Frame Repair

[patf]

Does anyone have a frame repair shop they'd recommend? friend had a weird issue where rear sway has pulled the mount, not completely off, but tearing it out. wonder if it can be welded back with equal strength or would the member need to be replaced.

[OZMDD]

I saw the torn mount at the event on Sunday. I suggested that he take it to Vorshlag or some other specialty welder. The typical automotive body shop is unlikely to know/care too much about the driving dynamics of a sports car, but will probably focus on simply making the parts go back together. The weld can always be made as strong or stronger than the surrounding material, but the geometry is the critical part.

[patf]

I initially thought to just replace the part, but started thinking it could be welded back. Thanks, the geometry would be critical. I'll pass vorschlag along to him. he'll enjoy the eye candy there as well.

[POS Racing]

What is the car? If it is a Miata it is a PITA DIY. Been there done that!!

The back story - http://www.dfwmiata.com/threads/2315...unts-1-2-Off!?

[OZMDD]

POS, its an NC that tore our the rear sway bar mount from the subframe. Pretty good size hole. Don;t see it often since most folks run little or no rear bar.

[POS Racing]

POS, its an NC that tore our the rear sway bar mount from the subframe. Pretty good size hole. Don;t see it often since most folks run little or no rear bar.

It must have been binding like a fiend to tear out a hole....

Don't forget to lube your bars early and often kids!

[patf]

and he ran better times with the failure. thanks for the post to the thread POS... adding to the list of things to do

[POS Racing]

and he ran better times with the failure. thanks for the post to the thread POS... adding to the list of things to do

FWIW - I've had 4 autocross Miatas since 2001 and only the POSIV had a sway bar mount failure. The bar was binding which ripped out the mounts.... Live & Learn!

[patf]

Vorshlag is recommending and replacing the subframe. They hadn't seen anything like it before, and the owner checked with Goodwin who stated the same. Vorshlag believes there may have been some weakness in the welds as they felt binding alone couldn't cause the failure. Regardless the new subframe feels like the right play with continued racing and resale considered.