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Old 01-05-2010, 12:33 PM   #26 (permalink)
hypermiler01
93 Metro Streamliner
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Oregon
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AeroMetro - '93 Geo Metro
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xringer View Post
My experience with PVC pipe is, it's just about impossible to break the larger diameter pipe.
I have some furniture made over 30 years ago, using 1.5" pipe and it still looks like it did on day-one.

I just built a small Snow Shed using 1.25" pipe and I figured it's going to last about 30 years.
The strength of the "beams" and joints increases exponentially with the diameter. 1.5" pipe is more than twice as strong as 1" pipe.

Also, your furniture may be subjected to high static loads, but it is the rapid dynamic loading which is the main concern that will make PVC fail when it is used for a vehicle frame.

Vehicles have been made out of wood for thousands of years. Wood does not weaken from dynamic loading the way PVC does. Wood framing is a vastly superior material for a project like this.

Another good method, especially for a more permanent trailer, would be to build the skeleton out of foam ribs, and then wrap it and skin it with fibreglass.

I am also curious to know how this project turned out. Wonder why he didn't follow up on this thread.
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