Wednesday, October 19, 2011

More Updates and a Change of Plans


OK, here's some more of my CAD production. My new design chassis build table. Well, not really my design, but one I found on LocostUSA.com. It looked good, and will fit in nicely with my change of plans. Thanks Racers Dan & Al. Now, about the change of plans. Many of you will remember that I spent a great deal of time waiting to get an old refrigeration stand from the store where I work. The plan at that time was to build a big, heavy, solid, immoveable table to build my chassis on. At the time it seemed like a great idea since I was blessed with a large (almost 750 Sq. ft.) shop/garage, so a big, heavy, etc. table didn't pose a problem. Notice I said "WAS" blessed. Ah, life has a way of intervening, doesn't it? Due to a family situation, it appears that my shop space will be cut in half. Not a big prob when building something the size of a Locost, but the BHSI table is out! I need something light and portable yet sturdy,true and level. The answer lies in a 1" sq tubing framework (very appropriate for a Locost) with a heavy plywood top. The legs are equipped with levelers for adjustment after moving if needed. For the portable part, I'm working on retractable mounts for the casters that should allow for lifting and moving by one person, even with a partially built car on board. The basic table design is ready to go, but the caster retracts are still on the drawing board, so to speak.

Progress Update


Well, here's what I've managed to run up so far with Google SketchUp. It has been a bit of a struggle to try designing a car chassis while learning to use a new program at the same time. It amounts to overloading the system of my poor old senior citizen brain. As you can see, it's still a work-in-progress. In fact, the file has been dubbed "WIP". BTW, I just notice that the legend doesn't include a description of the RED pieces. They are 1" round tube. Still have more work to do of course, scuttle bulkhead bracing, trans tunnel, structure behind the seat bulkhead, etc. Even though the progress is slow, at least there is progress. More to come!