Cage Pad Question

[Greg Amy]

The GCR is mute on that point. It thus becomes a subjective opinion, primarily based on the inspector's experience and expectations.

If I see stitch welding, I would not automatically reject it, but I would give it more-detailed inspection. I recognize that those pads are there not for tension or shear but for compression, so my decision will be subjective based on if I think the pad would retain its attachment in an incident, compared to how strong I "think" the point is that it attaches to.

I would be far more hard-ass on stitch welding if that pad was in a lot of shear versus primarily in compression (e.g., most of its attachment was on a vertical rocker surface).

But in the end, there is no regulatory requirement...

GA

[backformore]

Thanks Greg. On the vertical attachments I have continuous welds. I really have just one spot where the floor is contoured in such a way that there is a large gap. I personally don't see a need to fill in the gap with a weld (and some additional material), but it would be easier to do it now than to have to "correct" it later.

[cschimmel]

It would be a lot easier to fill any gaps now ,than after the door bars are in .For sure!
One method I've used is that after the base plates are welded where its' tight ,use a floor jack with an old socket or something and push the floor up to meet your base plate. Floor pans seem to be the lightest gauge steel in the car. It's worked for me and I prefer to have them welded continuously, just like the bars. Hope this helps.
Chris

[joeg]

I will usually rosette a floor plate in addition to perimeter welding it.

[backformore]

Showing my ignorance. Explain rosette.

[Matt93SE]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=rosette+weld

:P

[backformore]

While we are at it, what's really kicking my ass is the plates for the tubes coming forward toward the firewall. Between difficult access, multiple seams on the car, weird joint orientation, and thin sheet metal, I'm having a hard time finding the balance between adequate penetration and blowing a hole in everything.

If anyone has any secrets to share I'd love to hear them!

[backformore]

Oh. Like a plug weld. Got it.