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Time to update. Front crossmember starting to shape up.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/089.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/103.jpg Rear crossmember. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/093.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/104.jpg Starting to work on the cage again. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/091.jpg My over the top shifter. The main arch is going to be a fabricated, tapered, I-beam. The shifter will push and pull rocker arms, that push and pull the shifter cables, which run under the engine and radiator. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/099.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/100.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/101.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/102.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/105.jpg |
We're still chipping away. Some of my team was ready to work tomorrow, but I told them I am going to Goodguys, and holding the to-do list hostage until after the weekend is over! :unibrow: Maybe their dedication and persistence will pay off and we'll drive it in the show next year. :yes:
I update the mock-up in Rhino frequently to get an idea of how all the ideas are playing out together. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/034.jpg An interesting feature is the electric motor controller. I am planning to put it in an antique clock style glass (actually polycarbonate) dome. I'm trying to actively feature as much of the car as possible. Instead of hiding stuff that doesn't seem to fit the theme, I try to repackage it... http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/035.jpg Rear crossmember with the muffler pockets hammered out and welded in. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/106.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/107.jpg First door bar cut, notched, and tacked in. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/108.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/109.jpg Selector arm mounted on the shifter. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/110.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/111.jpg Now off to Goodguys and get some more inspiration for how I can push my little team to new heights... :cool: If you see a little old dude, with a handful of 20-somethings, and this on some of our backs, it's us. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...s/misc/049.jpg |
We bored a hole in the shift rocker arm, then turned a sleeve to fit it and accept the spherical bearing.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/113.jpg We're going to make a cap, with reinforcing ribs, for each side of the shift rocker arm. One side will be welded on, the other will bolt on, for bearing removal/replacement. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/114.jpg I figured out the location then had one of the guys cut the selector arm mount. He's probably the least experienced on the Team, just learning to work with tools, but he's also one of the most consistent, dedicated... http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/112.jpg Here he has cleaned that mount up a little, and hammered it to shape. We also made the scrolled pieces for the clevis mount on the end of it. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/119.jpg And, we're starting to form the top and bottom plates of the I-beam mount. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/120.jpg The rear crossmember is coming along... http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/115.jpg ... and the front. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/116.jpg I trimmed the seat shells. They're going to get rolled beads around the perimeter, and lots of detail. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/117.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/118.jpg |
Lookin good! keep at it:thumbsup:
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So cool to see someone looking way outside of the box...great stuff, keep it coming!!!
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Who fabricates a rolled and tapered I-beam, just to mount a shifter? I guess I do, with the help of a crazy-azz crew that doesn't see anything wrong with realizing my visions. :willy: The top and bottom plates are almost there.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/121.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/122.jpg Roughing out the ribs and end caps for the shift rocker arm. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/123.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/124.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/125.jpg The other door bar on the chassis. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/126.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/127.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/128.jpg I'm also making progress on the grille. Now, it's going to be an exposed carbon fiber shell, with a metal mesh grille (preferrably stainless), with copper (I think) nipples to mount the mesh insert. The nipples will go through the shell, like a wire wheel, and be visible on the outsides of it. The emblem will be cast in copper too, I think. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/036.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/037.jpg |
Wow your doing some awesome stuff! Very Impressive.
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The organic crossmember/muffler mount "seed" we planted is growing nicely.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/129.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/130.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/131.jpg Starting on the crossmembers for the roll bar stanchions. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/132.jpg More work on the shifter. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/134.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/135.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/133.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/138.jpg And, every once in a while we mock it all up again to make sure all the individual components are contributing something meaningful to the whole. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/136.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/137.jpg Edit: I need to buy a can of Troy's bare metal stuff - second year in a row I walked away from Goodguys without it. :rolleyes: It's Poteet's damn Talledega (sp?)! I can't think straight when I'm around that puppy! :bow: |
One of the guys finished hammering the plates, so yesterday I welded the I-beam shifter mount up. Next come the rocker arm mounts, and hours and hours of grinding and shaping.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/140.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/141.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/142.jpg With that firmly underway, we've started on the floor-mount pedal assembly. More steel plate (mostly .250", purposely over-engineered for abuse tolerance), plasma cut, grind, grind, grind. We're using the pivots, and crank sections, of the Honda Accord brake pedals with our own foot lever sections. I was going to keep the ratio the same to keep the original feel, but Schism is so small that we need to reduce the overall size, so the effort will be increased a bit. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/139.jpg The funny-shaped (un-cut) piece is the main mounting plate. It will have a clevis that straddles the left front frame rail, and the little arm section will bolt to the front lateral main box frame section. The arms will be in clevises that extend up off the main plate. The slots are for the crank sections to reach down under the floor. They'll push rods extending back to rear mounted master cylinders, just behind the driver's seat. Access to them will be gained by flipping that seat up and opening an access panel. The ECU, fuses, etc, will located behind the passenger seat, and accessed the same way. |
I forgot this one. Now that the rear crossmember is taking shape, we were able to resume work on the rear motor mount - specifically, the main gusset. A little more trimming and shaping and this will be ready to weld.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/143.jpg |
The push is on for me now to get most of my ideas underway, or at least mocked-up, to find out how it all works together, and where changes may be needed. I've been at it all week, sacrificing sleep for progress. Today, I cut the foam dash plug. Along with the shifter, and pedals, we have to hang the steering column, and the dash and electric motor controls, to find out just how little room there is inside that tiny cowl.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/038.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/144.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/145.jpg I like vehicle interiors that are design statements, not just traditional interior components with special coverings and finishes. I get why most need to be that way, but for radical custom projects, why not go beyond "normal" inside too? The major manufacturers do with their concept vehicles, and some of the higher end hot rod/custom builds go there. With Schism, I'm trying to make the interior look scupltured, like it was carved from stone, and hammered from metal, by ancient Romans and Greeks; more chariot than car. Now that we're starting to hang parts in there, that theme is beginning to become more perceptible, I hope... http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/146.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/147.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/148.jpg The contrasting bare materials will be like an inverted image of these renderings, but I like how they work together. |
Time to update. I'll try to keep the narrative to a minimum, and let the pics do the talking. The pedal assembly is coming along.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/149.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/151.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/152.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/154.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/155.jpg I modeled the throttle pedal pad, and cut a wooden plug. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/156.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/159.jpg Then had the casting guy at Columbus Idea Foundry (the complex we're being incubated in) cast it. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/160.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/161.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/162.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/163.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/164.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/165.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/166.jpg A little finishing work, and heat treating, and it will be perfect. |
Chassis.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/150.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/153.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/174.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/175.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/179.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/180.jpg Those rear bars angle downward as they go back, kind of giving it a hardtail chopper look. :unibrow: |
And finally, a roller coaster ride on the intake, but progress, none-the-less. I cut a foam plug for casting the plenum flange (the same day we cast the throttle pedal pad). First a test, then the actual plug.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/157.jpg I machined it in two halves, hot glued them together, cut a fixture plate in a scrap piece of wood, then hot glued the plug to it and cut the internal runners, while the ShopBot was still zeroed over the fixture. I simply snapped it off the fixture when that was done, and cleaned up the ends of the runners.http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/167.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/168.jpg Then the casting process began. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/169.jpg. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/170.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/171.jpg Unfortunately, this one went bust. There weren't enough sprues (pour holes) and vents, and the gases and aluminum created new cavities right out onto the shop floor. :lol: http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/172.jpg Like a good horror movie when they show an eye opening, or a hand twitching, this glowing crucible says we live to cast another day... :_paranoid :D http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/173.jpg |
When I took a second look at the casting, I realized that the most important part of it had actually cast almost perfectly, so we milled the bad parts of, simultaneously milling the top and bottom flat and true. I actually like it more than the original design, so I am in the process of designing a new plenum to cap it off.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/176.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/177.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/178.jpg More to come... :yes: |
You really do it all.
When are you going to start making your tires?:lol: Lookin' good, Todd.
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Here's the new plenum design. At first glance it looks much simpler, mainly because I haven't modeled the real thing yet. This is just a quick mock-up, to make sure I liked the idea. The plenum will be a simple, fabricated, rounded box, aluminum sheet metal piece, with a plate on top to mount the TB. The vintage, oil bath style, air cleaner is actually a hat to feed the boosted air charge into the TB. The top of the air cleaner will have a recess for my Bat-T logo emblem, and will be secured with three or four buckles around the perimeter of the housing. The housing will be sort of bowl shaped. Not seen here, the "snorkel" will roll under and point down towards the oil pan, where the outlet tube from the intercooler will come through.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/040.jpg The roll cage is coming along. We can finally start tying in the rear suspension, with these bars in place. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/181.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/182.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/183.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/184.jpg |
Working in Rhino again, because this is mainly to develop patterns for hand cutting and grinding the brackets, I think (if I decide to have them laser cut the same CAD files will work), I finally have the front suspension sorted out.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/041.jpg At the same time, I also finally settled on a plan for headlights. Those tiny little pivoting balls in the front upper control arm brackets are the headlights! :yes: They'll be fitted with really powerful LEDs, and will hopefully provide enough light to at least get off the road until dawn. :rofl: A couple full mock-up poses - please disregard the fact that the CV joints and upper control arm mounts try to occupy the same space, that will be corrected with longer axles, c-notched upper plates, and a really trick chain-driven differential. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/043.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ms/art/042.jpg We also have a new intern. She showed up at my office door yesterday evening and asked if she could join in on the fun, then hit the ground running by working on the center holes for the brake and clutch master cylinder mount. I measured, she did the CAD model for a template to guide the plasma cutter, she cut and ground until they fit nice and snug. :) The first pic is obviously fresh off the plasma. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/185.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/248.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/249.jpg |
Pattern for the basic profile shape of the "fitted luggage" cases that will fill the space between the body and rear drivetrain. The original concept had a larger vintage style faux trunk that would have covered the radiator and fans completely. These will just be small cases, that will probably hold the controllers for the two drivetrains. Ideally, they'll be upholstered to match the seat pads, and they must have antique buckles.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/186.jpg The mount for the master cylinders is coming along. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/187.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/188.jpg And the emergency brake: http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/189.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/190.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/191.jpg |
A couple more steps on the rear suspension.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/192.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/193.jpg |
Long-story-short, I was going to donate Schism to my non-profit, the Inhaler Project, as a teaching tool for training the interns and volunteers, but those plans have been rethought and retracted - I'm keeping my car. :) Now time to bring this thread up to date:
First of all, I am making some changes to the theme and direction of the vehicle. I've realized that my middle-aged azz is no longer so serious about racing and more into just driving and enjoying life. The theme and direction of, and work on, the vehicle will be accordingly adjusted. I still want as much power as possible, but more for giggle-factor than outright performance. I also realized that I want a roof - even without doors - because, even though I actually love heat, I don't particularly enjoy roasting in direct sunlight; and want to want to drive this car - a lot. This rendering will evolve with my thoughts and preferences. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/201.jpg The front, upper, rear control arm brackets are well underway and should be ready soon. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/194.jpg In the process of trying to convert the car for Inhaler Project purposes, I figured out a way to move the body and electric motor forward for more legroom inside - that's a keeper, so here's one of the interns (it's still being built in the Inhaler Project shop) cutting the front, rearward-most, lower control arm mounts off. The motor mount now replaces them, doing double duty. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/195.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/196.jpg The saddle mount plate is being enlarged to reach back to the crossmember. This actually works out better for the motor mount because the counter-rotational force of the motor will be more directly and effectively transmitted into the crossmember. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/199.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/200.jpg If you're wondering about the rough hogging process, I am still using Schism as a training took until I get a dedicated project started for the interns and volunteers. I start them all off with hand tools and right angle grinders, so I can see what their natural skill levels are. They're instructed to "leave the lines" when they cut parts out and grind back to the lines. That gives me a lot of time and metal to see if I can develop their hand-eye coordination, before ruining a part; and it's also a test of their work ethic. I eventually handed these parts to one of my "pro" fabricators to finish. I've started working on the throttle pedal, picking up from where Evan (one of the interns) left off before having to hit the books again. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/197.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/198.jpg I suffered an inadvertent external hard drive crash (spilled a mug of coffee on it) and the files in it hadn't been back up yet, so I had to remodel the front upper control arm mounts. That's done, and naturally/probably, a little better the second go-round. We should be cutting these soon. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/202.jpg Finally we're also working on one of my more elaborate systems - the control switches for the electric drive. This is a part that I plan to go way overboard on, including fine-tuning the actual feel of the switches clicking into and out of position. Amanda was doing the right-angle grinding above, but I gave her a break with a little manual mill work on the switch levers. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/203.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/204.jpg |
I had planned to start etching or engraving the patterns directly on the steel, but Curt was ready for more parts, so I rushed these through, the old way, with more laser-cut poster board patterns. I was a little thin around the inside edges of the headlight opening, for some reason, but that's easily corrected while grinding them out. The important part is they're out of my CAD workshop and on the way to being real steel...
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/205.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/206.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/207.jpg I'm also making progress on the roof model. It's just roughed in right now to get the basic shape worked out. I'm attempting to strike a careful balance between Model T, Roaring 20's grand touring cars, and classic Ford, styling cues. I also want the roof, and the whole car, to be heavily stylized, and "artsy". Now, that the basic form is set, I can start working the lumps, bumps, and kinks out, and adding more detail... http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/208.jpg |
Electric motor mount is getting close.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/209.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/210.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/211.jpg By the time I got those pieces tacked in and the saddle piece rolled, I was pretty psyched about finally seeing the motor in the car but made myself stop because I need to take my time and get everything to fit together and line up, just so... :yes: |
The front drive system from the electric motor is going to be via chain - just because... To make that happen, I am building my own chain-drive differential. The first version will be from this Toyota Celica GTS diff.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/212.jpg It's open right now, but will be converted with a Phantom Grip LSD; or maybe something stronger, like a Quaiffe, if available. Ultimately, I can do it all over with something stronger, if that proves necessary. Being on the front wheels, it's not likely that I will be able to apply much of the motor's 1000ft-lb capability, so it will probably survive. The real stress is going to come from braking, where the electric drive turns into KERS. The import guys put quite a bit of power through their little FWD diffs, and this is a slightly beeefier IRS/RWD piece, so... We'll see. :) |
I'm kind of working my way from the inside-out on the design, as the car is being physically developed. Old cars were full of levers and pedals and switches, that kind of sets the tone (to me) for the whole vehicle; wonderfully complex and sophisticated.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/213.jpg |
Sometimes what you're looking for is hiding right under your nose. I purchased this little Toyota diff a couple years ago for a project I decided not to pursue, and it turns out to be perfect for Schism. :yes: Distractions and detours pay off sometimes. :unibrow:
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/214.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/215.jpg |
I appreciate you sharing all this stuff with us Todd. Interesting design and lots of twists and turns.
I would not one thing - T style roadsters and such are usually built on a lightweight theme, all of the closeups of your brackets and stuff everything seems to be made of .125-.250 thick steel ! Reminds me of the first scratch built car I put together. I wonder if you could downsize some of the thicknesses and add a little more gusseting and fabrication ? Maybe i"m off base just something I noticed. I do like your designs though. |
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Physically, I have also concentrated the heavy stuff in strategic areas where I also needed to build strength. I think the overall vehicle is going to be a lot lighter than it would seem. I do pay attention to how much weight I am adding with the heavy steel parts - so far, probably an extra 75-100lbs - and even being a hybrid, with two complete drivetrains, I am still shooting for around 1500lbs, max. Not too much of a pig. :lol: If I even hit half of my ultimate power goals, and stay at or under 1500lbs, I will have a 3:1 weight-to-power ratio - that should be fun! :unibrow: The electric motor is finally in place. The saddle mount is not welded yet, because I want to walk around it and stare at it for a while, then patiently position and align it, before tacking the mount in. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/216.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/217.jpg |
I have the roof split and ready to machine from four sheets of 2" foam.
http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/218.jpg And, I have started on the "fitted luggage". I had originally intended to have them upholstered with leather to match whatever goes on the seats, but now that I see them, out of my head, in "CAD-life", that's going to be hard to do. I'm thinking exposed carbon fiber, with a big leather strap and my Bat-T logo on a big metal buckle... :unibrow: http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/219.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/220.jpg |
How do you get the luggage "off" the car Todd?? And when you do - how do you pack it? Or am I missing something?
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I just started working on the models earlier today, so there isn't much detail yet. The backs will be aluminum panels that bolt to the roll cage rear bars, and the cases will snap or buckle onto those plates. All the internal goodies will be mounted on the plates, so what you see here are the covers. As for real luggage or storage space - there ain't none! :lol: Should be able to stuff a fresh pair of underwear and a jacket on the floor in front of the seat, for weekend trips! :rofl: |
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Oh yeah! I have a car like that! It's called an R8!! :cheers: |
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I ended up keeping Schism because it was moving beyond being a teaching tool for the typical skill level of the interns coming in, and I didn't want to back the project down to match their needs - it's easier to just start a purposed project for them. I do, however, have a handful of talented individuals that will still work on this car, where I can continue to hone their skills. Amanda is one of them. She was out of town last week, but was back this evening. I asked her to locate the center and machine the recesses for the (preferably stainless) selector arm pivot mounts. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/221.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/222.jpg It's just rough-cut right now, and will be finished after the pivot mounts are fabricated, so everything can be machined to fit precisely together. http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/223.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/224.jpg |
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I have two active projects that are my personal responsibility to fund and finish, Schism and an electric motorcycle project named Scrape. I have been wrestling with making a decision on which one was going to be my "flagship" project (getting the bigger percentage of my resources) for months now, and finally decided that it would be the bike. That's a good thing, actually, for Schism because it means it doesn't bear the weight of carrying my most ambitious ideas. That means I can focus on just making it run and drive, and enjoying it for whatever it happens to be. Considering the fact that it should only weigh about 1500lbs, handle like a kart, and that hot rods are usually an evolutionary journey - I'm comfortable and confident in the fact that it should be a nice little hot rod, that gets better and better with time...
I like my rounded roof but when I count up the cost of actually producing it, it looks a little out of balance for the less intense of the two projects. I had already modeled the ragtop version, so I decided to see if I like it. Compared to finishing the rounded roof to paint quality and then giving it a layer of exposed cosmetic carbon fiber, the rag top would just require stretching fabric over ribs, resin coating it, then laying up the composites - which wouldn't have to be paint quality final finish (speaking of waves and ripples, not fabric texture), because it's supposed to look like it's fabric stretched over ribs... http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/229.jpg No final decision on which one yet, but this makes more sense on paper and would help me get to Goodguys (Columbus) easier. :yes: |
Most of the interns' work I have been posting is the lower end eductional program, where I start off by building basic tool skills and familiarity, and assess the intern's abilities and natural skill sets, to determine where to go with them. Amanda is on the other end of the spectrum of our (currently developing) educational programs. She already has the skills, and my goal is to challenge her, by creating situations that initiate creative thinking and problem solving, then help her most effectively use her skills to reach her goals. The majority of what I have been doing with her, thus far, has been for my own assessment needs. She's pretty awesome...
Yesterday's project was to figure out her own way to turn the ends of the lower control arm ends to fit in the tubing. The four-jaw chuck is missing for the lathe, which set the stage for her to come up with her own solution. There is no right or wrong, and points are given for creative excellence. She used a rotary table on the mill, which let her use the digital readout to precisely hone in on the desired final dimension. Granted, the rotary table still has a three-jaw chuck, but you have to admit this was a much more creative, innovative, solution (that also allowed more precision in a "production line" like environment than simply turning on the lathe and checking frequently with a caliper or micrometer...) http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/230.jpg http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/231.jpg The end result? Spot on. These will be pressed into the tubes, kinked to get them aimed at the frame mounts, and then notched to fit sections of tubing that will hold the bushings. I realized that the plan I was following was a oil-n-water mix of two different ideas, and wouldn't work as intended, with floppy rod ends. We're going to turn our own UHMW polyethylene bushings (quieter than Delrin, and self-lubing). http://toddperkinsdesign.com/images/...ldpics/232.jpg |
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