It has begun - G-Pete's 289FIA Scratch Build

[dallas_]

Pete,
I think the minor amount of additional weight in the footboxes is well worth it.
Especially since you are still very light overall.

Does that also add rigidity to the chassis?

How much does the carbon fiber body weigh?

[G-Pete]

Yes John, the chassis is stiffer than before. It increased by calculated 5000 lbs over 90x64 diagonal torsion test in SolidWorks Pro.

The body including the trunk lid, hood and doors totals 39 pounds.

[G-Pete]

Quick check about the windshield height.



The first part of the rollbar is fixed and has the same height as the windshield. The rollbar will be braced forward - thus it needs more work.



Tubular sub frame for the rear part of the body - later also base for the door lock.



Rear passenger side splash shield welded in place.



Inside view of it.



The driver side, as you can see I mostly work on two or more places at the same time. This is the final version of the dashboard.



Time to start on the sway bar.



Stay tuned. Soon I will fabricate the inner frames for the hood, trunk and doors. The door latches should come in any day.

[dallas_]

Since your quick jacks are functional, are you going to fabricate one of the original style quick jack lifts?

[G-Pete]

I made this quick jack a few years ago - that is a 750 lbs bike which this one was effortless to move and secure.
The quick jack for the 289FIA will be longer and has wheels. 6 foot in total length and fold-able.

[dallas_]

Guys, it you have thoughts or any comment - please feel free and post. This thread turns slowly into a monologue...

Since you asked...

Question on your fuel cell. Looks like the placement will keep it out of the main rear crumple zone (and that is good), but mounted that high, what will it do to your roll center? Can Solid Works model that?

Originally Posted by G-Pete

.

[G-Pete]

John, the roll center is calculated based on your suspension setup.




Do you mean roll axis?

[dallas_]

Originally Posted by G-Pete

John, the roll center is calculated based on your suspension setup.

Do you mean roll axis?

Well, maybe I meant center of gravity.

I understand the roll axis to be the imaginary line connecting the roll centers at the front and the rear suspension points.

So maybe my question is, what impact is there on the suspension and handling by having the fuel tank higher or lower?

[G-Pete]

The mass of the 15 gal fuel cell (filled) is too small to impact the drive ability. The original 427 with the large 42 gal (about 280 pounds) tanks over the rear axle had some problems with the slush. But nowadays this can be cured with baffles and sponges...