I think it goes without saying that japanese imports in general are rust buckets. The s13 240sx for example seems prone to rot along the front frame rails separating them from the strut towers. Not good for structural integrity or alignment settings for that matter.
What restoration methods should be pursued?
Is there a proven method for welding in brackets or fish plating to strengthen the weak points?
Will strut tower braces prevent stress fractures?
What type of steel is suitable for repairs?
What type of arc welding equipment is suitable for repairs?
Why are japanese imports rust buckets?
rust buckets
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psychic_mechanic
- Posts: 296
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:45 am
- Car: the world's ugliest civic
I can't help but to think you are trying to insult japanese cars.
The cars are designed to maximize the limited resources of Japan. Steel and gasoline have historically been in short supply and taken into account in the design phase. Since only the wealthiest of Japanese own cars and they replace them every 4-5 years the rust was not an issue in the 70's - early 80's (I assume you are refering to this era)
Cars that are heavier than they need to be waste gas and steel, not to mention are as slow as a '74 impala.
Sheet metal replacement is commonly accomplished with MIG not arc welding. Thick angle iron and flat stock are good for reinforcements in the suspension of Mustangs and other rustbuckets, but have a competent welder install it. (having the wheels fall off of your car at speed sucks big time)
It's usually easier to start with a car without cancer to start with. Import from AZ if needed.
The cars are designed to maximize the limited resources of Japan. Steel and gasoline have historically been in short supply and taken into account in the design phase. Since only the wealthiest of Japanese own cars and they replace them every 4-5 years the rust was not an issue in the 70's - early 80's (I assume you are refering to this era)
Cars that are heavier than they need to be waste gas and steel, not to mention are as slow as a '74 impala.
Sheet metal replacement is commonly accomplished with MIG not arc welding. Thick angle iron and flat stock are good for reinforcements in the suspension of Mustangs and other rustbuckets, but have a competent welder install it. (having the wheels fall off of your car at speed sucks big time)
It's usually easier to start with a car without cancer to start with. Import from AZ if needed.
i didnt think it was possible to insult a car
having to trash a chassis after ten years wastes even more resources
i thought mig was a form of arc welding utilizing a consumable electrode
Arizona is always on fire and the water quality is horrible
seriously, is there a specific type of steel that can be used as reinforcement. I was hoping to find steel with similar properties so i can get predictable fusion and not melt a hole in it trying
having to trash a chassis after ten years wastes even more resources
i thought mig was a form of arc welding utilizing a consumable electrode
Arizona is always on fire and the water quality is horrible
seriously, is there a specific type of steel that can be used as reinforcement. I was hoping to find steel with similar properties so i can get predictable fusion and not melt a hole in it trying
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s13sr20chris
- Posts: 4148
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- Car: '89 Nissan S13 w/redtop running 13psi and not leaking fuel anymore
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i mig'ed up my spare tire pan/fuel tank suppord using sheet metal cut from an old maxima in the junkyard. if you say arc people think you mean arc. if you mean any kind of "arc" just say electric so people dont think you mean gas(oxy/fuel). sawzall will get you all kinds of reinforcement pieces that are already the right shape and content.
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s13sr20chris
- Posts: 4148
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 9:32 am
- Car: '89 Nissan S13 w/redtop running 13psi and not leaking fuel anymore
- Contact:
reggiegsd wrote:Japanese cars are rust buckets?
Did you know the British invented rust and perfected the installation of rust in a car at the factory?
They then licensed the process to the Italians who turned it into an art form.
The Japanese just figured out how to do it cheaper.
yes! that was lovely! its going in my sig for a while.