Narrow windshield?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Shaneajanderson

The only part I don't have a solution for yet is the steering wheel, and that might be as simple as extending the center steering shaft depending on how the column is setup, haven't looked into it yet.

I've wondered about that aspect myself with my own paper sketches. I don't know if the more common electronic/electric steering would be any easier or just a different set of problems.

One thing I find interesting is that the "Pill Bug" only slightly narrowed it's rear track.

The Schlörwagen or “Pillbug“ – A German futuristic looking experimental aerodynamic vehicle from 1939 …
https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/...-schlor1939-2/


You have to really look to see it.

Other cars with narrower rear tracks:

Porsche 356
EV-1 Chevy Impact
Gen-1 Honda Insight
(not a complete list...........)

https://www.the-blueprints.com/bluep...honda_insight/


We can add to the list, just mentioning it as excessive rear taper isn't going to fit the aero-template in plan, yes there is a plan view to the aero-template most often ignored.

[Shaneajanderson]

Well the metros don't have any power steering so that isn't a concern: just whether I could run a center steering wheel and have the u-joints in the column handle the angle, if it even has u-joints. Again I haven't dug into this much, everything I've told you is just brainstorming at this point.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Shaneajanderson

Well the metros don't have any power steering so that isn't a concern: just whether I could run a center steering wheel and have the u-joints in the column handle the angle, if it even has u-joints. Again I haven't dug into this much, everything I've told you is just brainstorming at this point.

I did not communicate well enough, allow me to try again. I was not talking about hydraulic or electric power assist steering.

Drive by wire, Steering by wire, Digital Steering, Wire Haptic Systems and Columnless Steering are some of the other names often used.

One would hope extending a few wires is all it takes to reposition one of these, but they are sure to be complex and with a many sensors that a couple of extra U-Joints could be the more attractive alternative.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...19057813001043


Drive by wire
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_by_wire

Components such as the steering column, intermediate shafts, pumps, hoses, belts, coolers and vacuum servos and master cylinders are eliminated from the vehicle. This is similar to the fly-by-wire systems used widely in the aviation industry.

I thought these Drive-By-Wire steering systems were pretty common, at least on the from scratch Hybrid and Electric cars.

EDIT:

My problem might be is that I purchased my last new vehicle in 1990, and if I read something was on it's way 10 years ago I might assume it's a done deal already.

Research says the Prius and Insight still have some form of mechanical linkage - my bad.

2017
Steer by wire:
https://mymotorwheels.wordpress.com/...-or-x-by-wire/

The first production vehicle to implement this was the Infiniti Q50. This is not to be confused with Electric Power Steering. Electric Power Steering can be considered as a stage of evolution from mechanical steering to steer by wire systems.

Looks like the mechanical linkage above is a fail-safe backup system.

No way would a layman want to be messing with them computers and sensors, not me anyway.

[Shaneajanderson]

I think safety regs require a mechanical linkage of some sort, same with brakes. Imagine your battery cable comes off and now you have no steering or brakes. It would be a recipe for disaster.

[ennored]

Off road folks use hydraulic steering. Helps them get proper steering geometry since there is no steering shaft linkage. It isn't legal on the street though.

PSC is one supplier.

[Shaneajanderson]

Originally Posted by ennored

Off road folks use hydraulic steering. Helps them get proper steering geometry since there is no steering shaft linkage. It isn't legal on the street though.

PSC is one supplier.

I can see this, loss of steering at 15 mph not near as tragic as it would be at 75 mph.

[ennored]

Originally Posted by Shaneajanderson

I can see this, loss of steering at 15 mph not near as tragic as it would be at 75 mph.

Or faster....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjvCSvY4ygc

(Changed videos, you can see 124 MPH in this one.)

[freebeard]

Yes, that is why I want production windshield. In Michigan weather requires wipers.

If you want to get anything from the thread, you'll need to manage it. You had six posts in the first twenty, but in the last 24 hours the count has almost doubled and is drifting into non-narrow windshield territory.

If you look at the Juke windshield, there is a lot of crown in the upper corners then a transition into a flat wedge shape. If the contour of the header is pulled from the contour of the glass, with Surbaru SVX-style side windows, you'd have a tight little bubble top.

[kach22i]

2011 Nissan JUKE SL
https://erepairables.com/salvage-car...e/vid-31880218

2011 Nissan JUKE SL
Clear
Odometer 102527 Actual Miles
Damaged Salvage Car
Portland, Michigan

Many more:
https://erepairables.com/salvage-car...on/nissan/juke

All I did was Google "salvage title Juke" and click the first link.

Portland is 20 minutes west of Lansing, but I've read there is construction.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Juke

All-wheel drive with torque vectoring is optional on all trims but cannot be paired with a manual transmission.

You wanted a clutch anyway, right?

Windshield, wiper blades, FWD drive-train, instrument cluster, computers, ........seats?

The list of parts is as long or as short as you want.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by hogheadv2

I have been drawing a project in my head for a few years now.
A narrow windshield (with frame would not hurt) is a stumbling block.
What cars in US have the narrowest windshields? Looking for 48 to 52 inches wide. [I have considered delivery truck and/or bus flat glass] Efficiency would be lost getting around the edges.

This group may know some I have not thought to research.

Thank you. Hogheadv2


DOT may not be crucial, Helpful, In Michigan Rain, Snow, Bugs suicide squads hit with little warning. At least one good wiper is needed.

FWD, flush front wheels, single rear, front engine, Big twin trans/w reverse added, chain to differential VW style half shafts out to front wheels. {air , horizontal spring/shock, or push-rod suspension is still on the table.

Seat are to be staggered 6-9 inches. let passengers ride a bit closer to center-line and not crowd each other,,,, conversation not be to the point of rude. Much in line with Morgan construction. wood skinned with aluminum or plastic [fiberglass].



I hope this gives you a better idea of what I'm after.

#Relativity light, sleek powered by 750 Kawasaki w/c horizontal service engine. 27HP stock.




If my math is close, and I can keep it cutting air. I predict 75mph @55-60 mpg. 55-60mph 80+ mpg.... I have found a turbocharger to fit the application if needed.

Whatever it is,it will have to be DOT rated, laminated safety glass.LEXAN may cut it,as some buses use it.You'd have to check.
The best,narrow screens you'd find on LeMans racers,but they're not homologated road cars,and I doubt they'd have DOT certification.
1950s sports cars had narrow screens,but they're nearly flat.
The Bede/ Laser/Pulse cyclecar of the 1980s is DOT rated but could set you back $10,000 if you could get the owners club to sell you one.And it's really narrow.