Well, not quite, but is there any problem in making the front end (as far back as the bulkhead behind the seats) and fully welding it before making the rear part?

Reasons for considering this are space available and also because I have not finalised choice of rear suspension design yet.

My concern would be possible distortion of the front when welding the rear parts on, but I could probably add temporary bracing if this would help.

Any thoughs?

That's what I did with no advese effects.

Mick

should be fine imo. the back part isn't very strong and boxy in a way that would pull your chassis around. specially if you triangulate the front first.

I fully welded the bottom rails and bent them back to true before going into the third dimension. seemed to work quite well. others have done this too.

[Edited on 5/8/05 by blueshift]

I think it would be much more fun to build the car in two longitudinal halves and then see if the two join up sucessfully!
FYI, a lot of one-off space frame cars are built in sections to allow for any distortion from the welding process.

I kind of did the longitudinal two halves to get my front (L) section right as I am building the chassis taller than book. Basically put the top rails on. made sure they were in the right place, then used an angle grinder on the upright pieces until they fitted.

I probabaly won't build the rear as a separate unit and then weld it to the front, but will build it onto the front when that is fully welded.