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Unread 22-07-2010, 10:25
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JamesCH95 JamesCH95 is offline
Hardcore Dork
AKA: JCH
FRC #0095 (The Grasshoppers)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: Enfield, NH
Posts: 1,869
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Re: Chassis Connections

My team has used bolt-together frames, typically plywood with angle-aluminum brackets or the kit frame. For 2010 we welded the kit frame together (saves several pounds of weight over fasteners) with some custom wheel brackets. Took 1 mentor (me) less than two hours to do at work (we had no welder at our work space). We then bolted on everything else, including some 3/8" plywood for a deck.

I would highly recommend welding the kit-frame together for the weight lost and stiffness/strength gained. It's 5052 aluminum, so it has no temper to lose through welding. If you are just welding the kit frame together it should take less than 1 hour to assemble, prep, and weld. The kit hardware holds it in place very nicely.
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