Australian Modifications

[kiwicanfly]

I am aware that in Australia the Rocket had to have a nose-cone added and, I believe, the frame stengthened for tosional deflection (correct me if wrong on that one).

I am bothered that New Zealand might accept the same stance.

Therefore can anyone advise what was changed to meet torsional requirements and can this be done to a standard frame by a qualified welder?

I am hoping the Australian frame is not an exclusive design.

Well actually I am hoping it is not an issue at all in New Zealand.

[ugglee]

Hi,

I don't know what the modifications to the chassis were but the nose cone was a pedestrian friendly design. The MEV cars are being imported to Australia by Southam Automotive Engineering so I guess they would be the best to ask.
I guess you could always order a kit through them and get the mods done for you.
This is their website.

www.southam.com.au/

Cheers

Lee

[kiwicanfly]

Yep the nose modification allows Rocket owners to hit pedestrians at higher speed! I think it also because blood and gore wipes off GRP easier than off metal.

From Southams web site.

"The nose of the Rocket has been specifically designed and manufactured to comply with Department of Transport requirements to make the front of the vehicle pedestrian friendly."


However also from Southams web site is the follwing.

"The major development items were increasing torsional stiffness of the chassis without altering the external appearance,"

I believe these torsional stiffness requirements were made due to legislation.

I am still trying to find out whether this extra stiffness will be a requirment in NZ soo I am looking for more info on same.

[nzexo]

Hi Kiwicanfly
There is already a rocket on the road over here in New Zealand - a guy called Stuart Ledingham, I think he's in Blenheim (might have that wrong though). I'm 90% sure his is a UK version.
You're best bet would be to contact him (he's registered on this forum or you'd get him via Road Track Race).
If you can't get him, go onto the LVVTA website here (www.lvvta.org.nz) and look up you're nearest certifier - they'd be able to give you a good set of pointers as to getting a Rocket on the road.
Good luck, stay in touch
Tom (selling the Exocet kits here in NZ!)

[kiwicanfly]

Hi Tom,

I think I contacted you a few weeks ago after I saw your ad on TradeMe, hows it going with the Exocets?

Been trying to get hold of Stuart but belive he might be out of the country again. Is his on the road yet? I was under the impression he is still in the process of building but it could be finished.

Have asked RTR to contact him on behalf as they will have his direct contacts but obviously can't give them out. I actually think he is in Wellington but might be wrong on that.

I am pretty sure he took the Kit In A Box option from the UK but the guys at LVVA have not seen his build to date and have not got a ruling on the Rocket as yet.

How were they over the Exocet? I presume you have clearance so that would be a plus mark for MEV designs I guess.

I personally am at the point where I am trying to give RTR money and have a kit build slot booked. They talked of a late July slot available but I am yet to be advised how to actually get the money over.

Looking like I am going the Kit In A Box route - not the cheapest but probably more realistic for my situation.

If I am up in Auckland it would be good to have a look at the Exocet out of interest.

Cheers

Rob

[roadtrackrace]

Mar 31, 2012 3:56:11 GMT kiwicanfly said:

I personally am at the point where I am trying to give RTR money and have a kit build slot booked. They talked of a late July slot available but I am yet to be advised how to actually get the money over.

Bank details have now been emailed over to you Rob. Good to see you on the forum already.

RTR

[nzexo]

Hi Rob, I hadn't connected the dots - that you were the guy I replied to a couple of weeks ago!
Neil Fraser came for his first look over the Exocet the other day. Due to how much of the MX5 is retained, it makes his job much easier. He gave me a few pointers to work on as the build progresses, nothing big, so it should be a very straight forward process.
If you haven't already had the heads-up from your local LVVTA certifier, a couple of quick items you'll need to think about.
- brake lines must be steel, copper not allowed
- seat anchorages on RHS need crush tubes welded into them, min 3 mm wall thickness (best to have tapped inserts put in). Maybe get RTR to make this tweak before powder-coating if you're going that route.
Great to hear the project is starting - good luck, stay in touch and definitely come for a look/drive in the Exocet when next in Auckland.
Cheers, Tom

[kiwicanfly]

Hi Tom,

Yep I am that bloke - well hopefully others have contacted you re the Exocet but I asked about Rockets specifically.

I have got me a certifier and ran the basic issue of the torsional strength by him plus the 'general idea' by the LVVA. No issues as yet.

When I get access to the technical forum plus details of the kit contents I will put in an application to LVVA, hopefully that will not raise any uglies and hopefully can get any specials specked well before the build slot date arrives.

I plan to call RTR tonight and get my deposit paid.

Your reference to steel brakes lines and seat anchorages I presume is for all low volume vehicles however I have not seen details of what RTR suply on both these items.

I will be up in Auckland on Fri 20th leaving Sunday. Where are you based? Wouldn't mind popping over if I get time.

Cheers

Robert

[seakiwi]

Its worth a look at Tom's build Rob if you can, gave me the feeling its going to be pretty straight forward to build the Exocet.