cross post from metalmeet.com
I wasn’t sure I was going to create an on-going thread of my new build but due to requests by Joefish and others I’ve decided to at least do a streamline version for the record (more photos and less text than was done on the McBearen project). That will probably please everyone.
To get caught up and to insure continuity I’ve copied the first post I made on another thread so that we start at the beginning.
"…. after a weekend driving course last June (with the McBearen) at VIR I fell in love with the idea of driving on the great road courses of the SE so I shifted gears began to design my new build …
It is another personal interpretation of a previous racing vehicle only this time it will be made more specifically for the track and although I plan to once again make it street legal I’m really excited about rounding the corners of VIR as soon as possible.
I started fabrication (measure, cut, weld) last weekend and already have the frame nearly 3/4 complete. Prior to assembling the steel I worked on the plans, drawings and other basic stuff.
I’m building an Indy car …
Once I got the main center or backbone together I mocked-up a full profile shot and then super-imposed that image with the profile of the sheet metal I plan to create to see what and if I was heading in the right direction …
Yesterday I completed the left side pod frame and although the steel is almost the same color as the shop floor I think you can see the beginning shapes taking form …
Today I built something I’v always wanted which will make the application of the aluminum skin easier when I get to that stage. Using some material I had around the shop I fabricated a rotisserie for this and future vehicles that may be in my future.
Here is a shot of the frame standing proud and ready to be rotated with ease.
I purchased the clutch, flywheel and pressure plate needed to size and fit the custom adaptor for attaching the transaxle to the engine and and sent the parts to the machinist for completion. While that is being fabed-up I got a start on making a few of the aluminum panels of the car.
Dick Bear
thats where most of the safety and performance comes from