MG Midget + Geo Metro 3cyl = MGeo

[nimblemotors]

Originally Posted by Frankencar

Might need to go if you are bringing that. Been following your thread for a while & I love that build! I have always wanted to build a Midget - ever since the first time I rode in my Dad's 73' MG. Are you bringing it for sure?

I have signed up to show the car. Always possible I won't finish it (enough) to be proud enough to show it, but I can get a lot done in two weeks...

[Frankencar]

Originally Posted by nimblemotors

I have signed up to show the car. Always possible I won't finish it (enough) to be proud enough to show it, but I can get a lot done in two weeks...

You can do it!

I think I will just attend... maybe show the car too? hmmm... decisions...

[UFO]

Originally Posted by nimblemotors

I don't think this is much of an issue, there are 4 serial, 3 cells in parallel, all three must go to zero volts so the rest must take up the 14.5 volts. That is really just 5 volts per cell each, don't think that will cause them to blow up.
It isn't like NiMH or NiCad that will explode if overcharged, LiFePo will not keep taking in a charge when full.

I'm not sure you understand my concern. You've got to limit the current once you hit 3.6V per cell, and if one cell is low impedance because it's failing, you will keep pushing your full current into the rest of the stack of fully charged cells. A cell over 4.2V will be at risk of thermal runaway, as that is energy not going into storage, so the remaining 3 good cells will overheat.

Are you limiting your charge current with the alternator?

[ron]

very cool, I too am thinking about attending. finished or not drag that bad boy out , DROOL never hurt a build

[nimblemotors]

Finally got the headlights in and the grill done.
I was thinking of keeping it underwraps till finished, but just can't do it,
gotta share my excitement.
The headlights are from an e-class mercedes, but just the covers, the actual headlights are projector lenses from a 7-series BMW. Turn signals are LEDs like the taillights. And just like the tail lights, the front lights (and horn) are controlled wirelessly from the dashboard processor, so just a single 12v wire runs to the headlights.



What might not be so clear, is that the grill is the ultimate grill block.
It isn't a grill at all, but a picture of a bugeye grill done in vinyl !!
So it is a complete "grill block" with a totally smooth surface, but gives me the "look".

[320touring]

Originally Posted by nimblemotors

Finally got the headlights in and the grill done.
I was thinking of keeping it underwraps till finished, but just can't do it,
gotta share my excitement.
The headlights are from an e-class mercedes, but just the covers, the actual headlights are projector lenses from a 7-series BMW. Turn signals are LEDs like the taillights. And just like the tail lights, the front lights (and horn) are controlled wirelessly from the dashboard processor, so just a single 12v wire runs to the headlights.



What might not be so clear, is that the grill is the ultimate grill block.
It isn't a grill at all, but a picture of a bugeye grill done in vinyl !!
So it is a complete "grill block" with a totally smooth surface, but gives me the "look".

Looks like a cool racing aero version of a frog-eyed prite!

good work

[UFO]

That looks sooo nice!

[cyclist916]

This is turning out so great!
Personally I would have made it clear that there isn't a grill, as a sort of political statement against oversized grills, but your way is a lot funnier certainly.

[nimblemotors]

The crunch is on, but no compromises or short cuts.

I've got the difficult fabrication done on the doors. I converted the doors into "suicide" doors, doors that open from the front. Let's call them sroods, or reverse doors, I like that better. It is much easier to get into the car with doors like this, because your don't step into this car, you must swing your legs in/out and the door is in the way if hinged in front.

I discarded the very heavy stock hinges and door latches. My first attempt at fabricating hinges in aluminum wasn't successful (too much play), so I used door hinges from my parts Prius but cut out most of the weight, and I only have one hinge,
so its not too heavy but very sturdy. The door latches are from a Taurus, but again I removed everything not needed. And if you notice, I put the latch on the car and the pin on the door, normal cars do it the opposite.
As I have no external door handles, no point in putting the extra weight of the latch on the doors. The otherside should not take 3 days to do..

[nimblemotors]

well, I didn't finish and get to the Green Car Expo.
Did anyone else go to the expo? what was it like? what did you see? pics?

I'm pretty close to getting the car painted now.

I'm working on the windshield frame. I think I will change it so the glass fits like a modern car, this gives it a flush fit. It will also let me permanently mount the frame to the car since it won't need to be disassembled to replace the glass.