Welding to C5 Hydroformed Chassis
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 114
Likes: 5
From: Highland MD
Welding to C5 Hydroformed Chassis
I have a manufacturer recommending welding a door bar mount to the rocker area of my C5 frame , says "it can be bolted but the easiest method is welding" looking for educated opinions and/or "been there , done that" has to be able to pass NHRA inspection for "Convertible to 11.50" Can anyone help me on this ? welding a 1/4" piece of steel angle 3 " long to a 3/32" hydroformed frame rail just sounds WRONG to me , not to mention bar was advertised as complete bolt in & NHRA SCCA legal......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 635
From: Dallas TX
While I wont say whether you will pass tech or not... there are TONS of C5's that have been caged and turned into race cars... My guess is the VAST majority of them have the cages welded to the frame. Nothing magical about "hydroformed"... its just steel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 1,397
From: Orange County, CA
I wonder if after welding they heat treated the frame. If so, then doing any welding to the frame now would anneal those locations effectively weakening the frame.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 114
Likes: 5
From: Highland MD
Thanks Guys ! All very valid points , I have a set of Factory Service Manuals , maybe if I scour the section that covers collision damage it will be mentioned , many thanks to you all for taking the time , trouble & thought you put into helping me , I truly appreciate it , I love this Forum !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
