairable. The panel or area needs to be removed and repalced. 3. Benefits - The siffening benefits are not even close to what you get with a proper roll cage. YMMV... on a street car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexideways Posted December 21, 2006 Author Share Posted December 21, 2006 ...YMMV... on a street car. Heuuu! Sorry, what does that mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 Your Mileage May Vary - its an e-mail way of saying your results might be different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 You should search. It's been discussed at some length before. Which foam to use, which to avoid, the benefits and drawbacks. I know Cary (tube80z) did that to one of his cars years ago and he has given his experiences before. Search and ye shall find... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexideways Posted December 21, 2006 Author Share Posted December 21, 2006 Thanks Jon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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