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      07-01-2013, 05:26 PM   #24
rbtamms
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Drives: 2011 E90 and 2013 F25
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Francisco

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2011 328i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by The X Men View Post
Is there any metal support for that thing or is it all plastic? Looks like its more cosmetic than functional. It doesn't look like it can support a big guy if they put all his weight on it.
There are no metal brackets, just the long hard plastic as the reinforcement. It's the same reinforcing method as the OEM X5 & previous X3. The difference is that OEM is bolted to the body while this replica is rivited. I first thought of using self tapping screws but it will not hold the reinforcing really well. Rivets are more permanent unless you drill the top to break it. If you noticed, aircraft body shells are mostly rivited. Flying at a speed of 250 mph & faster, no panels get ripped off. Imagine the force & pressure it handles to hold the panels. That's why I put a lots of rivets but not too close to each other, otherwise it will weaken the metal frame. I step test on the reinforcing piece every rivets I add to see the stress point where it needs more rivet.

For me, this is more on cosmetic but I can step on it as well and I'm 170 lbs. If the owners or most pasengers are really big, then I suggest install a nerf bar & not this.
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