Some of you Miata guys need to be raising hell with the factory to get this
fixed. This car has now been in production for 10 or 11 years. It shouldnt be
that hard to beef the front of this car.
Bill Schmidt cs rx7 kc reg
>>> Bob Klingler <bklingler@worldnet.att.net> 08/25 8:42 AM >>>
Ghsharp@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 8/24/99 8:29:20 PM EST, bklingler@worldnet.att.net writes:
>
> > Regardless of what name we give the sway bar mounts, we all realize they
> > will need replacement. Would you also argue that each time these
> > separate sheet metal parts are replaced with factory replacement parts,
> > they also have to be tack welded? My presumption is that Mazda used the
> > tack welds for production purposes, and then bolted the mount in place
> > for strength.
> >
> > As you probably both know from experience, if the tack welded part
> > breaks at an event, cutting that tack weld can be a genuine pain, and
> > re-tacking is structurally unnecessary. Those replacement parts are
> > provided without replacement instructions, and it is not obvious that
> > welding was even intended. (Holes are not provided.)
>
> Bob,
>
> What does the factory workshop manual say about removing and installing
> those brackets? If your supposition is correct about the tack welds being
> only for production purposes, the workshop manual should tell you not to
> re-weld a replacement bracket. OTOH, if the factory manual says to re-weld
> them, they must be re-welded.
I have both the 99 Workshop Manuel and the Service Highlights.
Unfortunately neither addresses replacement or repair of the brackets,
so no help here.
>
> > Finally, would it be legal to just weld up the cracks, as long as there
> > is no intention of improving the strength? Obviously the annealed area
> > will be at a strength deficit.
>
> I wouldn't have a problem with it, but that's just my own personal opinion,
> not necessarily that of the rest of the SEB.
Understand, and thanks for the vote.
BK
|