new front frame extension from DMCH doesn't look right

[ebrakespin]

guys, I just got the front frame extension to replace my rusty one. The top right tab on it has a radius cut out. Does anyone know why? It doesn't seem right to me

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-C0cFQHz7lrs/TyC0ATkrHWI/AAAAAAAAAEM/443u7fAeVB8/w667-h399-k/2012-01-25

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-74g2jFs9JF0/TyCzw8oFKoI/AAAAAAAAAD0/hdqbumR1ml0/w419-h251-k/2012-01-25

[Delorean Industries]

That is not right at all. That is not how we receive them from the supplier.

[Nicholas R]

Yea that doesn't look right.

Here's what mine looked like before I installed it:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/166506_813627472075_21412543_42708462_6181291_n.jp g

[Bitsyncmaster]

I seem to remember a clearance problem with the coolant pipes up there when I replaced my coolant pipes. I bet that is a modifcation they came up with.

[Delorean Industries]

Coolant tube crosses on the outside and usually hits the bolt for the right radiator bracket. Never seen issues there.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Coolant tube crosses on the outside and usually hits the bolt for the right radiator bracket. Never seen issues there.

I just remember when the pipes beside the fuel tank bend up in front that I had to put some rubber around them to prevent them from touching the frame.

[sean]

guys, I just got the front frame extension to replace my rusty one. The top right tab on it has a radius cut out. Does anyone know why? It doesn't seem right to me

Contact DMCH yet? I would have started there.

[dmcjohn]

It looks like a mod to reduce interference with a steering u-joint - especially if using an aftermarket one which might be bigger than stock. The only issue is that it is on the wrong side of the frame for this - unless its for a RHD car? :)

[DMCMW Dave]

Contact DMCH yet? I would have started there.

He did (after the original post). I was hoping that he would have posted the explanation (there is one) on here by now.

Things are not always as they seem.

[sean]

I was hoping that he would have posted the explanation (there is one) on here by now..

Is it FERPA protected or are you allowed to say? :lol:

[Nicholas R]

Yea now I'm confused. I installed mine on the 4th of July and had no clearance issues whatsoever.

[ebrakespin]

Sorry I haven't reposted, been really busy. Talked to DMCH and was told that it is a modification they are doing to all the replacement crumple tubes to be cross compatible with RH drive D's. I understand it from a business side they want to reduce the number of parts they stock, but I think I will still reinforce it.

[DMC5180]

LHD >8500
RHD <40 world wide

DMCH must be planning on doing a lot of RHD conversions going forward. Takes all of 20 minutes to do that modification when needed. Why compromise the structure if you don't need too.

[protodelorean]

Sorry I haven't reposted, been really busy. Talked to DMCH and was told that it is a modification they are doing to all the replacement crumple tubes to be cross compatible with RH drive D's. I understand it from a business side they want to reduce the number of parts they stock, but I think I will still reinforce it.

Definitely. Weld that back in. Looks like an unsafe hack job like that.

[ebrakespin]

I was thinking the same thing as you guys. They offered to try and get me one that was not modified, but I didn't want to go through the headache of sending mine back and waiting. I have been waiting over a decade to get this project going and I'm not letting this hold me back

[justlooking]

If they want to play hot shot fabricator Jesse James, then why dont they weld in the sway bar reinforcement plates, too? (instead of bolt-in)

[stevedmc]

Wow. And some people consider my intake manifold a hack job.

[Kenny_Z]

I wouldn't say hack job. It looks like they contoured it to match the rest of the curves. However, if they haven't welded a reinforcement in that smaller area it is structurally weaker.

[DMC5180]

Hey it is a "Crumple Tube" it's designed to give way. It can just give way a little easier on that side.

Pragmatically speaking, I doubt it would ever be a significant issue structurally.

[Nicholas R]

LHD >8500
RHD <40 world wide

DMCH must be planning on doing a lot of RHD conversions going forward. Takes all of 20 minutes to do that modification when needed. Why compromise the structure if you don't need too.

My thoughts exactly. Perhaps something in the RHD conversion creates a high potential for crumple zone failure, haha. New crumple zone with every oil change!

I still dont quite get where the clearance issue comes in though. How come the LHD cars dont need a cutout?

[DMC5180]

My thoughts exactly. Perhaps something in the RHD conversion creates a high potential for crumple zone failure, haha. New crumple zone with every oil change!

I still dont quite get where the clearance issue comes in though. How come the LHD cars dont need a cutout?

DMCH's RHD conversion steering rack is not just a LHD unit turned over that I am aware of. It's a unique unit sourced to do the job. Therefore it probably has clearance issues.

[DeLorean]

DMCH seems pretty darn shady if you ask me...