Banana Connectors

98banana · 12-06-2003, 05:18 PM

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.

All alone.

Closer shot of welded section and reinforcing plate.

Any comments positive or negative are welcome!

johnbasf · 12-06-2003, 07:54 PM

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

98banana · 12-06-2003, 08:32 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-06-2003, 08:44 PM

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.

2KWhiteSnake · 12-06-2003, 10:50 PM

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

Craig

kevin · 12-06-2003, 11:25 PM

does the final product only come in yellow?

98banana · 12-07-2003, 10:12 AM

Quote:

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

Craig

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

98banana · 12-07-2003, 10:15 AM

Quote:

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

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.

The final product will come in bare metal.

**Cobra-R** · 12-07-2003, 10:19 AM

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 · 12-07-2003, 10:26 AM

Quote:

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 · 12-07-2003, 03:18 PM

Quote:

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 · 12-07-2003, 03:42 PM

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

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...ame+Connectors

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

Craig

SIUNARA · 12-07-2003, 06:43 PM

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 · 12-07-2003, 07:07 PM

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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 · 12-31-2003, 04:08 PM

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

12-06-2003, 05:18 PM	#1
98banana Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: North, SC Posts: 1,789	Banana Connectors 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. All alone. Closer shot of welded section and reinforcing plate. Any comments positive or negative are welcome! __________________ Tom Lewis Nothing fun to drive...

12-06-2003, 07:54 PM	#2
johnbasf Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lewisville,NC Posts: 2,674	Nice Tom. I would add gussets to the seat angle. __________________ John Pearson

12-06-2003, 08:44 PM	#4
johnbasf Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Lewisville,NC Posts: 2,674	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. __________________ John Pearson

12-06-2003, 10:50 PM	#5
2KWhiteSnake Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lancaster, SC Posts: 588	I'll take a set!!!!!!!!!! I'll become a completely BananaMotorsports reinforced car! Craig __________________ 2001 White Cobra Coupe 406RWHP/365tq with less than 5 miles on motor/ALL N/A!!! 5.0 Big Bore block by Modular Performance Engine built by Lester Lesneski at Performance Auto. FR500 Intake and Cams Every part Maximum Motorsports has to offer Setup/custom IRS changes by Lester Lesneski at Performance Automotive Banana Motorsports 4 Pt Cage and Subs 2008 Audi RS4 Daily Driver 420 HP N/A V8 with Quattro http://www.cbslimited.com/rs4.php

12-06-2003, 11:25 PM	#6
kevin Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: somewhere in the back of the pack Posts: 12,610	does the final product only come in yellow? __________________ if a man insisted always on being serious and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it. herodotus (485-425 b.c.). http://genoamotorsports.com http://www.isaacdirect.com/html/Othe...sComments.html http://www.isaacdirect.com/images/Users/Darth.jpg

12-07-2003, 10:19 AM	#9
Cobra-R Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: minn-e-soda Posts: 8,868	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? __________________ Brian Groth 2006 NASA Midwest AI Champion 2005 NASA Midwest AI champion 2011 BMW M3 2010 Camaro SS 2008 Corvette Z06 2000 Cobra R #131 of 300 1995 Cobra R #23 (AV8SS and NASA AI #23) I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...

12-07-2003, 03:42 PM	#12
2KWhiteSnake Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lancaster, SC Posts: 588	By the way.... Here is a lengthy discussion about the "seat bracket" thingy. http://www.corral.net/forums/showthr...ame+Connectors and..... http://www.oldwestracing.com/articles/subconn/subs.htm Craig __________________ 2001 White Cobra Coupe 406RWHP/365tq with less than 5 miles on motor/ALL N/A!!! 5.0 Big Bore block by Modular Performance Engine built by Lester Lesneski at Performance Auto. FR500 Intake and Cams Every part Maximum Motorsports has to offer Setup/custom IRS changes by Lester Lesneski at Performance Automotive Banana Motorsports 4 Pt Cage and Subs 2008 Audi RS4 Daily Driver 420 HP N/A V8 with Quattro http://www.cbslimited.com/rs4.php

12-07-2003, 06:43 PM	#13
SIUNARA Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: State College, Pa. Posts: 374	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? __________________ Don Page 95 Cobra

12-31-2003, 04:08 PM	#15
sn8kbit Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: music frickin city, USA Posts: 1,417	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 __________________ internet redneck.. 1999 Black Coupe Maximum Motorsports Kenny Brown IRS'd hybrid

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