So I’ve made some thinking progress about the new chassis build, and been discussing it with Duncan and Tim.
We’re in agreement on the following.
1) As this is the first time we’ve built a chassis, it is going to be hard enough without attempting a re design. Don’t expend effort on flights of fancy that cost cash and waste time. Transfer the known working kinematics and geometry “as is” where ever possible.
In other words KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! KEEP FOCUSED!
2) To keep costs down, transfer all major components from the existing car. BUT never bolt anything back on the car unless it is lighter than when it came off the old one. Even if only by the weight of a washer.
That means track/width etc need to stay the same.
3) If a part is old/worn out out, has proven unreliable in the past change it. That means I am allowed to refurb the steering rack, wheel bearings and diff mount hardware. Similarly we’ll be rebuilding wishbones with rod ends/spherical bearings. I’m also allowed to add lightness by replacing heavy steel parts with bling Aluminium ones.
4) Swap the engine to a zx10. I’ve had a long chat with another RGB mate Bob Mortimer over at www.furybusa.org.uk, who is content that his zx10 is powerful enough, and much cheaper than the Honda alternative.
5) If we’re going to make next year’s Birkett then any bodywork changes are likely to have to come last and we’ll run next year with the existing bodywork.
So the plan is.
1) Finish rebuilding my wife’s 1979 1275gt mini.
2) Measure the geometry of the old car, take careful notes. Then strip clean, measure and store all the old kit. Be very careful to weigh the car and components at every stage. Keep Good records.
3) Dispose of those unwanted components to make space in the garage.
So Duncan and I are cracking on with the mini, and we’ve also obtained some decently accurate post scales for weighing stuff.
Lastly I’ve obtained a 2m x 1m industrial table made from 1.5″ box section to act as a build datum table for the new chassis.
So some progress has been made… but physically it is currently mostly on the mini.