DIY Butterfly Brace
#1
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DIY Butterfly Brace
Well, there is roadwork in my neighborhood.
Idiots dug up the road, and did not bother to build a ramp to make a smooth transition, and clearly lack the brains to mark what they have done.
I was following a truck at slow speed, and suddenly my car became a seesaw... Kinda. All four wheels were making contact with the planet, but barely..
Needles to say, there was some serious damage to the underbody. The chassis rails were badly crushed.
I decided just pulling the rails would not suffice, so I went about building a DIY butterfly brace.
I know FM uses 2.0 mm steel for their setup. I went for 2.5mm steel, and doubled up the steel on either end on both sides for about 8 inches, so I would get some really strong jacking points...
Here's the chassis rail once it has been straightened and undercoating applied:
Idiots dug up the road, and did not bother to build a ramp to make a smooth transition, and clearly lack the brains to mark what they have done.
I was following a truck at slow speed, and suddenly my car became a seesaw... Kinda. All four wheels were making contact with the planet, but barely..
Needles to say, there was some serious damage to the underbody. The chassis rails were badly crushed.
I decided just pulling the rails would not suffice, so I went about building a DIY butterfly brace.
I know FM uses 2.0 mm steel for their setup. I went for 2.5mm steel, and doubled up the steel on either end on both sides for about 8 inches, so I would get some really strong jacking points...
Here's the chassis rail once it has been straightened and undercoating applied:
#2
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Trial fitting the reinforcing rail.
Bent out of 2.5mm steel plate.
I drilled a series of 10mm holes for welding spots. I thought that wopuld be better than just bolting it on.
The inside of the rail was also undercoated to avoid rust.
Bent out of 2.5mm steel plate.
I drilled a series of 10mm holes for welding spots. I thought that wopuld be better than just bolting it on.
The inside of the rail was also undercoated to avoid rust.
#8
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I spent just under $25 for ALL the steel, and about $15 for 3 cans of undercoating.
(You thread on a spray gun on the undercoating can and have at it...)
I also found a cool place where they cut and bend steel (up to 10mm thick) to whatever size/shape/angle you can think of, and charge you by the actual square footage. They have very reasonable prices.
I guess a wheel alignment is next after such a "surgery".
And yes, the car feels very solid now.
Please spare no criticism.
I just winged this project, and I would appreciate any input.
Oh, I spoke with the city manager in charge of roadwork, and he said I should send them the bill for the repairs.
That's why I did everything at the Mazda service. I would like them to collect whatever they think is fair from the city. It was my labor, but I took up their space in their shop for this thing.
(You thread on a spray gun on the undercoating can and have at it...)
I also found a cool place where they cut and bend steel (up to 10mm thick) to whatever size/shape/angle you can think of, and charge you by the actual square footage. They have very reasonable prices.
I guess a wheel alignment is next after such a "surgery".
And yes, the car feels very solid now.
Please spare no criticism.
I just winged this project, and I would appreciate any input.
Oh, I spoke with the city manager in charge of roadwork, and he said I should send them the bill for the repairs.
That's why I did everything at the Mazda service. I would like them to collect whatever they think is fair from the city. It was my labor, but I took up their space in their shop for this thing.
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