The floorpan needs to be bonded. There is information on how this is
done at Apexspeed.com. Many folks use aluminum and other use
stainless. I don't believe mild steel would be recommended. It's
not that difficult, just takes time.
The rivets are there only to hold the floorpan in place until the
glue bonds the pan to the frame tubes. I wouldn't even consider not
bonding since it has a tremendous effect on chassis stiffness. All IMHO.
Take care and have a safe New Year.
Greg Scharnberg
Citation 95SF - Formula Continental
At 04:38 PM 12/27/2007, you wrote:
>Hi All!
>Happy Holidays!
>
>One of my best friends, San Diego based David Pease is
>starting a frame up on a Van Diemen RF86 FF2000 to
>FF1600 conversion for C Mod competition this year, and
>would love some input.
>
>Here's the situation:
>
>he knows that most people who are road racing the VDs
>have replaced the alu floorpans with steel because of
>bottom intrusion whilst airborne.
>
>Obviously in C Mod that won't be the case.
>However, since he has the old floorpan off anyway,
>here's the question:
>
>GCR allows for a the floorpan to be stress bearing.
>(Actually GCR requires it so).
>
>However, there's a big difference between simply
>replacing the rivet set on an aluminum floorpan, and
>bonding/welding an 18ga steel floorpan in its stead.
>
>The difference would be in the stiffness of the
>chassis, resulting in a much different handling of the
>car. Theoretically.
>
>Now, a precision welding job for a new steel floorpan
>would be an expensive proposition. Even an alu floorpan
>welded or bonded to the frame would be quite a big deal
>to keep everything lined up and absolutely straight.
>
>So - worth the extra effort?
>
>What would the relative benefits and liabilities be, in
>the actual handling of the car?
>
>This is a VD 86, i.e. a Swift DB1 knock-off, with the
>suspension arms, push rods, etc.
>
>Our local (west coast, San Diego area) C Mod experts
>seem to be deadlocked, with opinions spread pretty much
>equally for and against.
>
>Your thoughts, gentlemen?
>
>Thank you!
>Cheers
>Chris
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