Building a car from scratch- how would YOU do it?

[MazdaMatt]

I'd use one of these:
CANOPIES FOR HOMEBUILTS from Aircraft Spruce

[evolutionmovement]

That was going to be my original source for the sliding portion of the Miata canopy, something like a Vans RV3, but with 3-piece glass windshielding like a P-51 for legality, wipers, and reduction of distortion. I changed my mind, though, and am doing a similar design, but simpler so I can fab it myself and have the D-Type fin I've always wanted in a car.

[jason1973tl]

O.K. So I know I am reviving an old thread but it goes right along with what I am building. I am building a reverse trike that will eventually be electric, but will start out with a 250cc engine with 4speed tranny with reverse I saw for about 650 bucks. I have read a lot of threads but have just now got into the whole mileage thing. My design will be a tapered teardrop shape with a hacked off rear end. It will be reminiscent of Dave Clouds Dolphin car but with a bubble canopy in front as a door.

Sorry cant post pictures here yet. Gotta have 5 posts or more. Search Lattimer Human Hybrid Co. on facebook to see some.

[Hal]

Check out the Boss Hoss...Chevy 350 engine, two speed transmission in a "motorcycle". A guy I work with owns one and drives it to work occasionally (his car is a Hummer!). Looks cool but efficien it is NOT. Also seems to me the excess heat from that big engine would just roast you out of the saddle.

[jason1973tl]

This is a preview of my design. I hope someone with more artistic talent will be able to make a 3d view for me.[ATTACH]Project sketches.jpg[/ATTACH]

[Hal]

The vehicle I am building is intended as a commuter so it is a single-seat tadpole trike powered by a small motorcyle engine; 250 - 350cc with fuel injection. I currently commute year-round on a motorcycle and just don't enjoy the cold rainy winter rides as much as I used to... For the body I am using a semi-monocoque built of carbon fiber/nomex honeycomb panels (I used to work for an aerospace composites manufacturer so I have a number of panels that were consindered unacceptable for aircraft use but are perfectly sound) with fiberglass over foam for the body. As for styling think of a cross between Trev and the California Commuter.

[NeilBlanchard]

Here's what I am contemplating:

CarBEN Model -- 1/24th scale model and 3D computer model for EV

[XJguy]

Simple, copy the Olds Aerotech...done.

[navivovas]

Hello!
Triane is looking very good!But his engine is archaic...

[Creeper]

Hmm this something that I have been contemplating for a few years now and hoping to start in the near future. Mind you the logistics behind it will be difficul to compleat. Reason being is making the vehicle aero dynamic by remove the mirrors alltogether Switch to camers only. Single cockpit style body but cable of seating atleast 2-4 passengers plus cargo 4wheel design however the body will be built around the fram allowing the wheals to turn inside the body. Eliminating the drag over the tires. I have the welding kit to make it out of a tube fram a bit of weight for safty is perfectly fine. I was contemplating a VW TDI engine, Smartfor Two, or Fiat 500 Turbo 2cylender one. Rear mounted, mated to a manual gear box. It would be difficult but this is atleast 2-3 years away from even starting, so for now I'm just reasearching on variouse engines to use Diesel would be preferable with a bio diesel conversion. If it has to be Gas it I would stick with either a Honda or Fiat engine.