CarBEN EV5 Full Sized Prototype Construction - 5 Seat Electric Car From Scratch

[freebeard]

WindyDrew -- When you get sufficient posts, put up some pics. Maybe in your own thread. I would like to see what your direction is. There are tadpole threads in progress, have you seen them?

NeilBlanchard -- Further to the Austin 1800; here's the same suspension geometry rendered in Volkswagen parts:


I like the tetrahedronal rocker arms, but if they were asymetrical the coilovers could reach past each other. Another possibility would be a [splined] deDion solid axle, with Watts linkage/4-bars carried by the firewall bulkhead:

[Galane]

Are those pics from a kit car magazine? Looks like someone built a really fancy Porsche Speedster replica.

[freebeard]

I scanned those myself. I'm not much of an archivist, I guess. I didn't annotated them with the source.

Two different cars, two diifferent magazine, my guess would be VW Greats and a kit car magazine, respectively.

Here's another example of what you might find under a rust-'patina' Beetle body:

[Galane]

A lot of work to put into keeping the swing axle suspension instead of updating to the trailing arm type.

Another place to get suspension ideas from, motorcycles. Look at the one-sided swingarm types.

[rodaniel]

Neil, I'm new to this forum and completely outside the car-modding community but I'm so in awe of CarBEN! Truly, this is a jaw-dropping project!

The shape of CarBEN is very reminiscent of a cowfish (goo.gl/1ZOxs) - and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible! (Cowfish are very cool li'l dudes!)

I can't put my finger on it, but there are parts of the read profile that make me think of my Honda Element. Someone mentioned the idea of having backseats that pivot up and bucket into the walls, much like the Element's. It's a low-tech option that transforms the interior into a cavernous space.

Anxiously awaiting your next batch of progress photos!

[TheSGC]

I think this is just great, I can't wait to see it in action. The rear door reminds me of a Star Trek shuttle craft.

Dude, I just realized you are the next town over from me!

[NeilBlanchard]

David, we should get together! I'd like to see your Civic, for sure.

[freebeard]

rodaniel -- You're close:

Mercedes-Benz's work based on the boxfish.

Galane -- Extreme negative camber is popular with the posers.

[Galane]

Androbot's TOPO had them all beat on extreme negative camber.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBaVhRDoFo8

[freebeard]

I won't post the link in the hope we get back on topic; but <<Heathkit hero Jr. Start up >> is a real blast from the past.

But why the square shouldered tires?