Chassis Stiffener - Page 3

Rich · #31 (**permalink**) 01-31-2010, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msiert

Anyone have a problem lineing up the chassis stiffener front bracket holes to the steering box bolts???

**fgc** · #32 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 07:02 AM

Hi just a thought ... I think the stiffener may not fit RHD spiders.

I've been eyeing a chassis stiffener for ages but I gave up buying a stock one from the USA bec I noticed from pictures that the long sections running from front to back runs right next to the chassis rails so much so that I think it will foul the brake MC since they occupy the same space.

I think the later LHD spider has wall mounted brake booster and MC unlike the RHD with under chassis MC.

I think you'll have to modify or redesign the existing one inorder to fit RHD spiders.

Will be most happy to be proven wrong on this and if so proven wrong ... I'll be the first to place an order for the stock stiffener

fgc
67 RHD 1750 spider

alfazagato · #33 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 07:38 AM

fgc,
This has been a concern of mine but I have put it on the back burner because of other Alfa matters. Its an interesting question.
Where are you?

'Sud Mania · #34 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 01:32 PM

Hello fgc and alfazagato,

I have a 1971 Alfa Spider 1750 (RHD, built for the Australian market). It has floor mounted pedals, and I agree that the brake master cylinder blocks the path of the right hand side longitudinal rail.

In hope I've sent an e-mail to Don Ereminas to find out whether a Chassis Stiffener for Spiders like mine was ever developed, as well as whether altering the stiffener currently sold (by cutting, inserting additional square section tubing, and re-welding) will compromise the integrity of the device.

I understand that Don is a helpful and obliging fellow, hopefully I'll get a reply.

Cheers,

Andrew Matusiewicz
Canberra ACT Australia

Oskar_in_usa · #35 (**permalink**) 03-08-2010, 01:42 PM

Hi,

did anybody built his own chassis stiffener ever and would be able to share the plans with me? 86' Spider

Rich · #36 (**permalink**) 03-08-2010, 03:18 PM

Hi Andrew,

What was the reply from Don, regarding RHD cars?

'Sud Mania · #37 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 07:17 PM

Hi Rich

I'm on holiday at the moment (Tasmania) and just checked my e-mail.

Err, unfortunately Don (or anyone else) didn't reply.

However, an alfa mechanic mate of mine has a fabricator mate who will look into what is required to modify a stiffener to fit around the brake master cylinder and still maintain the requisite stiffness.

Should have an answer in about 2 weeks time.

Cheers,

Andrew

Rich · #38 (**permalink**) 03-14-2010, 05:38 AM

That would be great Andrew.
Thank you for responding while your on holidays.

maxwedge · #39 (**permalink**) 03-14-2010, 08:57 AM

One of these days I'm planning to build my own stiffner. I have lots of tubing and a welder in the garage, but what I don't have is lot's of time right now.

**fgc** · #40 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 05:01 AM

Anyone any luck with chassis stiffener for RHD cars?

Cheers

'Sud Mania · #41 (**permalink**) 11-18-2011, 01:41 AM

Hi Folks,

Yes the stiffener certainly fits a RHD spider with floor mounted pedals. You have to remove the shield covering the brake master cylinder, and loosen the brake master cylinder bolts (tightening them after you've fitted the stiffener). Clearance is tight but nothing master cylinder-wise needs to be altered.

Makes a great difference to the Spider.

I have responded on this issue on another thread on this BB; here's the link.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/spid...g-frame-2.html

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Andrew Matusiewicz
1971 Alfa Spider 1750 Veloce
1983 Alfasud Ti QV

**fgc** · #42 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Sud Mania

Hi Folks,

Yes the stiffener certainly fits a RHD spider with floor mounted pedals. You have to remove the shield covering the brake master cylinder, and loosen the brake master cylinder bolts (tightening them after you've fitted the stiffener). Clearance is tight but nothing master cylinder-wise needs to be altered.

Makes a great difference to the Spider.

I have responded on this issue on another thread on this BB; here's the link.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/spid...g-frame-2.html

'Sud Mania · #43 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 03:23 AM

Hi fgc,

It wasn't a complete guess - from memory the early Spiders (e.g. Duettos) had floor mounted pedals (whether LHD or RHD), and the chassis stiffener supposedly fitted them.

Nonetheless, I suppose I did take a bit of a gamble...

... but I felt it was a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Hope your Spider is all you wish for when it's complete!

Cheers,

Andrew Matusiewicz
1971 Alfa Spider 1750 Veloce