Building a car from scratch- how would YOU do it? - Page 12 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

my first gmc · 02-27-2009, 01:26 AM

I have this idea in my head of a car i would like to build, very low car with an aluminum frame, with a rwd trans-axle plug in electric drive, with a small bio-diesel/vegi oil generator in the front to power it at "highway" speeds. I think it would be cool.

oops. just saw that i cant have a hybrid.

snuggle.pants · 03-01-2009, 08:08 PM

I am planning a series hybrid based on a sand car chassis. It will be 2 seat with a body kit and doors. The IC engine will provide heat in the winter, not to severe in central TX. I would think a small diesel 2 or 3 cyc engine would do well if you wanted no electrics but fuel is currently 2.05 a gallon, bonus you could use veggi oil recovered from a greasy spoon resturant. It worked well in my 95 F-350 truck.

FastPlastic · 03-01-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoil9

Forgive me if any of these are reposts as I did not read 6 pages of posts. But this are three designs I would love to see...

The last two would not be very practical, but I think they would be a blast to drive.

Looks like this one comes with an auto ejection seat with a 100-500ft range (depending on speed of course).

Frank Lee · 03-01-2009, 10:52 PM

Looksta me like there ain't enough tire.

hypermiler01 · 03-02-2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoil9

The last two would not be very practical, but I think they would be a blast to drive.

The designer should seriously rethink the ratio of sprung to unsprung weight on that one.

armygreywolf · 03-04-2009, 04:41 PM

Mazda Miata with a Common Rail VW 1.9L TDI motor. Lowered 2 inches, hard top conversion and for good measure, Tube framed front half with fiberglass one piece hood and fenders. OR same deal with the S2000.

From scratch? Just a small tube frame side by side much like the atom but still using the 1.9L TDI motor.

evolutionmovement · 03-26-2009, 10:20 PM

I've got a few. The one I'm looking to build for now is technically a motorcycle in most jurisdictions. I'd take an old Cessna 150/2 fuselage, add an internal cage for strength, 2 wheels in front similar to the Aptera, single rear wheel under the truncated tail, powered by a Subaru EJ22. The windshield would be laid back a little further and split into threes with the wide center piece flat safety glass for legality in any jurisdiction allowing the use of wipers. The side pieces would be acrylic and blend into the side in a similar manner as the original 1-piece. The interior would be inspired by aircraft, pre-war exotics, and high end contemporary furniture.

Completely from scratch would be a tandem two-seat tadpole with a design based on WWII fighters (I have several) and a sliding canopy for entrance and exit (I hate doors). Front engine, rear-drive, Honda S2000 drivetrain. The room for groceries would be the cramped second seat (setup like a Messerschmitt, but my vehicle would be about the size of a compact car), however, but I don't know any women that would dare sit there anyways. The canopy would be SmartGlass to cut down on heat issues. Yeah, unless my books sell like Steven King, I'll never have the cash.

I regret not jumping on the cheap Cessna fuselage I saw, so I think I'm going to go with a heavily aero-modded Miata this summer. It's a cheap way to learn some of the things I'll need to figure out if I ever get the chance at the other designs. The Miata's going to be a single seater with a sliding tear-drop canopy over the driver's side, with the main body covered over like a '50's endurance racer and an extended boattail rear.

bennelson · 03-30-2009, 10:24 PM

I never realized the Flintstones were British!

They have right-hand drive!

artificer · 05-05-2009, 11:34 AM

One vehicle I haven't seen mentioned is the XR3. I've got the plans, and intend to build one, if I can ever get the Kubota D902 diesel engine. (3 cyl 23hp) I might build it and bolt a small gas lawnmower engine to it to start. $500 vs $3000 for just the new engine.

125mpg supposedly on diesel only. Can be hybrid or all electric. Good plans. Helpful group of fellow builders.

Lets see if this link to a pic loads.

The website for the XR3
Michael

thedutchtouch · 05-05-2009, 02:21 PM

is money no concern? i'd build a carbon fiber monocoque trike powered by some type of motorcycle engine.

if money IS a concern, i'd just buy one of those 40-80cc motor kits and stick it on my bicycle. ICE- human hybrid.

i have the skill/ability to do either, just not the funding for #1.