classic wing support broken

[madmaninshed]

Hi,

I have a 1998 car with classic long front wings.  I noticed that one of the wings seemed to move about more than the other over bumps. I discovered that the brazed on clamp that holds the tubular steel support tube for the wing has broken away.  It looks as if it has been re-brazed before, and it seems to have been done well, as the brazing has not failed this time, but two very tiny bits of the chassis tubes have pulled away with the clamp.  The tubes still look very strong, and not mechanically affected.  Someone has placed a hose clip around the inner end of the support tube, which clamps it to the chassis tube below - a right bodge!!  I decided to try a repair using chemical metal and some other metal structural reinforcement, but wondered if this is a common problem, or if maybe, the wing has probably had a knock at some time? I do like cycle wings, but have decided to keep the car all original if possible.  Any thoughts much appreciated.  Thanks.

[Jonathan Kay]

Haven't seen reports of that, and didn't find anything on a quick check of the archives.

Can you add a photo?

Jonathan

[ECR]

Had that happen on a 1990 chassis. Arch rebrazed it for me ....

[Tazio]

Somebody tried to weld mine up on the BDR, used so much heat they melted the top rails.......

[Ian Macquarie]

I also had it on a 1990 chassis, Arch rebrazed it for me....Then it did it again.

Took it to Redline in Caterham and they rebrazed it again. They also fabricated an extra support strut between the bolt that holds the top of the damper unit and the horizontal plate that holds the headlamp. So now the wing support is triangulated, much more solid and robust. No problems since, touch wood.

 

[madmaninshed]

Thanks very much for the replies.  I will mend with chemical metal AND fit a support from the damper bolt to the headlamp plate.  At last I have a plan!!  I was worried about getting it re-brazed  by a blacksmith here in France, and feel much happier now. thanks again.