Sill strength

Post by dp » Thu Jan 01, 2009 3:35 pm

What is the reason that the sills in a Minor have those rounded square holes in them? Is it to save weight or to reduce strength or something else?

I was playing fantasy restoration in my head and was thinking they would be easy to create out of a flat piece of metal but the holes would add to the work. I thought they might transfer undue stress somewhere else if made out of solid sheet of the correct thickness.

Ta

Post by **aupickup** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 3:38 pm

they nay even be stronger with holes punched in, as you get a turned in bit

jusat a thought and not to be taken literally

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 4:25 pm

They very definitely ARE stronger (less flexible) with the shaped holes. But only because they are 'shaped' - flat holes would not be stronger.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 5:54 pm

The pressed holes do add some rigidity to the piece, as well as a bit of weight saving.
They also make it roomier for any mice living in the sills... Depending on the condition of your A-post bottoms, the mice can get through the sill, up the A-post, scavenge for food in the dash / glove boxes and then back down into either sill. The mice living in the sills of my pick up certainly got a surprise in July - they had to leave home without time to pack their half eaten chewing gum

Post by **stag36587** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 9:16 pm

Certainly agree with Ray - the holes make the panel nice and rigid as well as providing endless slalom entertainment for local mice.

Post by **Peetee** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:55 pm

They also have a practical purpose. Allowing air into the sill cavity to aid moisture evaporation but more importantly to allow you to get some wax preservative in there!