Re: CUT THE FRAME ? 4 heads bolt back on PICTURE only

Posted by Peterwh on Jan 20, 2012; 2:33am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/CUT-THE-FRAME-4-heads-bolt-back-on-PICTURE-only-tp3668125p3674365.html

OK, how would you even begin to analyse the strength of this mod?  FEA is the only way you could get close for such a complex structure.  First, it will provide virtually zero torsional strength.  Second, the tensile strength is reduced to the shear strength of the bolts which, compared to the tube that has been cut, will be minimal.  Most bolted joints actually rely on the frictional force between the mating surfaces for their strength.  If insufficient clamping force can be applied, as is likely to be the case here, then you are reduced to the shear strength of the fasteners, which, as I've said, is nothing like that of the original tube.  Finally, you could never replicate anything like the bending strength of the un-cut tubes.  Sorry but I think these claims are seriously exagerated.  I'm not saying the mod will cause the frame to fail.  I'm saying do not believe that the mod will replicate the original strength of the un-cut tubes.  This mod is just cosmetic.  If you cut the tubes, I would just leave them out.