Drive shaft loops material

[mrsix]

Hi,
just wanted to make sure I'm reading the NZ Car Construction Manual (2021) correctly, on the subject of drive shaft safety loops. In 9.23.1 (c), there are two suitable materials listed. The second one is "tubular-section material, 22 mm x 3 mm mild steel." So, I could use 3 mm thick tube, that is at least 22 mm wide, and has enough diameter, for the driveshaft, to fit inside it? And if that is correct, can the section of tube, be made oval, to fit the transmission tunnel? While keeping it, as circular, as practical. Also, would the attachment points of the tube, need to be 5 mm thick material, or could they be the same thickness (3 mm), as the tube? As long as they covered, the min area of 60 mm x 50 mm ?
thanks
Brendon

[Chris]

Apr 15, 2023 11:44:37 GMT 12 mrsix said:

Hi,
just wanted to make sure I'm reading the NZ Car Construction Manual (2021) correctly, on the subject of drive shaft safety loops. In 9.23.1 (c), there are two suitable materials listed. The second one is "tubular-section material, 22 mm x 3 mm mild steel." So, I could use 3 mm thick tube, that is at least 22 mm wide, and has enough diameter, for the driveshaft, to fit inside it? And if that is correct, can the section of tube, be made oval, to fit the transmission tunnel? While keeping it, as circular, as practical. Also, would the attachment points of the tube, need to be 5 mm thick material, or could they be the same thickness (3 mm), as the tube? As long as they covered, the min area of 60 mm x 50 mm ?
thanks
Brendon

Hi, I'm confused.

Do you mean like this a tubular driveshaft loop like this?

If it is this, it will need to made from 22mm diameter x 3mm wall or the equivalent if you wanted to use oval tube.


Or a tubular driveshaft loop like this?

If it is this, it will need to be made from 50mm x 5mm flat bar. 

[mrsix]

Hi Chris,
thanks for the reply and photos. That clarifies it. 
cheers