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Author
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Topic: Any car builders out there?
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 3021
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 03-08-2005 08:40 PM
   
Probably the wrong forum ... but maybe not!
Have any of you guys ever built a car from scratch? Do you need a degree in mechanical engineering to do it?
Thing is, I'm a huge fan of in-line engines, and would love a 30's Bentley if I had a million bucks to spare. What I DO have is a 300 cu in Ford. I gave one away last month, and the guy who took it was wetting his pants. Next thing I know, I'm getting given another, running, out of an F150.
I'd love to put this in a two-seater, open-wheeler, with a two-part hood that flips up on either side and a spare tire bolted to the trunk.
I'm not an engineer. Is this something I should just forget?
Thanks for any opinions!
Simon
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74merc
Gearhead Posts: 937
From: Demopolis AL
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 03-08-2005 09:43 PM
A bud of mine did it, looked more like a suitcase than anything...built a tube frame, used various front end and drivetrain parts from wrecked cars he had in his (almost junk)yard... If I ever have the time, I intend on it. Honestly, it would have to be easier than fixing some of this oddball junk I've worked on...
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Billy Mac
Gearhead Posts: 783
From: S.Ga
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 03-09-2005 11:56 PM
Yup.....Built a few from the ground up (as race cars...)
Your idea sounds very interesting indeed....
and, No....you don't need a degree in engineering.....but a healthy dose of common sense does seem to come in handy.
You have the beginnings of an idea to fabricate something truly unique, something that YOU envision. I think that is cool as hell!.......Granted, having the ability to weld is a "pretty important" ingredient, as is having the tools and equipment to do so...(grinders, saws-alls, torches, sheet metal sheers, and a way to form sheet metal, plus a welder....[preferably a wire feed Mig welder])THEN......sit down and plan out what you want to do with your project.....and draw out a design....(you don't HAVE to do this part....but it may help with the overall scheme of things)...... The only "mandatory" items in this deal are that it has "some" tires, wheels and a motor and tranny.....(concider that the "letter")....and what all that travels in is to be the "envelope"......It is up to YOU what that envelope looks like. Let us know how things go with it!!
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 3021
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 03-10-2005 05:35 AM
My major concern at this stage is how to make sure the car doesn't roll. Heck, even the pros (Suzuki Samurai, for example) manage to design cars that roll.
I'd like the car to be thin, like the old 30s racers, relative to its length and height, so I'm wondering how to keep four wheels on the ground in bends. Center of gravity and size of wheels are two things I'm running through my brain. The old racers and even today's F1 cars have wheels that are as high as the car. Old Ford hot rods are the same deal, right?
Maybe building the chassis out of steel and the upper body of wood or fiberglass should be something to consider.
I'm gonna do this, by the way, but don't hold your breath  Give it a year or so!
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Billy Mac
Gearhead Posts: 783
From: S.Ga
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 03-10-2005 08:19 AM
Auto makers these days have fallen into a dangerous (literally) habit of building stuff that sits too high off the ground...thus.....they are top heavy and tend to tip over when least expected....(and yet the majority of youngun's modify their vehicles by "lowering" them....Hmmm...ya think Detroit should take notice of that???....Duhhh)Keep the CG (center of gravity) as low as posible, and you should be fine.......as for wood or fiberglass???....the only limitation to either material is your imagination. Good luck!!
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 5701
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 03-10-2005 12:32 PM
I've built race cars from scratch using crude sketches but mostly plan as i go. For something like that i'd consider using a small pickup truck chassis, certainly they must be available over there. Set the 300 low and rearward. If you want this thing to handle well sit the engine quite low with the oil pan maybe 4" off the road. Set the engine back so the front axle centerline is about where the water pump is.
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