Hi everyone,

im toying with the idea of scratch building a midi. will probably be based around 1.4 fiesta.
any advice on design/construction would be appreciated.
im a competent mig welder and generally good at making stuff, however ive never done fibreglass work.
im torn between following the concept of the Mev Rocket i assembled or a more enclosed design.

thanks in advance

Will

First, you shouldn't under estimate the amount of time a project like this takes (check out my F1-2 in my archive).
Also make sure you have enough space. I built my car in a single garage but it was difficult.
It is a good idea to do lots of research on mold making and fibreglassing as this was the most time consuming stage of my build.
You could always save yourself the problem and buy my 1.4 ltr Rover powered rear engined F1-2!

It even comes with the molds
CLICK HERE


Description

[Edited on 10/10/2008 by nitram38]

HI Will

Welcome to the site

see HERE for some thoughts on starting out.

Cheers

Fred W B

To get an idea what it's like to build a midi based on FWD drivetrains, check out the book *cough* in my sig *cough*. I'm currently designing a new one, one that will take zero composite work on the builders part, not not spend $$$$ on a shell.

thanks for the response guys,

theres no time constraint for the project, it will take as long as it takes!

im wondering if i can get away without (or minimal) fibreglass work. it does sound like the most teadious job! avoiding this does favour the 'exposed' style though.

that book looks like a good investment, one for the christmas list.

looking around, suspension tends to be unequal length double wishbone all round, is this the best compromise? in terms of looks/ease of manufacture/function? no point re-inventing the wheel.

thanks again, will.

If you are starting from scratch why not cheat and look around for a set of grp panels that you like and use that to constrain the rest of your design? If you keep your eyes open second hand prosports bodywork is cheapish if you fancy a roof or various sports 2000 bodies come and go.

Do not do what I did which is start chopping metal before the design was at least half thought out.

For suspension first choose your wheels and uprights then take it from there.

Have fun

Hi, welcome to the site!! If you want some ideas, I'm building a Fiesta based car with minimal bodywork. If you check my Blog, it'll give you some idea, not only of what is involved, but how long it can take!!!!

Then, if you have any questions, ask!! The folks here will always have an opinion, sometimes an answer

Best of luck, JC

Surely there's some 'trading' activity going on here!

How come I get lambasted and haven't traded anything??!!

BUY AN LMP IF YOU WANT A GOOD QUALITY MIDI!

There, I said it! Might as well get hounded for something I HAVE done.

Can I add to this with another question? I'm planning on the same thing in essence, can I fix the gearbox and shafts to the back wheels in the same way they are done at the front? If I need to mess about with another box etc I think I'll try something else (although I'm beginning to doubt that'll be the hardest bit)

If I understand the question correctly - yes.

Again, YES.

The only real problem which can arise is the gearchange linkage. The rest is simple.

"The only real problem which can arise is the gearchange linkage. The rest is simple"

If only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm no expert but isn't the linkage basically a rod that transfers gearlever movement to gearchange movement? Surely that's going to be the least of my problems!

With the engine in the back of the car the gear change will, probably, enter fron the rear.

The F1-2 has the engine in the rear and the gearlever was easy. Your main work is in making sure that your suspension will work and making your bodywork.....

Lol the biggest problem I have at the moment is getting a welding course under my belt!

thanks for the input guys, im beginning to get a clear idea of whats what.

nitram38: definately right about suspension, i dont want a VERY fast car but if it doesnt hold the road and steer well....its no use!

does anyone have any drawings/designs/cad of suspension setups which work well for midi's they want to share? it would be much appreciated.

im swaying towards the minimalistic route atm.

has anyone fabricated there own front uprights? conventional car ones seem over kill for such a light car.

sorry its more questions than answers from me at the moment! hopefully one day it will be other way around!

A few ideas about a few things here....

Linky

There are so many factors involving suspension design that it is best to read a suitable book or copy someone elses.
Have a look in my archive for photos of my "homemade" uprights. These again are different depending on your suspension/rack position etc.

Nice webpages Alan!

[Edited on 14/10/2008 by nitram38]

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Originally posted by Alan B
A few ideas about a few things here....

Linky

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Thanks guys. Compliments always welcome and sometimes essential when motivation is low...