Ben,
Again, I'm not an expert in this area but from the reading I've been able to do, this is what I have concluded with the TUBE chassis....1...The Tube chassis is OVER-PRICED...
Manufacturers might complain about that statement but the reality is this; mark-up on that product boggles the mind. I'll bet they have a higher profit margin selling the tube chassis than the actual kits themseleves. It's cool though, I'll probably pick one up when I start my project b/c I want a quality build. They realize some people want TRUE quality and others are just suckers...LOL...
The Tube Chassis is just a customized built chassis of the Fiero version. For the most part, it's new but I've seen places just Pre-stretch old Fieros, add a tube frame, and call it a custom Tube Chassis. Basically, they did all the preparation work for you. It's simply a Pre-Stretched Chassis to proper specifications for the kit it's designed for as opposed to purchasing a base Fiero and having the welding done yourself.
...2...The TUBE FRAME seems to stablize the car/frame/kit better and helps add rigidity & strength. Some have said it enhances performance in General, not just cornering alone. Besides that, it gives the kit an EXO-skeleton protecting the cockpit which provides for better safety in case of a collision. I think some builders attempt to add rollbars as well to make the kit safer in case of flipping...
You might want to get an expert opinion b/c this is just some information that I've read from various kit builder websites. They stated their reasoning for purchasing the Tube Frame/Chassis for their build. HOPE THEIR TESTIOMY WASN'T JUST A SALES PITCH. Some of the guys on here will probably correct me if I'm wrong and add several other features that I'm probably not aware of.
Hope this helps...
Good Luck,
GEORGE
Fiero or Tube?
Posted - July 11 2003 : 7:02:46 PM
