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Author Topic: What type of metel  (Read 6791 times)

Offline Russell

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What type of metel
« on: March 26, 2013, 05:22:45 PM »
This is my first time on the forum  , I have a few questions  if I may ask ? can a dragster be built with mild steel tubing?, is it legal in the states ?Can it be certified ?Chrome moly tubing is expensive and  I don't have a tig  welding outfit however I do have a mig and reg arc welders , my mig I can set it up for steel, stainless steel, and aluminum welding I have a milling machine and lathe and laying out in the yard I have 4 20 foot  I beams I could use for a jig to build a chassis on .I do know some door slammers use a mild steel chassis but  not sure about a dragster or maybe an altered.    Russ
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Offline FatOldGuy

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Re: What type of metel
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2013, 05:39:26 PM »
mild steel can be used. you will need to buy a spec book from
 http://www.sfifoundation.com/
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Offline Russell

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Re: What type of metel
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2013, 05:52:22 PM »
I just ordered a spec book thanks . Russ
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Offline Dolmetsch

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Re: What type of metel
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2013, 03:23:04 PM »
Yes, I build all mine with mild steel. I keep a rule book right in the Mig welder. Mild steel is strong and durable, in fact more durable then CMbut it is heavier. Depending on your build 30 to 40 lbs heavier. Since I now race for enjoyment and I need it to last I use the mild steel. Also I know how to work with it and am confident when I weld it it is good. And yes I have beaten several cm cars heads up.
Don
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Offline wideopen231

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Re: What type of metel
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2013, 03:59:33 PM »
Mild steel is legal to certain et. IMO I would go CM for cpl reasons.Weight as already stated and Im sure its more than 40 lbs.Since mild steel is normally twice as thick as CM it just tands to reason it will weigh twice as much. Resale is another reason,even if you think you will never care about saling it crap happens. Number one is Im riding in it and that means its going to be CM.
  Yes it cost more I know Ive been buying it few pieces at a time for past 2 years.

  As Frank Parks says steel is for farm equipment and Chrome moly is for racecars.
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Offline George

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Re: What type of metel
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2013, 05:56:00 AM »
I would understand the build spec completely. I don't think it's wise to build anything that may not pass a certification. As far as material , CM is the only thing I would use in a dragster . It's not only strength to consider, tubing memory or lack of should be taken into consideration. Safety, weight and resale are the things to keep in mind.
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