Elio Type Vehicle Resurection --- AKA the BEX

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

The front suspension is all mounted, and very pleased with it's mounting design, and simplicity, especially to reproduce it.
- That's the way it's "mounted", not that it's "design" is getting bigger

And yes, the coil spring isn't on the left front suspension at the moment, I need to be able to check various things that the spring inhibits.​

Sorry about the poor quality pictures, the bright glare in the shop late afternoon makes it difficult.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Today got the fuel tank fully mounted.

Very pleased that the tank's weight is spread 100% over the front and rear flanges, and not the bolts, which merely hold it in place.

I had to make the rear tank crossmember removable via 2 x bolts, or else the tank would be impossible to remove.​

8 gallons before someone asks, again ...

[markiver54]

I'm wondering where the tank fill inlet will be? perhaps that is what I see to the left of the spring?

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

The suspension all fits, zero bump steer, everything looks right for the moment, so pulled everything back off again, and welded it all up.

You can see the spring is back on the left front, but boy did it put up a fight. Had to modify the spring compressor to make it work and a special guide tool to get the strut shaft through the spring cap hole, weird because I've had it on and off twice before, and suddenly wouldn't work today ..

[JEBar]

I'm wondering where the tank fill inlet will be? perhaps that is what I see to the left of the spring?

while a change could happen, the picture below shows the outer shell Mark has selected .... it clearly shows the fuel port on what would be the driver's side of a standard 4 wheel vehicle

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Getting the office together.

Not a simple deal for the steering, figuring out multiple adjustment capability to suit people from 5ft tall, to 6'6" tall ...

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

First time on it's wheels ...

link to youtube video ====> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3zFWPk7Bhs

[JEBar]

in response to the comment : "at certain angles this video makes it look like the thing is slammed to the ground.​"


Mark commented : "Optical illusion due to the tapering in towards the rear.

Fact is, it's sitting high at the front because there's no engine in it, 7", and 5" towards the rear.

Guy asked me before "What sort of ground clearance does it have"? - My simple answer: "Air".​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Engine in and the 2 main engine mounts done, with the minor 'dogbone' mount yet to go, and brake master cylinder in for clearance checks.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Today made up an internal steering column mount, red arrows, that not only supports the steering column, but helps with the struture's rigidity as well.

I also moved the front wheels forward by 3/4", easy task, see the drawing where I have exaggerated it, so you can understand how I did it. The rear pivot was simply moved outwards, which pushes the lower ball joint forward, as simple as drilling a new hole each side.

Moved forward because I didn't like the firewall clearance or the CV driveshaft angle.​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

I have been working on the steering column top mount.

Like everything, it's not just for me, but needs to have a lot of adjustment to suit 5' to 6'6" drivers.

Got a rotten cold and haven't left the house today, but will go to the laser shop soon to pick up the parts for the 4th iteration of an adjustable mount, hope it's the final one.​

This is the 4th steering column mount, it's not something you can just design and make, you need to sit in a seat, hold the steering wheel, and judge physically were the wheel should be, and where it should be for others.

Bottom row is rough scrap version, through to improved versions with mods.

Seems to be right now, but until I decide on the actual seat, sit in it and drive it to see the comfort factor, there might be a 5th version yet, so that's why it's bolted in, not welded in. ​

[JEBar]

when asked : "Speaking of steering columns, I am curious if there will be a "rag joint" in the steering column??"

Mark BEX responded : " No, you can see quite clearly in a number of pictures, 2 x universal joints .."

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Sorry, not much of a report, as I have been laid up for 4 days with a shocking bout of Flu, I think Facebook gave it to me as extra punishment ( I went to Facebook jail for a week).

The other few days I have been sorting out the shop, including dismembering prototypes and older projects, as I am about to move the factory about 100 yards away, so taking the chance to sort it all out now to improve efficiency. Not even sure when the move will be, days or weeks to make matters worse.

On the car itself, concentrating on mounting the very front stuff, radiator, fan, A/C condensor etc.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

As you see by the shadows of the factory lights, working late into the night developing the very front structure to support the radiator and air conditioner condenser ..

[markiver54]

Wow, that's a huge radiator.

[JEBar]

Wow, that's a huge radiator.

my thought exactly .... I've asked Mark about it and will post what he says

[JEBar]

In response to me commenting to him about the large the radiator ....

Mark BEX stated,

"Unusually so, it's because it's only 2 rows, i.e. very thin. I would have prefered a little thicker and more offset to the left for weight bias, but not going to argue with a setup that a few million cars successfully driving around.

Leaves room for a battery low and left, which is good.​"

[markiver54]

I guess if the final body design will accommodate it then no big deal. I guess that was part of my initial thought.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

As some of you might imagine, figuring out the front stuff is quite tricky, also has to do with beginning the process of building up the front bodywork, positioning and clearances around the radiator and air conditioning condensor among other items.

Please be patient.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Woah, a lot of work for a very small visual update.

Radiator and air con condenser lower frame mount is done, lot of work in it, Now to make a simple top bracket/brace for them both.​