Building a 100mpg consumer vehicle

[drmiller100]

top gear had a show with a Tri-Star.

Very very narrow tires, not much power. The thing handled VERY well on the road course.

It's lap times were impressive, mostly becuase the car was light.

If I could get the rear tire to lean, and if anyone could see the leaning tire, and if it didn't mess up the handling of the car, I suppose it might be kind of cool.

But it seems like a LOT of work, and I don't think there is a problem which it will fix.

[skyking]

Just dreaming out loud, man. I know it would improve grip in a corner, so right up your alley with regards to goals.

[divedaddy03]

I've read through this entire thread and it's obvious that we all have opinions...
It seems that there's allot of back and forth ranting/forcing of ideas mainly because of opinions and/or greater or lesser knowledge of an individual about specific things. As a first time observer, it would help allot if quality threads such as this were kept clean from so much ranting and it would shorten the read time.

Doug, I applaud your effort and your car design. Whether it will work as you are hoping?...there's only one way to find out and that's just get if finished and give it a try. I originally seen your website and then found this thread (don't ask me how) but I found it intriguing to be able to look at your design first...then read through this thread (until your posted pics) and then realize what you were all talking about. In my minds picture, it wasn't the same as the real pics! lol
- Have you seen the Zoleco car yet? I really like some of his ideas, I even think that a body like this could easily be created to fit around many different platforms... Thoughts?
- Back to the "Consumer" car topic - Why not build a set of plans (ie. the Vortex or many others) that use parts that can be easily replicated by a DIY'er utilizing a common (in the scrap yard) front end and, easy to be found parts for the rest of the car (this is something I've been considering and will potentially need some direction in).
- You seem rigid in one form of power option, why?

Others on this thread:
Ken, I love the work you're doing with you Zing! I see you're from Atlanta, would love to visit sometime if our paths cross in the future (I'm from SC).

The rest, I love the commentary, there is things on this thread alone that has triggered new thought processes and inquisitive thinking. I wish that I had the Mathematical knowledge that so many of you seem to have!

Wayne
SC

[drmiller100]

Wayne, thank you for your encouragement.

I have probably 1000 hours into the body so far. and another 500 to go.

When I have the body "finsihed", ti will take 40 hours to pull a GOOD permanent mold, and then i can throw out bodies in 5 to 10 hours, depending on quality.

The frame took me several hundred hours to build. I could build the next one in 20 hours with copies of angles and measurements.

Yes, I am thinking of selling bodies and parts of frames so DIY ers can do DIY.

DOT comes tomorrow to hopefully issue VINs.

[divedaddy03]

You bet buddy! Would love to collaborate on ideas if you're open to it sometime.... I'm sure you've seen my post (link in signature).

Good luck with the DOT today, let us know how it goes...I'm pullin' for ya!? :-)

[Grant-53]

Learning mathematics takes time and patience. Start with Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, then Calculus. Use your local library and online articles to find the explanation that makes sense to you. Engineers used applied math and a host of short cuts before pocket calculators or PCs.

A single rear wheel suspension that allows for camber change would likely have four links and some means to allow the drive train to twist. A cog belt might be the most flexible.

[drmiller100]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

Learning mathematics takes time and patience. Start with Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, then Calculus. Use your local library and online articles to find the explanation that makes sense to you. Engineers used applied math and a host of short cuts before pocket calculators or PCs.

A single rear wheel suspension that allows for camber change would likely have four links and some means to allow the drive train to twist. A cog belt might be the most flexible.

It is amazing I managed to build my car without helpful advice such as this.

[ecomodded]

I don't think having the tire lean is at all important, having the car lean in its suspension and shocks is.
The suspension leans the car no need to lean the tire, it will be leaning in the rim.

Wow i sure used the word lean enough..

[drmiller100]

Originally Posted by ecomodded

I don't think having the tire lean is at all important, having the car lean in its suspension and shocks is.
The suspension leans the car no need to lean the tire, it will be leaning in the rim.

Wow i sure used the word lean enough..

just like a 4 wheel car does???

[ecomodded]

Yes sir ree bob. Seems people are forgetting that the reason a bike leans is because its suspension does not.