To gusset or not to gusset

I purchased a project and I was putting the front end in the other day and I noticed the hairpin mounting plates were not gusseted. Will these be okay like this or should I add gussets to strengthen them.

 

I would hurt to add one. HRP

 

I added gussets to mine on a flathead powered A, not much extra work for added safety.

 

I certainly would...

 

We used split A bones on our roadster and added a gusset of sorts. Used a 3" angle iron cut to about 4.5" long and laid it on the bottom of the frame. One side hung down where we drilled a hole for a bung or bolt and the other side was welded flush along the bottom of the frame. Looks fine and gives us one less thing to worry over....

 

When in doubt. Build it stout.

 

First thing that strikes me is that it looks a little long. Can it be shortened up?

I would say the load is primarily in the fore/aft direction, so bending loads are minimal, but with that length I have to agree with everyone else, a gusset is cheap insurance.

 

Unless it's a race car where the extra weight might cost you a .000001 of a second....why not?

 

Thanks guy's I guess I will be making some gussets in my near future.

 

I gave the length a bit of thought and I'm not sure if I make them shorter will it mess up my caster angle? I would think a little longer would be better and keep it straighter down the road. But I'm no expert.

 

Surprisingly,the ones on my 27 are done just like yours, except shorter and they have held up great for over 25 years. Even the back ones are done like that and they take a lot more strain than the front ones, especially when I am on it hard.

If I were to do it over I would probably gusset them just because I am more cautious now that I am older.

Don

 

Other end of the hairpin should have some adjustability...will it allow for shortening the mount/change in angle? Keep in mind the mount you propose to change is what determines the way that hairpin arcs as the axle travels.

If you want to get technical, the mount should be on a point perpendicular to the caster angle for the least amount of spring binding when loading and unloading. The farther you get off from that the more bind you have. That being said, most hairpins would be about dragging on the ground to accomodate the typical caster. I would just gusset them.

By the way, what kind of rod end is that? Doesn't look like it allows for much lateral movement. Those hairpins are going to be twisting constantly!

 

Those are speedway rod ends. I have washers on the outside just incase they let go. Better to be safe then sorry. As for the binding I have adjustable perches. So that should help with the binding. Is there a way to measure the lateral movement? (For a non technical moron like me)
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Chrome-Plated-Moly-Body-Heim-Joint-Rod-End-5-8-Inch-RH,1535.html

 

I tend to overbuild, nothing ever fails because it was too strong. JMO

 

I tend to do the same thing. The only reason I asked was because the frame is done. It's all smoothed out and ready for paint. (Done by the previous "deceased" owner) Just wanted to keep moving forward on the build not go in reverse. If I did it would have been gusseted from the start.

 

I don't see a thing wrong with the "added insurance"...... Do it!!

 

Yea I just ordered up a set off FEEBAY. Cheaper and faster than making them myself. It would cost me more in cut off wheels than it's worth. More time spent wrenching on the hot rod I suppose.

 

If enough's good, more's better in this case, I would say

 

Whenever there is any doubt, there is no doubt.

 

yes ...your not racing ? then yeees.....