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Post by OnrampApex on Apr 27, 2016 0:54:42 GMT
I should have started this a while ago, but at the glacial pace of my build, catching up should be no problem. I sold all my other "projects" and bought a Rocket a while back, and I've been putting it together in my tiny garage in Laurel, Maryland (USA). I'm a mechanical engineer with a pretty good automotive background.
As soon as I figure out how to upload pictures, I'll start posting some of those to catch up!
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Post by minuit on Feb 25, 2018 21:43:24 GMT
Are you still working on yours? It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to work on mine. ;-/
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 1:25:21 GMT
I had some unexpected delays... including a move (still in Maryland though - Columbia area). I'm finally getting back to it now. How about yours?
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 3:13:08 GMT
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 3:20:56 GMT
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 3:36:16 GMT
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 3:42:59 GMT
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 4:11:39 GMT
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 4:17:41 GMT
Seat brackets - I didn't want to rivnut vertically into the tubes, or weld anything to my pre-powder coated frame, so I schemed up some brackets that bolt horizontally through the frame tubes, and bolt vertically to the seat sliders. Concept image: Starting to machine the blocks (using mill at work): Blocks bolted to seat sliders, with a spacer plate holding the sliders the correct distance apart and parallel: Blocks installed: A little more detail: I started with cardboard, evolved to wood, than translated that shape into SolidWorks 3D CAD, printed full scale templates, massaged them until it REALLY fit well, then traded some donuts for some CNC machinist time to cut out 4 identical blocks that the seat rests on: More donuts got me some brackets welded to the outside - I thought I wanted them inset more than the Sparco seat sliders liked to be, to put the bolts in a better spot on the seats: Resulting product. Same son as in the early pictures - that's how long it took to get to this spot I'm not in love with the height of the seats - the drivers in particular seems to put my legs touching the bottom of the steering wheel. Maybe the eventual smaller steering wheel will fix it, but at this point I think it's realistically better to build something and get it on the road, then improve in-place than it is to constantly take it apart and improve it...!
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 11, 2018 15:52:12 GMT
I have a lot of history with SolidWorks 3D CAD, so I thought i would make a 3D model of the Rocket when I started. The frame is pretty good, and I'll definitely use it to design most parts I add, but I lost interest in drawing in many of the parts "other people" built - seats, engine, etc - takes too long to get accurate! If anything I might have placeholders showing important interfaces, but who knows. It takes time away from actually building.
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 20, 2018 2:55:11 GMT
Got someone with some skills helping me wrap the forward bulkhead...
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Post by jacksdad on Nov 20, 2018 8:43:08 GMT
Just wanted to say really nice work takes me back 5 years !! Really like the seat support work i was thinking the very same design around your blocks and sideways bolts - very nice - i too have a solid works rendered car I find it addictive to add stuff : rather than going out to the v cold garage at the moment! Did notice you still have the lower rear wishbone supports that have raised some questions around strength - are you planning a supporting cross bar for these ? Ace build
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Post by kiwicanfly on Nov 20, 2018 8:47:19 GMT
Not sure which I am impressed with the most, not only did you manage to rope in your wife (?) to help but you also got car parts into the house
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Post by kiwicanfly on Nov 20, 2018 8:53:45 GMT
Did notice you still have the lower rear wishbone supports that have raised some questions around strength - are you planning a supporting cross bar for these ? Not sure if either you have looked at my latest video where I had an altercation with a 600kg hay bale at 94kph? Despite shearing the steering rack off, bending a stub axle and steering arm my suspension mounts never moved. I believe this is due to the mod I made last year. Unfortunately welding is required though.
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Post by OnrampApex on Nov 24, 2018 4:31:26 GMT
Did notice you still have the lower rear wishbone supports that have raised some questions around strength - are you planning a supporting cross bar for these ? Thanks for the heads-up - I have not been tracking that issue. is the concern on the outer end or inboard, at the chassis?
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