Body Stiffeners

[engineerted]

Has anyone looked at making a body stiffener for the spider? I see that IAP sells one for the Alfa spider but not for a Fiat. It is amazing how much my street spider flexes compared to my race spider. That eight point roll cage really tightens the body up, but putting a full cage in the street car, not going to happen.

I am just throwing the idea out there; maybe someone has tried this before?


Ted

[maytag]

How is IAP doing it for the Alfa?

Back in my drag-racing days, we had to be fairly creative in stiffening-up the unibodies we messed-around with. The tricky part is how to do it without adding significant weight.

You probably already know, Ted, but I'm just guessing that the majority of the flex is happening at the forward end of the door sill? probably between there and the front spring-tower? and then there's probably also some real torsional 'twist' action through the entire door-area. the door lug just can't be enough to hold it.

???
what are ya seeing?

[azruss]

when i stopped driving my spider and started with an MR-2, i was very surprised at the lack of torsional rigidity in the MR-2. most noticable in the movement of the side glass while turning in an angled driveway. I havent done what you are talking about, but have a couple of thought. I assume you are running with a roll bar that connects to the back of the cabin. this solves issue from the rollbar back. the problem is across the doors. I have thought that some kind of deadbolt from the door to the rear sill could provide the kind of support you could get by welding the doors shut. The issue here is if you ever got hit in the side, you are crawling out thru the window. MR-2 had a nice approach by making a very tall driveline tunnel. This would require some customizing of the upper console as well as shifting and e-brake handle consideration. pretty narrow to help you torsionally, but would be big help in vertical flex.

[engineerted]

The issue is the torsional flexing of the body, mostly the cowl flexing. The IAP Alfa stiffener ties in the steering box mounting and idler mount to the rear control arm mounts. This is like adding a sub frame connector. Can see doing this plus some type of x brace.

[maytag]

The issue is the torsional flexing of the body, mostly the cowl flexing. The IAP Alfa stiffener ties in the steering box mounting and idler mount to the rear control arm mounts. This is like adding a sub frame connector. Can see doing this plus some type of x brace.

I'd buy that. Not alot of room underneath for the old-skool type of subframe connector,

[v6spider]

I'll be doing that to my spider when I get finished building my rotisserie. I'll post pics when I get to that point...
Although the stiffening I am doing will be welded into the car... I think that is the best way to do it. Some under the hood ...most under the car.

Cheers!
Rob

[happybeachgoerm]

Yes V6,Please Post Pics...this sounds like one of the best things to do to help with rigidity...

[v6spider]

HappyBeach, it is actually next on the list once I get going on the project again... work has taken me away from it. Tons of bills haven't helped either... I feel the end coming soon though. Plus I just can't stay away from the car too long ... LOL!

And yes welding the supports in is far better than bolt in I think..

Rob

[happybeachgoerm]

lol i cant wait to start building my car.....damn bills haveme living paycheck to paycheck...not to mention...i only make minimum wage,... :/

[v6spider]

I hear you... Currently I have so many projects I haven't been able to do nothing on it but look and dream...
Rob