Ron:
You have a good thought about curvature, which I overlooked; adds stiffness
to the structure. Also, I suppose a curved doubler (backing plate) does
not have to precisely match the wheel arch's contour.
On this subject, maybe we need to remember that any accident that calls for
the full strength of the seat belt attach points . . . we'll be already
dead from the smoosh in the front.
Think I'll ask the List if there's a way to make a Bugeye steering column
collapsible!
Daryl
----------
> From: Ron Soave <redlotus@spacey.net>
> To: Daryl May <mayfam@sprynet.com>
> Subject: Re: 3 point belts
> Date: Sunday, December 07, 1997 6:32 AM
>
> > Works easier on flat skin.
>
> Daryl,
>
> You're right about the metal reinforcement. The reason its on the wheel
> well in the later cars is because a lot of strength is added to sheet
metal
> when you bend it (push on your car's door and it'll deflect; push where a
> fender rounds and it won't). Bending the reinforcement ("doubler") to
> contour the wheelwell will be a bitch, though. Think I might try it,
> though.
>
> Regards,
> Ron
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