Tube Chassis Build

[daveheld Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close daveheld]

The image above is my tube chassis. I will be using my mid-engine subframe - VW powered.

The front suspension is a Held Motorsports Sport Front Suspension.

Anyway, I just wanted to share a photo of the build since I've had so much help with information on this board...
more to follow!

The car will be 105" wheelbase - 53" wide - rather large for a "sportscar" of this kind... but I'm tired of the cramped confines of other sports cars. I built this so two 200+ lb guys can actually get in and out of it - as well as be comfortable driving.
... and yes, my plan is to build these frames for others to build their own cars... I will offer a beam axle front option as well as an IFS Other options will be water-cooled engines from FWD, transverse engine cars... and ultimately small block V8 power. And since I have Fieros to utilize, I am considering a single-donor style frame that utilizes the fiero drivetrain, front and rear suspension, etc..
Like many things, time and market demand will dictate the final configuration.

looking for comments / critque / etc.

email me if you'd like to see more.
dave@team321.com

[MunkyKing Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MunkyKing]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Looks great!

A bit like the Nick Smart designed Ariel Atom.

I looked to see how much those were over here and think that the $75k for the top of the range one is a bit over excessive!

Having built a Westfield SE (Lotus 7 replica) in the past, I've considered doing something like this from scratch myself at some point in the future.

Looking at Ariels waiting list, I think you could be on to a real winner!

Keep posting the pics. It will be good to see how this progresses!

[AutoMX Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close AutoMX]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Looks great, and I think it will be the home built version of the Ariel, which I think is far more appealing as a concept anyway (or shell out 40 to 60k for a car that isn't too useful outside of a track).

[lowboost Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close lowboost]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

very nice looking, what crossmember is that from in the front?

[daveheld Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close daveheld]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

front crossmember is out of a Fiero... I had an extra one along with a Held Motorsports wide track, so it was easy.

I'm not sure if I'll integrate a purpose-built front suspension into the design or rely on factory units... time will tell.

I have had a great deal of positive feedback from the Custom VW crowd, so I will likely build a VW front beam axle option too.

My goal ( besides getting this one on the road ) is to offer frames that allow for single donor builds... like a Fiero, VW, etc...
This would allow someone with a running Fiero to install the complete front suspension crossmember, rear cradle / suspension and steering column. This will result in ( hopefully ) a quickly assembled rolling chassis.

that's the plan anyway... feel free to express your thoughts.
dave
Cocoa Beach FL
http://www.team321.com

[jtart2 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jtart2]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

I'm curious as to what body style you are going to use for your chassis?

I am considering building my own car as well, but I need to do a ton of research...I need to start with the chassis. I to make the build easier.

Good luck,
Joe

[daveheld Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close daveheld]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

I have been away for awhile, but I have been working on the car. Here is a link to some photos - they are about a month behind... Since then I have installed most of the wiring harness and mounted the transaxle.

http://www.team321.com/tubechassis/t...ssisbuild.html

I think I have reconsidered my engine choice... now I'm looking into a turbo rotary engine... high-revs and light weight. You can also get 200+ hp pretty easily... and up to 50 with a little porting and add-ons. In a 1200 pound car, this should be plenty.

As far as a body for the car... I want to keep things as minimal as possible. The front will likely be covered and I will probably add removable triangular panels along the side.

This is not a car for the daily driver market - rather a four wheeled motorcyle... kinda like a go-cart for grownups.

dave
http://www.team321.com
Cocoa Beach FL

[Mr Ferrari Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mr Ferrari]

Re: Tube Chassis Build


Nice project Mr Held.. Its neat to see you back at the forum with a new project.. Is this something you plan on going into production with if there is a lot of interest? I want mine with a Neon SRT-4 turbo engine in the back ;D That would blow the Atom off the road..

I have had many rotary engines and you can get a lot of power out of them. I actually have one of my old 1979 Rx7 12a rotary engines sitting in my garage right now. The rotary would be a neat engine in a light car such as this, but they are a bit expensive to fix and modify.

[rundlc Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rundlc]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Nice project! Can you share the model # of the front shocks you used? Springs and rate too.

There are a few of us that have the Held front tubular and would like something other than Carerra shocks.


Thanks

[lukester Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close lukester]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Dave what is the width of the Held Motorsports wide track hub to hub? thanks Luke

[daveheld Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close daveheld]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

The front shocks are QA1 - which is an upgrade option from Held Motorsports.
As far as spring rate, I just used what I had on the shelf. I need to weigh the car and determine the correct spring rate.
My guess is it will be around 200#

Track width is whatever you want it to be... I think the ones I used are +2 / side on the front... the rear is also +2" / side.

dave

[dratts1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dratts1]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Dave I'm using your wide track suspension and 13" brakes on my N* 355 replica, but I'm now beginning to be interested in an EV. Your chassis looks like a likely candidate. It looks as though batteries could go in the center tunnel for ideal weight distribution. Have you given it any thought? Since the Tesla we now now that performance and range are possible in an EV.

[daveheld Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close daveheld]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

I think an electric version is certainly an option...
I'll believe in the Tesla when it hits the road.

by the way, my last name is still Held, but I have no connection to Held Motorsports - except being a happy customer.

dave
Cocoa Beach FL

[KWUN Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close KWUN]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Dave
The Buggy that caught your eye was built by my Uncle From Myrtle Beech, his name is John Zwack. He brought the car up to Michigan to show me about 6 or so years ago. The engine was supercharged and built somewhere near Detroit if I remember correctly.

[dratts1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dratts1]

Re: Tube Chassis Build

Are there no Teslas on the road yet? I realize that batteries may still be an issue. I think I've heard $20,000 replacement cost. I'm not sure how long they may last and there are issues with overheating the batteries. 6000 laptop batteries are being used in a way they were not designed for. If Tesla or someone can perfect lithium ion batteries for vehicles, we've got a good start. Hasn't the range and performance been documented?