Creating UBERCLAM! Was "Repairing the clam" - Page 3 - LotusTalk

Randy Chase · 03-18-2006, 08:58 AM

Michael, we are investigating now what it would take to further modify the front clam.

1. Remove the rectangular license plate mount.*
2. Remove the jowls and make a smooth arc.*
3. Remove the steps on the bottom and make the entire bottom one flat surface.*
4. Add a removable carbon-kevlar splitter to the bottom.
5. Add abrasion protection strips.
6. Add interior strengthening at key points.

Tracy, good idea, I will look into it... but on first glance, it is pretty crowded under the clam. Amazing 3D design really.

*Pending investigation of SCCA legality in Prepared class.

Andrikos · 03-18-2006, 09:00 AM

Randy, are you going to fill in the seam on the nose for an Exige look?

Yeti · 03-18-2006, 09:01 AM

Don't F1 cars use wood planks underneath for bottoming out. Would the same thing work under the front lip to protect it?

TimMullen · 03-18-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

2. Remove the jowls and make a smooth arc.*
3. Remove the steps on the bottom and make the entire bottom one flat surface.*

I would be concerned that the step shape in the middle and the winglets on the sides are aerodynamically functional - removing/altering them may affect things,

Quote:

4. Add a removable carbon-kevlar splitter to the bottom.

Of course this would negate the concerns about the other...

Randy Chase · 03-18-2006, 09:28 AM

The step shape only is on the very front, the bottom pan is flat, so the step shape appears to me to be more structural than aero. But maybe... other versions are flat on the front bottom also.

Agreed on the winglets, and yes the custom splitter would attempt to maintain the shape. See the Exige for example.

Andrikos, I thought of filling the seam... but man this has already grown from a simple patch job... to something I have never intended.

Andrikos · 03-18-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

but man this has already grown from a simple patch job... to something I have never intended.

Don't they all?

khamai · 03-18-2006, 10:05 AM

One word comes to mind... "itchy"...

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

knucklehead · 03-19-2006, 07:50 AM

In an attempt to individualize his car from the rest of the yellow bumble bee Elise crowd. Randy opts for the Swiss Cheese look.

tom@kartboy · 03-19-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead

In an attempt to individualize his car from the rest of the yellow bumble bee Elise crowd. Randy opts for the Swiss Cheese look.

its speed holes

Randy Chase · 03-20-2006, 07:38 PM

Progress report.

Removed license plate plinth..and removed cheeks.

Not much left.

Andrikos · 03-20-2006, 07:43 PM

Holy crap!
Are you sure it's not total loss?
How much does it weigh btw?

tom@kartboy · 03-20-2006, 07:44 PM

Holy Smoke you arnt kidding!
the feathering on the edges looks good. let me know when you need some more pointers.

Tom

Randy Chase · 03-20-2006, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrikos

Holy crap!
Are you sure it's not total loss?
How much does it weigh btw?

It weighs a lot less now.

I am going to guess, about 20 pounds. But that could be plus or minus a lot.

If I can, I will put in on a scale.

And yes, normal people would call this a total loss.

Randy Chase · 03-20-2006, 08:55 PM

When we are done... assuming we can do this.... this will be the UberClam. It will scare small children and pets. Cones will run in terror.

CLAM 1, CONE 0

EburgE · 03-21-2006, 05:34 AM

This would be a good opportunity to add some James Bond features.

fitfan · 03-21-2006, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

Yes, I noticed damage in the tight corner at the side of the mouth too. We are cutting all that away and replacing it.

The cloth we are using to back everything up, is a carbon-fiber and kevlar weave. I have been told it is pretty strong. Cones will rue the day they got in my way.

The "cloth" has no "strenth" it is the composit matrix - so it will be a combination of the epoxy resin, its porportion, and how "tight" you can compress or (vacumn) form it, preping the surface so that the composite bonds to the clam with be most critical, you do not want the clam to just become a mold after a few thousand miles... The Kevlar adds flexability/compliance to the composite. you go Randy!! best wishes in a new(er) clam!

Randy Chase · 03-21-2006, 03:25 PM

Update-

Added blue tape around the cutouts to create a temporary mold for the foam to be applied. View looking at inside of clam, tape applied to outside. Idea from kartboy.

Metal straps added to bridge removed clam sections.

Making foam.

Pouring....

Foamy!

After curing, removed blue tape. Outside of clam with foam-

Next steps are to form a flate temporary plate on the bottom. Shape the outside of the foam using a rasp. Apply temporary fiberglass and resin to the outside of the foam. Remove foam. Apply permanent cloth and resin sheets to the inside, remove outer temporary sheets.

tom@kartboy · 03-21-2006, 05:07 PM

looks like you got a good start. like i said just shoot me an email when you need some more pointers. I'm more than happy to help.

tom

Randy Chase · 03-22-2006, 12:14 AM

Like a painting by Dali....

And here, the Blob eats my clam.

soulmn · 03-22-2006, 05:27 AM

I can't wait to see how the foam looks after you shape it. The project looks like is coming along quite quickly.

Did you not use any wheel chocks?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

soulman

03-18-2006, 08:58 AM	#41 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Michael, we are investigating now what it would take to further modify the front clam. 1. Remove the rectangular license plate mount.* 2. Remove the jowls and make a smooth arc.* 3. Remove the steps on the bottom and make the entire bottom one flat surface.* 4. Add a removable carbon-kevlar splitter to the bottom. 5. Add abrasion protection strips. 6. Add interior strengthening at key points. Tracy, good idea, I will look into it... but on first glance, it is pretty crowded under the clam. Amazing 3D design really. Pending investigation of SCCA legality in Prepared class. __________________ V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

03-18-2006, 09:00 AM	#42 (permalink)
Andrikos Lulu ROX! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: RanchoSahuarita.com , AZ Posts: 3,724	Randy, are you going to fill in the seam on the nose for an Exige look? __________________ My daily driver is an orange plastic toaster

03-18-2006, 09:28 AM	#45 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	The step shape only is on the very front, the bottom pan is flat, so the step shape appears to me to be more structural than aero. But maybe... other versions are flat on the front bottom also. Agreed on the winglets, and yes the custom splitter would attempt to maintain the shape. See the Exige for example. Andrikos, I thought of filling the seam... but man this has already grown from a simple patch job... to something I have never intended. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

03-18-2006, 10:05 AM	#47 (permalink)
khamai Plain ol' Lotus-nut Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 3,563	One word comes to mind... "itchy"... Cheers, Kiyoshi __________________ life is better behind the wheel of a Lotus...

03-20-2006, 07:38 PM	#50 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Progress report. Removed license plate plinth..and removed cheeks. Not much left. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

03-18-2006, 09:01 AM	#43 (permalink)
Yeti Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 1,038	Don't F1 cars use wood planks underneath for bottoming out. Would the same thing work under the front lip to protect it?

03-19-2006, 07:50 AM	#48 (permalink)
knucklehead TWRD & Blip advertising Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 3,838	In an attempt to individualize his car from the rest of the yellow bumble bee Elise crowd. Randy opts for the Swiss Cheese look.

03-20-2006, 07:43 PM	#51 (permalink)
Andrikos Lulu ROX! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: RanchoSahuarita.com , AZ Posts: 3,724	Holy crap! Are you sure it's not total loss? How much does it weigh btw? __________________ My daily driver is an orange plastic toaster

03-20-2006, 07:44 PM	#52 (permalink)
tom@kartboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 95	Holy Smoke you arnt kidding! the feathering on the edges looks good. let me know when you need some more pointers. Tom __________________ Tom Deadrick www.kartboy.com tom@kartboy

03-20-2006, 08:55 PM	#54 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	When we are done... assuming we can do this.... this will be the UberClam. It will scare small children and pets. Cones will run in terror. CLAM 1, CONE 0 __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

03-21-2006, 05:34 AM	#55 (permalink)
EburgE Super 7 Owner In Training Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Eldersburg, MD Posts: 2,416	This would be a good opportunity to add some James Bond features. __________________ '05 Lotus Elise '07 Caterham Seven www.hals7.com

03-21-2006, 03:25 PM	#57 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Update- Added blue tape around the cutouts to create a temporary mold for the foam to be applied. View looking at inside of clam, tape applied to outside. Idea from kartboy. Metal straps added to bridge removed clam sections. Making foam. Pouring.... Foamy! After curing, removed blue tape. Outside of clam with foam- Next steps are to form a flate temporary plate on the bottom. Shape the outside of the foam using a rasp. Apply temporary fiberglass and resin to the outside of the foam. Remove foam. Apply permanent cloth and resin sheets to the inside, remove outer temporary sheets. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

03-21-2006, 05:07 PM	#58 (permalink)
tom@kartboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 95	looks like you got a good start. like i said just shoot me an email when you need some more pointers. I'm more than happy to help. tom __________________ Tom Deadrick www.kartboy.com tom@kartboy

03-22-2006, 12:14 AM	#59 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Like a painting by Dali.... And here, the Blob eats my clam. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! http://www.facebook.com/randychase 1991 Toyota MR2. AutoX Beast 2006 Noble M400. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Canyon Carver. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. On Order: Lotus Evora Next: McLaren MP4-12C

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