This page shows how the rear two legs of the X section of the frame have been reinforced. Originally they are a "C" section; the new metal stiffens up these legs by closing in the "Cs" and making them into box sections. This was a much bigger job than the pictures might lead you to believe, as I used 16 gauge metal which is just a tad hard to cut with tinsnips. A cardboard template was made, and as luck would have it, I was able to use the same template for all four legs of the X (also known as the cruciform).
I continued the new metal along the main part of the frame for some distance with the hope that this will help stiffen things yet further. The total length of the piece is two feet, the width of the sheet of metal I had. Once the piece was cut, a lip was formed all along the bottom and top such that the piece was a tight press fit, and then the seams were welded. I welded the entire length top and bottom because I wanted the practice; of course it's overkill.
There are three tricky bits. First, where the original "C" section is welded to the main fore and aft member, there is a curious "dent", and the new metal has to be cut out a bit to clear it. Second, the holes' locations must be determined and are are a real nuisance to cut out. Third, working around the hole in the central box is tough. |
