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Rattletrap [ Scuttle Shake ]

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Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Reid , Do you know I could not find one of their advertisements in any of the current HLY Mags---Keoke

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't recall the last time they advertised with us. I don't think they have in at least several years, if they ever have. I called and spoke with Martin Jansen, the owner-operator, a few times in April (mostly playing phone tag), but we never got to the point where he showed any real interest in placing advertising so I dropped it. I have sent them a couple of Advertiser Information Packets, including a special offer of six 1/4-page ads for just $350, but got no response.

We make real efforts to bring in new advertisers, but most of the people who own and operate these businesses are "tough sells."
 
Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

Well I'm having a piece of frame spliced in at the point where the weak weld has broken and realignment of the engine mount. Clearly the vehicle was in a collision and a poor repair...cosmetic and inexpensive was done. The frame is otherwise clean and solid, so I'm led to believe this is a long term fix. 2-5K. Good news and bad I guess.
 
Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

Just described this problem to a friend of mine who advised me under no circumstances to do frame repair. He told me of a colleague who had had a frame welded for a Yukon, top shop did the work, the weld gave way causing an accident and five deaths.
Anyone have any comments on this. Little disturbing to say the least.
 
Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

[ QUOTE ]
, top shop did the work, the weld gave way causing an accident and five deaths.

[/ QUOTE ]

If the weld gave way I would certainly say it was not a "top shop". I would also have to see an actual report that there were 5 deaths. I am not questioning you but questioning the source who maybe got that from another source who.... and finally it turns into an urban myth.

These frames were welded to begin with. It is a matter of making sure the metal is solid, the person welding is doing it correctly and alignment right. There is no reason something that has been welded can not be welded again.

Bruce
 
Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

Every one of the "stretch Limos" you see on the road is built on a spliced, welded, frame. As Bruce says, if it is done <u>correctly</u> there should be no concern at all.
I've personally built several test vehicles with frames that were extensively welded and subjected to brutal treatment with no failures.
Jeff
 
Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

[ QUOTE ]
Just described this problem to a friend of mine who advised me under no circumstances to do frame repair.
Anyone have any comments on this. Little disturbing to say the least.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think we need to make a distinction between newer frame/body materials & the older ones.

Modern vehicles use "different" metals than the older ones. Very common now is the use of HSLA (high strength low alloy steel) This material has some very different welding characteristics/techniques. If the welder is not familiar with, & trained in how to weld these materials, weld & surrounding metal fractures are likely. Improper techniques used on these materials can lead to disaster. Some car manufacturers will not permit welding repairs on certain parts at all.

The Healeys came before the advent of these materials & sensible welding techniques will not likely compromise the strength of the parts. After all, the original cars were made up of dozens of welded joints. Hundreds of Healeys have had extensive weld repairs, most successful, some not so. As with any repair of this type it depends on the knowledge & skill of the welder. Any "poorly" welded joint is likely to break.
D
 
Re: Rattletrap Nightmare

Thanks to all of you on that. I feel better. Not an urban myth though, though it was about to be after I unintentionally modified it. The driver was a friend of my friend. His name was Morty, and he killed a father and son in the other car and himself.

I have turned the car over, in this beautiful September weather, and will get all the rattle sources and suspension seen to at the same time. Next spring I guess I will get to drive it again.

Chris
 
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