Post by stifmeister on Jul 6, 2010 17:12:26 GMT -5
Hi Guys,
Just a quick one as an intro and an outline of my take on the Terrapin which I've been gathering bits for this last few months.
I received half of the plans from Allan's daughter Clare a little while back and now have a basic chassis tacked together. My intention is to power it with a Honda Fireblade engine I've had lying around for a while.
I also have a large amount of parts suitable for a Locost build which was postponed and I investigated the use of these Ford bits on the Terrapin build. To my surprise and interest it seems with a bit of adjustment here and there the Sierra diff I acquired, the shafts, hubs, springs, dampers, front uprights, brakes, pedal box, Escort steering rack etc etc can all be worked into the Terrapin Mk1 design.
Obviously being bike powered, a chain diff is required and this is now 90% complete (with a sprocket and inboard discs supplied by Doug Anderson) and almost ready to be offered up to the chassis to sort out fitting with the engine. The plan states that the dimensions are suited for a 5'8" driver such as myself and when tried with a mock up seat, and floor mounted pedal box located, the driving position (which I was dubious about) is perfect for me.
To accommodate the engine and diff I've had to lengthen the engine bay to give as long a drivechain as possible - this also increases the wheelbase by 100mm but coupled with the slight increase in track governed by the rack and by using a Sierra "rear" end the ratio isn't really out of place. Whilst I'm keeping to the spirit of the original design, I'm doing some things slightly different more for ease of construction than anything and I think this is where the attraction lies for me in building this car as you can be as individual or as traditional as you like .
So that's really where I am....a very long way to go and the hardest thing I have ever tackled car wise but already hugely enjoying the build process. Once I get the rest of the plans from Clare, then the next major task will be the suspension. When I get some photos sorted I'll post 'em up.
Cheers
Nick
Just a quick one as an intro and an outline of my take on the Terrapin which I've been gathering bits for this last few months.
I received half of the plans from Allan's daughter Clare a little while back and now have a basic chassis tacked together. My intention is to power it with a Honda Fireblade engine I've had lying around for a while.
I also have a large amount of parts suitable for a Locost build which was postponed and I investigated the use of these Ford bits on the Terrapin build. To my surprise and interest it seems with a bit of adjustment here and there the Sierra diff I acquired, the shafts, hubs, springs, dampers, front uprights, brakes, pedal box, Escort steering rack etc etc can all be worked into the Terrapin Mk1 design.
Obviously being bike powered, a chain diff is required and this is now 90% complete (with a sprocket and inboard discs supplied by Doug Anderson) and almost ready to be offered up to the chassis to sort out fitting with the engine. The plan states that the dimensions are suited for a 5'8" driver such as myself and when tried with a mock up seat, and floor mounted pedal box located, the driving position (which I was dubious about) is perfect for me.
To accommodate the engine and diff I've had to lengthen the engine bay to give as long a drivechain as possible - this also increases the wheelbase by 100mm but coupled with the slight increase in track governed by the rack and by using a Sierra "rear" end the ratio isn't really out of place. Whilst I'm keeping to the spirit of the original design, I'm doing some things slightly different more for ease of construction than anything and I think this is where the attraction lies for me in building this car as you can be as individual or as traditional as you like .
So that's really where I am....a very long way to go and the hardest thing I have ever tackled car wise but already hugely enjoying the build process. Once I get the rest of the plans from Clare, then the next major task will be the suspension. When I get some photos sorted I'll post 'em up.
Cheers
Nick