Crushed or damaged panels...
Crushed or damaged panels on a Dirt Late Model racecar are generally no big deal. They are designed to be easily repaired.
The sheet metal bodies on a Dirt Late Model may look relatively plain, but they definitely serve a purpose aerodynamically, in terms of helping get the car around the track. But because Dirt Late Model racing is also a class where the "rubbing is racing" mantra gets taken to heart, the bodies must also be easily (and quickly) repairable.
That's why the bodies have developed in the manner they have. They may not have the ultra high-tech panache of a carbon-fiber F1 body, but you can't take the body of an F1 car that was crumpled during a heat race, pull it off and pound it out flat with a hammer on a flat piece of concrete and be ready for the main, either.
There are a few tricks when either hanging your own body or making repairs. Most modern Dirt Late Model chassis are constructed with all the necessary brackets welded into place in the proper positions, but the rest is up to you. For these photos, we travelled to the race shop of Dirt Late Model racer Chris Hargett as he prepared a new car for the '08 season. No matter whether you are fabricating your body (minus the roof and nose) from flat aluminum sheet or are hanging a pre-fabbed body, these tips will work for you.
This rear quarter-panel has...
This rear quarter-panel has already been fabricated and connected to the rear deck with Cleco fasteners. Chris Hargett (left) and Eddie Johnson begin installing side braces out of one-inch aluminum angle.
Once Hargett drills the 3/16-inch...
Once Hargett drills the 3/16-inch hole through the brace and aluminum body panel, Johnson secures it with a Cleco. A Cleco fastener fits the same size hole as a standard pop rivet and can secure two pieces of metal like a rivet, but it is removable with a pair of "Cleco pliers." It is a great tool for body hangers because a panel can be positioned and removed as many times as necessary before it is finally riveted-or otherwise secured-into place.
Here you can see one of the...
Here you can see one of the Cleco's "fingers" holding the aluminum angle in place. The angle not only acts as a mounting point for securing the body panel, it also stiffens the thin aluminum sheet metal so it will remain in position at race speeds.
If you are going to the trouble,...
If you are going to the trouble, your body might as well look good. Here, Johnson uses a framing square to make sure the panel is perpendicular to the ground while Hargett measures for the lateral braces.
Lateral braces are cut from...
Lateral braces are cut from 1 x 1/4-inch aluminum strips. Hargett says you can also use spring steel, which is useful in areas (like the fenders) likely to get bumped because it is more likely to spring back into position. Be aware, however, that spring steel is more difficult to work with than aluminum.
The aluminum angle has already...
The aluminum angle has already been pre-drilled, and the lateral braces are placed into position and marked for mounting holes.
Here's a tip: Whenever drilling...
Here's a tip: Whenever drilling holes, you can easily and quickly deburr the holes by chamfering the edges with a larger drill bit. It's a simple way to make sure you won't get snagged by your own racecar while hurrying to make setup changes before the feature.
The lower braces require an...
The lower braces require an angle be bent into them. With aluminum, it's easy to work the material until you get exactly the angle you are looking for.
The lateral braces are attached...
The lateral braces are attached to the panel braces with 1/4-20 bolts instead of pop rivets so they can be easily removed later. The panel braces, however, are pop riveted directly to the panels.
Here's an overall view of...
Here's an overall view of the braces. The Clecos have yet to be replaced with pop rivets on the panels, but otherwise, the work is complete.
Here's a look at a brace for...
Here's a look at a brace for the deck between the tires.
This bracing provides support...
This bracing provides support where a traditional firewall would be located.