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Single Seater Project
dan8400 - 21/1/10 at 06:28 PM

I'm thinking of making a start on a single seater poject for the road. Problem is i don't know much about suspension geometry, weight distribution and so on. Plus i can't wait for the Haynes book, I want it now!! lol

If anyone can give me any tips on where to start with chassis/suspension measuring or any potential pit falls i'm all ears. I just don't want to build something good and then it handle like a bucket of smashed crabs!

I'm thinking of using an audi in-line 4 or V6 and transaxle. Neat package, modern and reliable.

Any thoughts, suggestions or anyone who wants to talk me out of it feel free to comment

Thanks
Dan

[Edited on 21/1/10 by dan8400]


big_wasa - 21/1/10 at 06:40 PM

have you seen this book



It doesnt give plans but does cover design ect.

ive got a copy ive flicked through once


aitch - 21/1/10 at 06:42 PM

if you look at the standard haynes roadster, copy the geometry and wheelbase that should be a good startingpoint.

do whtever you like in between

aitch


dan8400 - 21/1/10 at 07:14 PM

Ok cool. I'll check that book out. Hopefully give me a starting point


Thanks
Dan


russbost - 21/1/10 at 07:33 PM

Dan,

As you probably know I do a 2 seater tandem seating arrangement that looks like a single seater - I could offer to do you a shortened chassis which you could do your own back end on - would also make bodywork much simpler. Just a thought!

Russ


m8kwr - 21/1/10 at 08:07 PM

I am in the middle (well start of designing a single seater).

Brought quite a lot of stuff, engine, uprights, rear chain diff, steering column.

But now i'm at a point where i'm thinking if i have jumped the mark a little, with certain things; or do i just try and get them to work!!! I think i will have to have a steering rack made for me in the end

I have just paid a deposit on the the body i want; but was wondering if i should of waiting for the new single seater book to come out, so all the plans are there for me... i don't like waiting either.

Thanks to big_wasa, just ordered that book.


Mal - 21/1/10 at 09:12 PM

If you go to the Racecarsdirect website and look at the third or fourth item for sale you will see a Tatus chassis for sale. The picture shows a chassis style that could be built by an amateur builder.

Mal


JC - 21/1/10 at 09:23 PM

You could always try the Alan Stanniforth 'Terrapin' Book, "High Speed, Low Cost", if you like it I'm sure you could track down a set of plans. Book was available from Totalkitcar!


dan8400 - 22/1/10 at 12:46 AM

Thanks for all the comments so far. Some good stuff. I think the terrapin isn't the look i'm going for. I really like the new haynes single seater but i'll have to wait like everyone else Might be worth a look at the terrapin plans for some design ideas though

Dan


Steve Hignett - 22/1/10 at 01:23 AM

The Terrapin plans were only available direct from Allan himself, sadly he passed away in May last year (still racing at 84!) top bloke and a realistic racecar engineer (self taught) and although they wouldn't be anywhere near the best place to start (he later raced the sucessor - Megapin until he kicked it!) he still had a clue as to what was going on in a car...


m8kwr - 22/1/10 at 07:05 AM

I brought the tamiya lotus 49 1/12 scale model, to try and use that to base it around what i wanted to design/make.

Then came across this body - link

This body is based around the Tecno F2/F3 from the late 60's, from what i can find out anyway; so more then likely the style of car you are looking to build yourself.

To make a body from scratch, I thought, was not going to be easy part of the project, and very time consuming. So been able to buy one off the shelf was an ideal path for me to take.

So my chassis will be based around this body. Probably the backwards way of doing this, but certainly a locost way.


dan8400 - 22/1/10 at 07:38 AM

m8kwr .... that is awesome!! Don't suppose you know how much that is do you?

Would be good to have a look at one and consider building a chassis to fit like you say.

I also quite like the idea of Russ's car but shortened to look like a modern racer but single seat.

Alot to think about. Whether to go modern or retro.


Dan


m8kwr - 22/1/10 at 08:03 AM

dan8400 - sent you a U2U


dan8400 - 22/1/10 at 08:04 AM

Thank you



Dan


big_wasa - 22/1/10 at 10:11 PM

Dan, Ive been and seen tom's work and he is only up the road from you.

he had two of the single seat noses hanging up.


m8kwr - 22/1/10 at 10:32 PM

the red one is mine

Must go and arrange to pick it up.


big_wasa - 23/1/10 at 12:23 AM

the other white. I was looking over his racing Anglia 187bhp pre xflow


iank - 23/1/10 at 09:46 AM

quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
the other white. I was looking over his racing Anglia 187bhp pre xflow


How many engines per mile does he get?