Wayne needs some help on a new book...

[Wayne 962]

Silly me, I have spent way too much time trying to find a definitive answer on this.

What does "rail panel" mean exactly with respect to cars? I of course, have a guess, but I'm looking for a reference, not just someone saying "it means XYZ". Like a reference in a automotive design book?

Here's the context from this page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_5_(racing)

The regulation required only the bonnet, roof, doors and rail panel were left unmodified.[

The reference on the page ( [3] ) goes to someone else's website, which is at best non-authoritative?

THANKS!

Wayne

[wayner]

SAIL panel??

[wayne robson]

The longitudinal framing of the roof at the joint.
That is the curved section of the roof top running between the
flat top roof and the rain gutter channel.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by wayne robson

The longitudinal framing of the roof at the joint.
That is the curved section of the roof top running between the
flat top roof and the rain gutter channel.

In the book, "the repair of vehicle bodies", that is referred to as the "cant panel?"

???

-Wayne

[gduke2010]

Sounds like a structural panel running from front to back behind the rocker panel and which transition into the floor pans. Also, can extend to connect the suspension.

[gduke2010]

It's part of the frame.

[SilverWT]

Hi Wayne,

Rail panel = canopy rail, the structural component at the top of the windshield.

Have a look on page 41 of "The Repair of Vehicle Bodies"
By Andrew Livesey, Alan Robinson.

Hope that helps,

Mark

[Synchro Joe]

Most likely a body frame part having to do with integrity of body/frame when modifying vehicle for greater performance/racing. Don't believe its solely related to windshield area.
Couple of links for this type of application.:

Competition Engineering Rear Frame Rails | JEGS

https://www.artmorrison.com/framekits.php

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/border-inspection/reference-materials/guidelines-detection-reportable-damage

[wayner]

I still think it’s a typo...

[A horse with no name]

[Trackrash]

Since it also says "bonnet", I'm guessing someone on the other side of the pond wrote that many years ago. So maybe an old timer from the UK can chime in.

[A horse with no name]

Originally Posted by A horse with no name

The portion in 'red/purple' is a cant rail...




BTW, the top side of a convertible is also referred to as a 'cant rail'

[Wayne 962]

Thanks everyone. I put in there about the roof line, but kept it deliberately vague. It's not going to make or break the book, I just had never heard of "rail panel" before, and thought I was missing something obvious. I guess not!

Here's the cover for the new book:



Porsche 911, the latest in Motorbooks' Speed Read series, breaks this immortal rear-engined sports car down into fully illustrated, easy-to-digest chunks that neophytes and experts alike will love.

Strap yourself in, because Motorbooks' latest addition to the Speed Read series has arrived! Speed Read Porsche 911 explores the ins and outs of one of the world’s premier sports cars; see what makes it tick, what makes it work, and how it managed to win so many titles and championships.

Author Wayne Dempsey examines the creation and design of Porsche’s rear-engined wonder, providing an inside look into every aspect of the 911. Speed Read Porsche 911 reveals the complete 911 story, and with insight from the author's in-depth knowledge, even if you know nothing about racing and sports cars, the never-ending allure of the 911 will win you over.

Beginners are always welcome when you're reading Motorbooks’ Speed Read series. This new line of books look at a subject, and break it down into accessible, compartmentalized sections which are all illustrated with commissioned artwork. The end result is an informative package that's attractive to neophytes, established enthusiasts, and those that are simply curious.


Thx,

Wayne

[Wayne 962]

It's a really neat new concept from Motorbooks (my publisher). It's a bit like a dummies book, but it will have really cool illustrations to accompany each of the 60 or so mini write-ups.

Here are three sample sections from the Ferrari book that is due out in May:





-Wayne

[SilverWT]

Originally Posted by Synchro Joe

Don't believe its solely related to windshield area.
Couple of links for this type of application.:

Fits to the original context of describing FIA Group 5 silhouette rules...


"The Porsche 935 was introduced in 1976, a natural evolution of the 911 RSR 2.1 Turbo that did so well at Le Mans in 1974, earning a fine 2nd place overall!
It was a factory racing version of the 911 Turbo and prepared according to FIA Group 5 or Silhouette rules which allowed significant modifications to bodywork as well as mechanical components. The basic silhouette of the car had to look unchanged when viewed from the front and the bonnet, roof, doors and rail panel were left standard but the rules allowed for larger wings and larger rear axles.
Much lightening was incorporated such as glassfibre for the doors, wheel arches, bonnet, bootlid spoilers and wings as well as plexiglass for the windows. This helped reduce the weight of the car to 900kg which was 70kg lower than the minimum allowed. This meant ballast could be used in the right places to create even weight distribution. "

Mark

[Elombard]

Thanks for clearing up what you are writing. I was going to chime in and ask for a summary.

Looks great, and needed; so much of the Porsche lit out there is hard to grasp for newbies that are being drawn to the air cooled 911s. I constantly get asked about my car from starry eyed folks who dont know much about Porsche and I have to really restrain myself from getting into to much detail because you lose them so fast :-)

An example of the confusion could be Rennlist - they have the newer cars broken out into the internal designations, 981, 718, 991.2 etc. I bet half the people that stumble in there run away because they have no idea what any of that means. I just figured out the difference between a 987.2 and a 981.....and I waste way to much time on Porsche :-)

[Iciclehead]

Ok Wayne.....how about just signing me up for the latest Porsche book....I have all of yours and now you are forcing me to buy another one of your most excellent missives. Sigh.....

Perhaps a subscription model where I just get a chapter per month is a better long term solution to my Porsche addiction.....

Looking forward to it....I know it will be great...

Dennis