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Scuttle-less bodywork
murpia - 3/9/07 at 05:56 PM

I was thinking, how essential is the scuttle in a '7' type design? (Haynes roadster in my case). Why can't you just run the bonnet all the way to the dashboard and fasten it there?

I was considering building my car with a structural roll hoop at the dashboard position lengthwise. Would locate the dashboard between the uprights of the roll hoop then run the bonnet all the way from the nosecone to the top of the dashboard, locating it on top of the dashboard.

What do you think?

Regards, Ian

omega 24 v6 - 3/9/07 at 06:12 PM

I had considered this myself and reckoned it't be easier to make it a better fit if all in one. I then considered doing it all in one and then cutting of the bit for the scuttle cause it'd still be a better fit/match.
I've made the scuttle now but if it doesn't all match up then I might just do it all in one yet.

Mave - 3/9/07 at 06:18 PM

It has been done before by WCM. I don't see why you shouldn't do it. It makes everything very accessible.

gezer - 3/9/07 at 06:20 PM

you would only need it if your going to use a 7 type windscreen or planning fitting one after SVA ?

omega 24 v6 - 3/9/07 at 06:23 PM

Very nice it is to.

locogeoff - 3/9/07 at 07:06 PM

how would that idea fair in the event of a frontal impact, just got an image of it comming back and getting you right in the hoop

StevieB - 3/9/07 at 08:56 PM

quote:
Originally posted by locogeoff
how would that idea fair in the event of a frontal impact, just got an image of it comming back and getting you right in the hoop


You could just create a weak point in the bonnet to prevent that happening (just get blinded by shards of GRP instead!).

omega 24 v6 - 3/9/07 at 09:13 PM

quote:

how would that idea fair in the event of a frontal impact, just got an image of it comming back and getting you right in the hoop


THAT IMHO is a very good and valid point that I for one had not even considered.

Davey D - 3/9/07 at 09:29 PM

id have thought that any spaceframed 7'esque car with GRP bodywork would breakup in the same way upon a frontal impact? in a car with a scuttle-less car the whole lot is clamped down with he bonnet clips. they would have to rip out first for it to move towards the driver. in a car with a scuttle.. if the impact was enough to rip the bonnet off would the bonnet push the scuttle back too?

has anyone ever seen pics of a 7'esque car after a high speed frontal impact? i cant imagine them being the safest things in the world?

omega 24 v6 - 3/9/07 at 09:36 PM

quote:

if the impact was enough to rip the bonnet off would the bonnet push the scuttle back too?

I'd imagine the bonnet would ride up over the scuttle thus giving you an extra 300to 400 mm over travel before it decapitates you I saw a seven hit a big round straw bale head on at alford sprint last year and imho it stood the test very well.

martyn_16v - 4/9/07 at 08:46 AM

Didn't RH do something similar but hinge it at the scuttle end instead (the alligator thingy)?

martyn_16v - 4/9/07 at 08:48 AM