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.​