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Old 12-21-2013, 10:53 AM   #167 (permalink)
More air less fuel
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Webster NY
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So many questions!
About the windshield, it was purchased from McLaren in England for about $1000 back in 1987. It has the AS1 designation which relates to laminated safety glass, the correct material for a FRONT window. The car was a race car and I forget which model. The same window was used in the "Hard Castle McCormick" TV show car, I think it was called the Coyote. (1985?)
The body was made from urethane foam sheets from an industrial insulation company and then covered with glass and epoxy resin. (not polyester) Sanded and filled with epoxy fillers, primed with high solids epoxy primers, did I mention ,SANDED !, (forever!)
Painted with base coat cleat coat automotive paints.(DuPont)

The final drive is all set, it's the fifth gear that might change. Will be a little taller. If I go to far, it gets a bit funny in the shifting, the "spacing" between ratios goes out the window. Really needs a 10 speed, but that's going too crazy...It's all about keeping the antiquated internal combustion engine in it's "sweet Spot" in regards to rpm and load.

As for registering it in NY., it was easy. Just filled out a form that was titled "Homebuilt" and took it for a stolen parts inspection after I finished it. I know, sounds crazy! But that was it. Maybe things have changed since 1987, don't know. Go to your DMV and ask....

About he radiator, yes it is in the front for weight distribution reasons. It was originally in the back, but I realized that I made a mistake and changed that. Air flow was a *****, always needed a fan and the back was tail happy. Now, the fan NEVER turns on, what a waste of a really nice PWM fan motor control!

As for tuft testing, funny you should mention that. Just a few months ago my friend said, "remember when you covered this thing in yarn pieces and I drove it and you followed with a camera?" Man, I hardly recall that but, yea, we did do that! People in town had no idea what we were up to. The underside of the rear was a bit turbulent, but hey, what do you want from a 22 year old kid with no money?

Whoever made the photos better, thank you!

As for the tire situation, I will be checking into 185's also. Just not sure when.
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