Is it necessary to add some sort of bracing to the rear section of my buggy rails? I have an adjustible rear end similiar to the MG Aero and it just looks like a long run of space without some sort of re-enforcement. Whatcha guys think?

Pics?

Are you talking about cross-bracing where the siderails dip back to the rear axle like this?



ATB,
Sam

Yep, that would be what I was gettin at OR any kind of cross bracing between the back of the seat and the rear axle. Thanks Sam.

Rob

Consider, if you will, I'm NOT a professional engineer !!! Do as you will.

Not knowing what your bug looks like and speaking strictly from a theoretical design stand point, stiff things concentrate loads and can lead to load point failures. A certain degree of flexibility (not to exceed the modulus of elasticity of the material) is essential to durability and can represent an added bonus in weight savings.

In reality, unless the thing is flopping around like a wet noddle, your terrain is exceedingly punishing or you are on the eternal chase for crazy speed, run the wheels off of it. If you've been hammering on it for awhile and it hasn't deformed, fractured or simply failed, it's probably fine. If you're looking for something to make it more sexy, be careful not to induce potential failure by stiffen it up too much.

Thanks Greasehopper, I sometimes see bugs with cross braces behind the seat between the rails and wonder why they are there. I'm assuming it's for added stability and or strength. I would rather not with mine since it's gonna be heavy enough. Just didn't want to miss something simple structural wise before I start painting. Probably overkill unless your bugging to extremes which I probably won't be. I'm not looking for bling unless it contributes to the function of the bug. (maybe a beer holder:dunno I'll give it a go like this and see what happens.

Rob.