Chasis and suspension design?

I'm absolutley enamored of the Spyder body style, but the kits that I've seen have what I'd consider dated suspension design. Does anyone manufacture a Spyder kit with a proper (non swingarm)IRS or DeDion setup? How about front unequal A- arms and a space frame?

I don't mean this as an affront to kits using the VW components. Obviously they can be made to work quite well, but I have to think that substantial improvements could be made.

Any thoughts?

I thought part of the deal was that it had a "dated" design -- thats why it is a Replica

I understand your viewpoint, but as I'm sure that you know, there's a significant movement to update the mechanicals on classic vehicles. Currently I have a Lotus 7 clone that is larger and more powerful than the original while still retaining the original car's flair.

It would be a sin to chop up and "modernize" an original Spyder. But once you've embarked on making something new, why not log an improvement or seven?

Vinateg has a more updated frame. We are going to make our own and use the Thunder Ranch wide body 550A.

It has been done. Steve and Angela Lane's Spyder has (Quoting their profile) "...2.5L RS spec. built engine, four wheel vented disc, rack in pinion, 5 speed, front and rear coil over independent suspention all from a 73" 911..."

Go for it!...As one of my redneck friends would say, "Whutever whangs yore thang!"

Hi Guys,

I HAVE what you WANT!!!!!

I have the #1 chassis/kit from Classic Roadsters Ltd. [ England ] which has been developed by Mohr of Germany for the past 5-6 years.

It has SPACEFRAME chassis, designed from scratch [ Mohr builds the Rush and Cobra reps.]with unequal length wishbones [ F & R ], Magnesium hub uprights, coil over fully adjustable Gas shox, DISC BRAKES ALL ROUND [upgrades for comp. use ], IRS [ WHY use anything else? ],rack & pinion steering, collapsable column [ for German tech. authorities ], QD steering boss, side [ saddle ] fuel tanks, and many other features you might expect from a top German manufacturer - been making 356 Speedster and Roadster T6 reps since 1984.

My chassis will be the first with this configuration - up to now they have built Spyders with IRS, w/bone rear, and a modified beam front end.[ 9 cars to date ]. The same chassis is being rationalised for their Brand New 904 GTS rep., so the pace of construction on my car has slowed a little - but well worth the wait [ IMHO ].

I regret to say that I am a bit of a computer dummy, but if I can master the photo posting, I'll send some stuff off.
Classic Roadsters have a web site [ www.classicroadsters.co.uk. ]with a pic. of MY chassis on the jig bed under construction.
Beachcomber

Chris: That looks promising for sure. I'm a little scared to see how much it costs though! The pictures don't show a lot, so please post when you can. With a digital camera it's pretty easy. If you PM me, I can post them on a site I have set up.

As far as the Vinateg goes, it's a pretty chasis, but relies primarily on the tube strength for it's torsional stiffness. (Unless the skin is stressed that is.) I like to see triangulation.

-Berk

Hey Tom I like the way you stole my photo ;-)

Hi Berkeley,

The Mohr chassis has more triangles than you can shake a stick at! these guys have been designing / building high class track and road cars for over 20 years. They were responsible for the "Rush" [ Lotus 7 Clone ] and several Hi-tech Cobra reps. - Their current one is a beauty.

When the suspension pick ups have been finalised, they will be undertaking a PROPERLY conducted Torsion and Longtitudinal stiffness test. Results WILL be published.

I have many photos of my chassis under construction, taken while I was out there last.I'll do my best to post them to you. If you can e-mail me [ tjbeachcomber@blueyonder.co.uk ] then I'll have a reply format which I should be able to cope with. Please feel free to post them on the forum.

Cost?? Not as prohibitive as you might expect for a chassis of this class - including Magnesium hub uprights, etc.,etc.

The Uk price through Classic Roadsters will be around the

Geeeee, sorry Joe

Just received an e-mail from Tom re: photos and a MODEL?
Did I miss something , somewhere?
Beachcomber

Just received an e-mail from Tom re: photos and a MODEL?
Did I miss something , somewhere?
Beachcomber

Hey Berk,

I just rounded up some pix that will show the basic triangulation of the Classic Roadsters / Mohr Chassis. They were taken during the construction of the pre-production chassis. This is the one that will be used to take the final full production jigs from - then it's MINE, all Mine!

Some of the photos were taken DURING construction. This is the main tub of course - the front clip that takes the double w/bones are obviously not shown at this time.

I think you will agree that the design / construction is a tad improved on the 50's style twin large dia. tube. Albeit now with a few extra tubes thrown in for "strength".

This chassis has been designed from the outset on a clean sheet of paper [ computer actually ] - the only constraints being the 550 bodyshape! The chassis also had to be capable of handling power from various 6 cylinder Porsche engines when adapted for the 904 GTS they have under development.

In one of the pix. you'll see the Cobra chassis [ on one of the lifts], the magnesium hub upright shown is the one to be used on the 550.
Don't forget to send me you e-mail address so I can send pix.
Beachcomber

No problem Tom, I put those pictures on the web for all to enjoy.

Sent you another email Chris, Thanks

Tom Williams

Tom,
Please excuse lack of response - had to fly out to Germany on a consultancy matter. I'll pick up my e-mails and proper response when I get some down time
beachcomber

No sweat.

Tom

Tom,
finally landed back here in the UK for a few days, will attempt to answer your queries before I go back to Germany on Friday
beachcomber

Berkeley,
The Chamonix watercooled spyder is a DeDion rear suspension, 3" tubular frame.

Sounds good Chris. I am currently modeling my ideas for a space frame. After I refine it a bit I'll send you some pics.

Tom Williams

Anything new on this? Sounds like a very nice plan.

Sorry nothing new, had to put things on hold for a while.

Tom