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What to look for when buying a used chassis...

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1000hpJohn:
I thought Would start this thread to help myself and others that are looking into buying a completed chassis that has been used.  This thread isn't intended to cause a contest, but a fact finding thread to help locate areas on a chassis frame, rear axle housing, steering and so on to look at prior to laying cash down.

I have some experience looking at things such as chassis, rear axle housing, 4 link bars and hiem joints, brackets and a few other systems but for the most part I look for strange things...cracked paint, bent metal etc.

So, with that being said, I would think to inspect the rear axle housing itself, and the attached brackets that secure it to the frame.  I would check each bolt hole for movement and elongation, ANY loose hardware and I will zoom in on that area unless specified by seller, that's just me though...  next would be the rear & front motor plate locations and surrounding tube and support bars.  A magnaflux tool would be perfect in this whole process too, we all have one of those in our tool boxes right?  Lol. A black light and some floresant die will work too...

I would then just continue a frame inspection of all welds, joints and any holes that are in the chassis.  The steering attachment areas would be next along with the complete system itself.  Check for any looseness at heim joints, and any component that moves purposely.  I would finish with the back of the cage and lower chassis if wheelie bar/s were located for again elongated holes, fractures in paint...  what else on the steering system needs to be looked at closer?  Of course fuel tank, battery, fuel pump/filter, radiator, ign. Box mounting brackets and rubber mounts, what else did I miss?  Along with most of these components, the wiring, fuel lines, hoses etc., etc...

Now here is a question or two for the builders of these wicked macheeens 8)

Where do a majority of fractures/ cracks show up on the chassis itself?  I would think in the center and towards the front near the steering from wheel torture from launches.  Are top bars more prone to cracking or bottom bars?  Support bars???  Is there other areas of concern to target more closely like the slip joint areas?

So, if you masters of chassis construction and repair could step in, I'm sure it would be much appreciated. :D

John

George:
 A SFI spec book would be a good start. http://sfifoundation.com/drag-racing-chassis/

hemidakota:
exactly what George said...sfi book is worth its weight in gold.

1000hpJohn:
Awesome, add that to the thread beginning 8)
Which copy do you guys find easier now a days, PDF file or paper?
I will get the paper copy.

noslin:
get pdf that way you always have a copy and then just print off whenever you need to. 

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