1965 Lola T70 Inspired scratch build - CanAmSA Build thread

[Fred W B]

And finally the roll bar structure. Weight of this is 13 kg (29 pounds) I bolted in the support for the driver head rest just because it could finally be a part that stays on once and for all. First time I have used locking nuts on the project.

[Fred W B]

Once I had finished cleaning out all the internal threads I could make a start on the aluminium panelling. Although this is a space frame chassis I want to panel the cockpit internal area so that it resembles a monocoque construction. I intended to fit the floor first but as I turned the chassis I realized access to work on the internal side panels is much better with the chassis on its side, and before the floor is fitted.






I make paper templates to aid in cutting reliefs around frame members and brackets. Rough fit it first and then tape bits on to get the final fit-up.




I had some drill templates made with several edge offsets so that I could easily drill the rivets holes equidistant.

[Fred W B]

In some places I am riveting 19 x 19 extruded angle to the chassis to give me a flange to secure to. I figured out a cheat to be able to set rivets at the bottom of a 19 mm U channel with the tooling I have. Just 4 off M4 nuts taped together to make a spacer.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Wow, this is fantastic stuff. Respect to you for keeping up enthusiasm and focus on the build for so long.

[mylittletony]

Not sure how I've missed this, but I'm glad I found it!!

I really love the attention to detail you're putting into it

[Fred W B]

In other news, I had previously bought bolts with suitable grip lengths to suit the suspension attachments. These needed to have the threaded length shortened. Once this was done I had them plated as part of a batch of sundry small parts and other fasteners. 10 kg (22 pounds) total.

[Fred W B]

Back on the chassis paneling, my friend who does the sheet guillotining and press braking suggested that we try putting some stiffening beads in some of the panels. I like how they look.



Currently I have almost finished making the left hand side inner panels, the right hand side will be quicker as they are a mirror image of the left.

[Fred W B]

At some places I want to do an overlap joint so I am experimenting with some makeshift tooling to make a panel thickness joggle.

[yoeddynz]

Great thread! I'd love to have a crack at building a spaceframed mid engine car from scratch but even my Imp is taking long enough!!!

My rotary loving friend oldone (Era de Klerk) would love the 12a powered lotus 7

Keep the updates coming.