Aluminum Body sideeffects?

[Dani]

Hi guys. I'm from Sweden and I have decided to buy a Honda NSX as my next car. I drive a Civic VTi -92 atm and after some good business it's time to upgrade =) I have tested a NSX shortly and I fell in love immediately.

I have only driven Hondas as they are called here in Sweden so there was no question where to invest my money after aquiring a BIG pay check =) it would be extremely cool to own a NSX at my young age of 20 years =)

To the question: I have looked at a few cars on the net and so on and when I was discussing the matter with my brother in Law (who is american) he told me to be careful about the chassi/body as aluminum will eventually "fade" if you know what I mean. He said that it gets weaker after the years have passed and that I should get the car that I wanted checked up so that I can be sure that there is nothing wrong with the chassi/body.

I just wanted to check this thing with you guys because this is the first time I hear of such a thing and all the time I've been reading about Hondas/Acuras and learning about them, this is the first time I hear that the body/chassi would get "weaker" because of the material that it is built in.

Do you know whether or not my bro' in law has a point? If he does have one, can you please write down some hints/tips for what I should watch out for when checking up a car? Sorry for the long post btw and THX in advance.

------------------
*Speedy Gonzales On The Run*

[nsxtasy]

That is pure nonsense. The body panels do not get weaker over time.

[pbassjo]

Getting a pre-purchase inspection by a knowledgable person or service professional is a very good idea. Read up on FAQ section of this site it will give you loads of info so you can be better informed when you shop.
Oh, yeah....
The panels don't get weaker over time, at least not for the first few hundred years unless of course it's had a Swedish "Massage" (accident).

[Jimbo]

Your brother-in-law is talking about fatigue resistance. It's true that aluminum alloys generally don't have the same level of "springy-ness" as does steel.

Aluminum is more malleable and ductile than steel. That's why you don't see springs made from aluminum. Aluminum can weaken over time when used in structural applications.

However, proper design solves this problem. The NSX structure is very rigid and strong. And in over 11 years of production, there has been no reported problems. Honda did a very good job in the design of the aluminum NSX structure.

It's a non-issue.

-Jim

------------------
1992 NSX Red/Blk 5 spd #0330
1991 NSX Blk/Blk Auto #3070 (Sold)
1974 Vette 454 4 spd Wht/Blk
1976 Honda Accord 5 spd, 3 door Blue/Blue
1977 Honda Accord - Custom - Under Construction
1986 Chevy Suburban
http://homepage.mac.com/jimanders/PhotoAlbum1.html

[This message has been edited by Jimbo (edited 25 December 2002).]

[Dani]

Thanks a lot for the help guys. I can now continue my search for a NSX rest assured that I don't have to worry about this "problem" that doesn't exist