stainless steel chassis

[Ricky]

Hi everyone I just want to find out something say for example I could get all the steel for the chassis in stainless steel at a better price as mild steel would it be a good idea to do it ? Is it stronger ? Is it perhaps lighter then mild steel ? Would it be a good idea or not really ? Thanks

[vmax1974]

It would all depend on what grade of stainless you use general opinion is that stainless is too brittle and could suffer cracking

Someone with better knowledge will be along soon I am sure

[wylliezx9r]

I'm pretty certain that stainless steel is heavier (all grades ) remember the delorean ? That had a stainless body and was well heavy.

[Not Anumber]

Stainless is fine for bits of bodywork but is a real pain to work with using DIY tools and techniques (even drilling it is a nightmare) which is why most tend to stick with plain steel or aluminium for things like floor sections. As Vmax says stainless can be brittle when used structurally in a chassis. Robin Hood made a stainless chassis at one time and switched back to plain steel and I know that the 750 Motor Club don't like 7esq cars with stainless chassis in their racing categories.

[deezee]

If you want to build a solid chassis that will be useable in 20 or 30 years make it out of steel and get it shotblasted and galvanised before painting.

Please don't recommend galvanising box section. As its hot dipped at 500 degrees you need to drill a couple of holes in every tube to vent any moisture and air. So unless people want a hole ridden chassis that's probably been filled with zinc, I'd leave the idea well alone.

[Ricky]

Thanks guys for your help I was just not sure if it was a good idea or not so ya mild steel is fine once again thanks a lot for the info guys

[baz-r]

dont galv paint will not stick to it well

[minicountryman1961]

http://www.drhess.net/papillon.htm

This is the website of a guy building a stainless steel Locost in the USA.

[robo]

My mate bought one for his kid, thats got a stainless chassis.

http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=8342

Bob

[snapper]

This guy built a whole car out of stainless
Chassis the lot
http://www.paulgooderham.co.uk/