Elio Type Vehicle Resurection --- AKA the BEX

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

I found a shop in my city who says they can produce the chassis, a 'one stop shop', so the last few days I have been adjusting and converting the appropriate computer files to suit their software.

I will get them to make a sample and we shall see the result.

While waiting, here is a picture of some onions to entertain you ..​

[JEBar]

in answer to a PM as to it being a few days since Mark has posted .... all's going well ....

he's found a shop that take care of the entire production of a production chassis .... by that he means all the way from getting the materials to cutting them out and assembling them ..... he's very busy putting all this together

in my mind, this is a big step forward

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

(see first picture) So I had a local shop construct the first complete chassis (under my supervision) from drawing to finished, as per my aim for a 'one stop shop' for laser cutting, folding, trimming, assembly, and welding.

It all went smooth and within my demands, except I am still not 100% happy with the welding, being well strong enough, but the aesthetic aspect of the welds could be better.

It really is a simpler product now, and some might notice the cleaner look to the floor pan being just 2 pieces now (started with 6!).​


(see second picture) A comparison of transport here, my chassis being taken back to my shop on a 3 wheeler of course, being one of the smaller engineering shops in my city, next to a gas turbine made by one of the biggest engineering works not just in my city, but in the world!

[JEBar]

IN RESPONSE TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION : "just curious .... from looking at your chassis I can't see any way to attach a rear hitch capable of towing a small motorcycle type trailer ..?.. is that feature still in the works"

MARK RESPONDED : "Yes."


I am very happy to hear this

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ...

The underfloor bracing is done, all welded in except the front of the right hand tunnel which is a bolted on plate, arrows, so the exhaust can be easily installed

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Rear swingarm simplified and should be made tomorrow.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

And tomorrow arrives ..

Looks just like the CAD model ...

3 piece part there by the way, though it looks like one piece.​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

That's how the 3 pieces and how simple and easy it is to make.

Flat 90° folded sheet. Minimal welding involved too.​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Now it really looks like the CAD model, candy apple red color even!


People ask about a tow hitch, last night after staring at the CAD model for a few hours (not joking), it finally hit me how to do it while integrating the mount for the suspension swingarm.

Bit hard to explain at the moment, but the 6 straps you see, yellow arrows, are the foundation for it.
​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

I designed this over the last few hours, the red tow hitch fits/bolts into the pink folded part that piggybacks onto the chassis, and internally strengthens it to be able to mount the rear swing arm pivots to it.

Yes there's enough room to remove the wheel.​