dinosaurjuice
|
| posted on 10/10/08 at 09:31 PM |
|
|
advice/suggestions please
Hi everyone,
im toying with the idea of scratch building a midi. will probably be based around 1.4 fiesta.
any advice on design/construction would be appreciated.
im a competent mig welder and generally good at making stuff, however ive never done fibreglass work.
im torn between following the concept of the Mev Rocket i assembled or a more enclosed design.
thanks in advance 
Will
|
|
|
|
|
nitram38
|
| posted on 10/10/08 at 09:47 PM |
|
|
First, you shouldn't under estimate the amount of time a project like this takes (check out my F1-2 in my archive).
Also make sure you have enough space. I built my car in a single garage but it was difficult.
It is a good idea to do lots of research on mold making and fibreglassing as this was the most time consuming stage of my build.
You could always save yourself the problem and buy my 1.4 ltr Rover powered rear engined F1-2! 
It even comes with the molds
CLICK HERE
 
Description
[Edited on 10/10/2008 by nitram38]
|
|
|
Fred W B
|
| posted on 10/10/08 at 09:51 PM |
|
|
HI Will
Welcome to the site
see HERE for some thoughts on starting out.
Cheers
Fred W B
You can do it quickly. You can do it cheap. You can do it right. – Pick any two.
|
|
|
kb58
|
| posted on 10/10/08 at 11:03 PM |
|
|
To get an idea what it's like to build a midi based on FWD drivetrains, check out the book *cough* in my sig *cough*. I'm currently
designing a new one, one that will take zero composite work on the builders part, not not spend $$$$ on a shell.
Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book -
http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html
|
|
|
dinosaurjuice
|
| posted on 11/10/08 at 01:20 PM |
|
|
thanks for the response guys,
theres no time constraint for the project, it will take as long as it takes!
im wondering if i can get away without (or minimal) fibreglass work. it does sound like the most teadious job! avoiding this does favour the
'exposed' style though.
that book looks like a good investment, one for the christmas list.
looking around, suspension tends to be unequal length double wishbone all round, is this the best compromise? in terms of looks/ease of
manufacture/function? no point re-inventing the wheel.
thanks again, will.
|
|
|
Theshed
|
| posted on 11/10/08 at 06:20 PM |
|
|
Cheating
If you are starting from scratch why not cheat and look around for a set of grp panels that you like and use that to constrain the rest of your
design? If you keep your eyes open second hand prosports bodywork is cheapish if you fancy a roof or various sports 2000 bodies come and go.
Do not do what I did which is start chopping metal before the design was at least half thought out.
For suspension first choose your wheels and uprights then take it from there.
Have fun
|
|
|
JC
|
| posted on 11/10/08 at 07:24 PM |
|
|
Hi, welcome to the site!! If you want some ideas, I'm building a Fiesta based car with minimal bodywork. If you check my Blog, it'll
give you some idea, not only of what is involved, but how long it can take!!!!
Then, if you have any questions, ask!! The folks here will always have an opinion, sometimes an answer
Best of luck, JC
|
|
|
tadltd
|
| posted on 11/10/08 at 11:08 PM |
|
|
Surely there's some 'trading' activity going on here!
How come I get lambasted and haven't traded anything??!! 
BUY AN LMP IF YOU WANT A GOOD QUALITY MIDI!
There, I said it!  Might as well get hounded for something I HAVE done.
Best Regards,
Steve.
www.turnerautosport.com
|
|
|
Ninehigh
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 12:36 AM |
|
|
Can I add to this with another question? I'm planning on the same thing in essence, can I fix the gearbox and shafts to the back wheels in the
same way they are done at the front? If I need to mess about with another box etc I think I'll try something else (although I'm beginning
to doubt that'll be the hardest bit)
|
|
|
kb58
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 05:40 AM |
|
|
If I understand the question correctly - yes.
Mid-engine Locost - http://www.midlana.com
And the book - http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/midlana/paperback/product-21330662.html
Kimini - a tube-frame, carbon shell, Honda Prelude VTEC mid-engine Mini: http://www.kimini.com
And its book -
http://www.lulu.com/shop/kurt-bilinski/kimini-how-to-design-and-build-a-mid-engine-sports-car-from-scratch/paperback/product-4858803.html
|
|
|
designer
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 07:17 AM |
|
|
Again, YES.
The only real problem which can arise is the gearchange linkage. The rest is simple.
|
|
|
JC
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 04:51 PM |
|
|
"The only real problem which can arise is the gearchange linkage. The rest is simple"
If only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Ninehigh
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 05:10 PM |
|
|
I'm no expert but isn't the linkage basically a rod that transfers gearlever movement to gearchange movement? Surely that's going to
be the least of my problems!
|
|
|
designer
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 07:34 PM |
|
|
With the engine in the back of the car the gear change will, probably, enter fron the rear.
|
|
|
nitram38
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 09:21 PM |
|
|
The F1-2 has the engine in the rear and the gearlever was easy. Your main work is in making sure that your suspension will work and making your
bodywork.....
|
|
|
Ninehigh
|
| posted on 12/10/08 at 09:57 PM |
|
|
Lol the biggest problem I have at the moment is getting a welding course under my belt!
|
|
|
dinosaurjuice
|
| posted on 14/10/08 at 01:30 PM |
|
|
thanks for the input guys, im beginning to get a clear idea of whats what.
nitram38: definately right about suspension, i dont want a VERY fast car but if it doesnt hold the road and steer well....its no use!
does anyone have any drawings/designs/cad of suspension setups which work well for midi's they want to share? it would be much appreciated.
im swaying towards the minimalistic route atm.
has anyone fabricated there own front uprights? conventional car ones seem over kill for such a light car.
sorry its more questions than answers from me at the moment! hopefully one day it will be other way around!
|
|
|
Alan B
|
| posted on 14/10/08 at 01:37 PM |
|
|
A few ideas about a few things here....
Linky
|
|
|
nitram38
|
| posted on 14/10/08 at 01:38 PM |
|
|
There are so many factors involving suspension design that it is best to read a suitable book or copy someone elses.
Have a look in my archive for photos of my "homemade" uprights. These again are different depending on your suspension/rack position
etc.
Nice webpages Alan! 
[Edited on 14/10/2008 by nitram38]
|
|
|
dinosaurjuice
|
| posted on 14/10/08 at 04:12 PM |
|
|
quote:
Originally posted by Alan B
A few ideas about a few things here....
Linky
ahhhhhh.....thats how i SHOULD have done the gear linkage on my rocket!
thats a very nice build Alan, well done!
|
|
|
Alan B
|
| posted on 16/10/08 at 12:08 AM |
|
|
Thanks guys. Compliments always welcome and sometimes essential when motivation is low...
|
|
|
