I
always wanted to make adjustable camber plates - they
aren't to difficult to make - you just need some imagination
and access to waterjet cutter , laser, plasma or similar
CNC machine. Of course, it can be made with some other
methods, but when doing precise slots in 10mm thick
aluminum you probably can't beat CNC machining tolerances...
When
I already cutted and rewelded complete car, I said to
myself :"Come on, just two camber plates can't
do any harm !"
But
it wasn't so easy as it seemed....
This
is pic where I got a idea for my plates - it's from
some muscle car drag race prepared that I found somewhere
on net. That picture shows very simple design that shouldn't
be hard to copy on water jet cutter...
...
First thing that I need to do is to cut top strut mounts
to have enough clearance to move shock absorbers and
to reweld new thicker steel plates...
...it
looks like this after cutting - hmm, now there is no
turning back - OOUCCHH :-)
...this
is shock absorber - on camber plate I must made 3 slots
- one for central cap and M10 nut and two for M8 studs...
...this
is other strut that is still intact - I must trace original
holes so I can make pattern that will be transfered
on piece of some scrap floor laminate and cutted with
jig saw - that piece will serve as actual model...
This
are 3 slots cutted on some thick paper...
...and
this are slots cutted on floor laminate piece, note that
aren't perfectly straight - they are just to check clearances...
...when
I checked clearances I cutted complete plate from laminate
- beside 3 slots for shock mount, there are 4 slotes
for studs that will hold plates in place...
...I
placed shock in position to check if I can move it without
touching inner strut tower edges...
...then
I cutted 5mm thick steel plates that will be welded
on top of strut mount - they must be thick and strong
because they hold complete front suspension forces and
roll bar will be welded also to that point.
Unfortunately
I must cut and reweld again triangle strut brace - it's
logical that mount holes will not fit if camber angle
is adjustable...one little stupid thing but it have
to be done...
One
more look of complete model - it needs only minor finishing
prior that I start drawing CAD model...
After
probably dozens of trials and little tweakings, I've got
complete CAD drawing , ready for water jet - when everything
would be finished, I'll upload pics.
