Body On or Off?

byroncobra · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 04:48 AM

While I'm here pondering kit suppliers I'm wondering whether body shell on or off construction is the go?

What's the pros and cons with either?

It sure looks easier from some of the pics to fit out the chassis with all the fibreglass out of the way.

Maybe lining up and checking the fit of engine etc maybe a pain if you're having to sling the body on to check all the time?!

boxhead · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 04:33 PM

It is really a matter of personal preferance.

I wanted a removable body to make the build easier, but this may just be a personal perception as there are alot of guys with kits that have the body bonded to the chassis and they dont seem to have any more difficulties in assembly than the body off type.

But if I was to do it again I would probably still go with the body off type.

I think the extra room makes life eaiser.

Classic Revival · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 02:14 AM

Apart from ease of assembly etc, the main difference is the long term effects of stress. If the body is bonded to the chassis, it MUST then be stressed by any flexing of the chassis over time. This creates stress cracking in the body shell - much like the old Lotus designs.( Elans etc ) With the body separate, it can not be subject to these stresses.
Ian

Tenrocca · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 04:04 AM

Someones been reading the ERA web site.

I cant understand that concept, surely once its bolted down it isnt much different to bonding. Its not like the inch wide hard rubber strips are going to isolate the body from any chassis flex.

That said I have found it good to work on the car without body - easy to take the body off to prep underneath - and does make any necessary chassis mods easier to do as well without the body in the way.

cameron02 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 09:20 AM

I have a DRB. The kit comes with the body rivited to the chasis, the doors, bonnet, boot, hardtop and windscreen were also fitted (save a lot of time and hassel). I do feel that it made the assembly more difficult but not overly so. I guess you have to spend more time getting into small cramped spaces. Then again you dont have to spend time fitting the body.

I went for this type of kit because I did not feel comfortable with putting the body on the chasis. I was concerned that the body would not be straight and that I would have trouble getting it lined up etc. Maybe not a reasonable concern but I thought I had heard that some people had trouble getting the body straight.

After building my cobra I'm more comfortable now and would not be stressed about fitting the body.

I guess it just depends how handy you are.

Rob. Smith · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 02:05 AM

My Cobra is an RMC, it is a totally separate "tub" from the chassis. This point allowed me to put a side exiting exhaust on the car for rego. The rules stipulated that the exhaust must exit past the last seam in the body / cabin area. No seam , no problem.
The other reason for a separate body was ...that I could have the chassis (after mods) blasted and painted silver to my taste. I put the wiring through the chassis. The body would be a "plug-and-play" set up. I heard that there may have been a replica porsche body available to fit on the chassis. Imagine a porsche with knock-off halibrands and side pipes. ha ha . I have fitted and removed the body several times to make adjustments and modifications to both chassis and bodywork. I couldn't imagine doing all of those "adjustments" with a bonded body.
I've worked on a bonded body DRB and the only difference is. . .you have to be a contortionist and have a good set of tall jack-stands!
Smithy

Baz · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob. Smith

My Cobra is an RMC, it is a totally separate "tub" from the chassis. This point allowed me to put a side exiting exhaust on the car for rego. The rules stipulated that the exhaust must exit past the last seam in the body / cabin area. No seam , no problem.
The other reason for a separate body was ...that I could have the chassis (after mods) blasted and painted silver to my taste. I put the wiring through the chassis. The body would be a "plug-and-play" set up. I heard that there may have been a replica porsche body available to fit on the chassis. Imagine a porsche with knock-off halibrands and side pipes. ha ha . I have fitted and removed the body several times to make adjustments and modifications to both chassis and bodywork. I couldn't imagine doing all of those "adjustments" with a bonded body.
I've worked on a bonded body DRB and the only difference is. . .you have to be a contortionist and have a good set of tall jack-stands!
Smithy

I'm building an RMC at the moment and I couldn't agree more.
Rob's spot on in everything he says.

Baz