Banana Connectors

[98banana]

I just installed my first prototype subframe connectors into a friend's car. These will be available for sale in the next month or two as soon as I work out a few more details. The ones I made today are welded, not bent. I plan to get dies for the bender for the rectangular tubing, but I also plan to have welded vs. bent tubing tested to see which one is stronger. With the proper reinforcement, I think welded may be stronger.

Here's a few pics of the install...

Finished product.
http://www.bananamotorsports.com/Images/Products/SFC/DSC00249.JPG

All alone.
http://www.bananamotorsports.com/Images/Products/SFC/DSC00241.JPG

Closer shot of welded section and reinforcing plate.
http://www.bananamotorsports.com/Images/Products/SFC/DSC00246.JPG

Any comments positive or negative are welcome!

[johnbasf]

Nice Tom. I would add gussets to the seat angle.

[98banana]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Nice Tom. I would add gussets to the seat angle.

Good idea. I was thinking about that also, but the load at that point is in twisting so it should be pretty strong as is. Doesn't MM use a channel instead of a piece of angle? That would give it support on two sides instead of one.

If I stick with the weld instead of bending, I'm going to add gussets to the rearward weld at the top of the connector. I could tie that in to the seat brace. hmmm.....

Hey, if anybody wants a set of connectors at my cost (about $15), bring me your car for half a day and I'll put a set on. This offer is good for ONE person only. First come first serve.

Tom

[johnbasf]

http://maximummotorsports.com/images/large/MMSFFL.jpg

Damn, your phone should be ringing off the hook. I should give my stuff away on the "For Sale" forum. :rotf:

[2KWhiteSnake]

I'll take a set!!!!!!!!!! I'll become a completely BananaMotorsports reinforced car!

:D

Craig

[kevin]

does the final product only come in yellow?:eek: :thumbsup:

[98banana]

Originally posted by 2KWhiteSnake
I'll take a set!!!!!!!!!! I'll become a completely BananaMotorsports reinforced car!

:D

Craig

You're on! Whenever is good for you, come on down.

[98banana]

Originally posted by kevin
does the final product only come in yellow?:eek: :thumbsup:

That's was actually an accident. The guy I put them in for didn't care what color we painted them, and low and behold, I just happened to have some yellow paint lying around. :D

The final product will come in bare metal.

[Cobra-R]

Looks good, Tom.

I think I would consider using a u-channel piece for the seat mount (simular to MM's), I think it would be stronger and no harder to make.

What size tubing and wall thickness are you using in compared to MM, Griggs, ect?

[98banana]

Originally posted by Cobra-R
Looks good, Tom.

I think I would consider using a u-channel piece for the seat mount (simular to MM's), I think it would be stronger and no harder to make.

What size tubing and wall thickness are you using in compared to MM, Griggs, ect?

Sounds like it's unanimous for the channel seat brace. I'll look into that.

I'm using 1" x 2" x .120" tubing. It's the same thing MM and Griggs uses as far as I know. MM actually uses 1.25" x 2" x .083" for their full length. I guess the larger size offsets the thinner wall. I'm thinking about using the same thing, but I want to test each one to see what the difference is.

[2KWhiteSnake]

Originally posted by 98banana
You're on! Whenever is good for you, come on down.

I'll try to figure out when I can run down there. I'll give you a shout this week.

Thanks man!

Craig

[2KWhiteSnake]

By the way....
Here is a lengthy discussion about the "seat bracket" thingy.

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=257116&highlight=Subframe+Connectors

and..... http://www.oldwestracing.com/articles/subconn/subs.htm


Craig

[SIUNARA]

Your trademark should be that you paint every set that leaves the garage yellow!! ;) They look good Tom.

Any chance you'll be making any Focus chassis stiffening pieces?

[98banana]

Originally posted by SIUNARA
Your trademark should be that you paint every set that leaves the garage yellow!! ;) They look good Tom.

I thought about that, but I weld much better than I paint. :D

Originally posted by SIUNARA
Any chance you'll be making any Focus chassis stiffening pieces?

I'm not even sure if the Focus needs to be stiffened or not. If I ever get mine back out of the shop (horns died) then I may put it up on the lift and take a look.

[sn8kbit]

Tom,

Looks great! Looks as if someone might be able to run a side exhaust with better clearance also.

I do have a question about the rear attachment points, based on the above yeller picture. The passenger side looks a bit skewed (camera angle?) Would tabs on each side be beneficial? {edit: oops, that's front driver's side, looking back at the pic....}

When you work up pricing, call me a player (not mine, my pops new 03). While I'd like to have em for side exit clearance, I'm just not up to removing the MM FL's.

Steve

[98banana]

I'm not 100% sure I know where you're talking about. The only part that doesn't line up perfectly is the rear of the connectors where they weld to the rear subframe. It is skewed on the rear because the front and rear frames aren't parallel.

They have 1/4" more clearance than the MM full length subs and the same clearance as the MM regular length and Griggs. I am going to have an available 1.25" high, thinner wall connector available like MM has. It's harder to get though and cost more when it can be found. I'm still shopping for it.

What I will be doing however is a battery of tests on the different thicknesses and will post the results on my web site. I'll also test bent vs. cut/weld for strength.

I also have a design that I will use on cars with side exhaust. There are some compromises, of course, but they should also be stronger than any other SFC's on the market. I know, that's a bold statement, but the tests will tell. I think I have a donor car with side exit exhaust in mind so I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the feedback!:thumbsup:

Edit: kant speel

[johnbasf]

Call these guys tom, Stock Car Steel and Aluminum 888-752-7272.

I can't wait to visit them. I got a sheet of the black plastic(3/16") from them. They are located in Mooresville,NC

[98banana]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Call these guys tom, Stock Car Steel and Aluminum 888-752-7272.

I can't wait to visit them. I got a sheet of the black plastic(3/16") from them. They are located in Mooresville,NC

Will do, thanks. Is this a wholesale place?

[johnbasf]

Walk ins welcome. These guys sell to the NASCAR teams. Will Sadler knows more about them than I do.

[98banana]

Originally posted by johnbasf
Walk ins welcome. These guys sell to the NASCAR teams. Will Sadler knows more about them than I do.

I'm kind of looking for a wholesale place that I can get a good bulk order from. I'll call them Friday.

[johnbasf]

The "Invisible Man" :rotf:

[98banana]

Originally posted by johnbasf
The "Invisible Man" :rotf:

??? If I know what you're talking about, and I think I do, then back at'cha... :D

[justagt]

Oh, trust me, you can buy as much of whatever you want from them. SUPER nice guys and if it is made, they will have it. I get my 4x8 sheets of alum sheet metal for about $40 or so, if I remember right.

[wildhorsesracin]

I have used them a few times as well, they'll have pretty much everything you need in stock... give them a call!

[spittincobra01]

I agree with the statement, you should paint them all yellow!! goes with the whole bananna motorsports theme;)

these look great Tom! Maybe whn I move to NC I'll have you do up a set for me too:thumbsup: