Frame tubing question...

[Wheels]

I have been doing research on diameter and thickness of tubing for my 4 seater project(rhino)... and i've seen everyone praise the 1 3/4 tubing with thickness of .120. But, most of the pic's I've seen of buggies... the tubing doesn't even look like it's 1 1/2, am i missing something? I thought the tubing would be atleast the same... considering most of these mini buggies are highpowered vehicles...

any input would be appreciated,

Wheels

[nutz4sand]

Most minis are 1 seaters or cramped two seaters with small distances between braces. Some use smaller tube but thicker walls. MUCH depends on the design. A GOOD design with small or thin tube can and will likely be stronger than a poor design with large or thicker tube.

Its your neck and those in the ride with you. A little thicker makes for safer but you have to live with the weight penalty. Often its just a few pounds over a thinner tube. If its not an all out racer for money your likley not gonna notice driving it around.

[Gene]

Many mini cars use 1.25 diameter tubing and wall thickness varies. Some use 1.0 diameter and a few larger. IMO 1.25 is the norm.

Larger cars and race cars especially use larger tubing. Race cars must conform to certain rules and the larger cars are built to a standard that varies from builder to builder.

As pointed out you can choose tubing size based on various objectives including weight savings, vehicle size, power, etc.

[el diablo]

I built the cage for my rhino out of 1.75" x .095". This is about the same as the stock roll bar. My buddy tip it on its side and it only scratched it. I rolled it end over end and the cage held up and did its job but I rebuilt it with a little more bracing after that.

[el diablo]

here is after the rollover. Also I rolled it off the dune onto the harder flat ground. Here's the result.

[Wheels]

thanks for the info guys... i appreciate it.

[Wheels]

one more question...

on a lot of the buggies i'm seeing... i notice the base of the frame is square tubing. and then, the rest of the buggy is round tubing... is there a reason for this? please excuse my ignorance, i'm here to learn...


thanks,

wheels

[Gene]

It's a choice. The majority use round tubing.

[Wheels]

oh ok... thanks Gene. I thought it might be stronger or something.

[Gene]

I think round is stronger from what I've read.