Weekly progress pics
Attachments
Images (3)
Looks great!
Yeah, that looks awesome! Carey, can you send the front suspension layout measurements over to Greg? That would really help out 2 knee Bruce's new Spyder.
Danny, what do you think of the upper control arm mount? I'd rather see it mounted in a double sheer situation, like the bottom arm.
LI-Rick posted:Danny, what do you think of the upper control arm mount? I'd rather see it mounted in a double sheer situation, like the bottom arm.
You didn't ask me Rick, but I'll pipe up anyhow. I'm rapidly becoming a curmudgeonly old man, so everybody is entitled to my opinion.
It'd be nice if the top mount were in double shear, but I'm super impressed with the elegance of the solution as it stands. The double triangulation of the upper mount, and using that triangulation for the lower mounts is clean, light, and compact. This looks 10x better than a Mendeola, etc.
I'd LOVE to have the pieces to fab something up to adapt to my car.
Stan, I always like your input!
Even better if one could use off the shelf Mustang II components! Maybe they are just too large for the available space.
I think you're right, the Mustang II pieces are probably too large. The pieces that the Beck has fabricated look awesome, and elegant as Stan mentions. A small right angle extension from the front upper control arm bolt could easily be added to the 45 degree downward-angled piece. Other than that small addition, it looks perfect to me.
An early 911 column is short and also the same spline as VW, so that would be easiest to adapt. A double-jointed shaft could easily connect the rack to the column.
It also looks like stock ball joint spindles to me. Excellent packaging IMHO. And like Stan says, this could be adapted to even my Spyder, with a lot of fabrication. Easier for a beam car, since the beam could come out easier. I believe the IM has a welded-in beam though.
I'd be real happy if Greg comes up with a front end like that one.......Bruce
LI-Rick posted:Stan, I always like your input!
Even better if one could use off the shelf Mustang II components! Maybe they are just too large for the available space.
Rick, I've been thinking HARD about the Mustang 2 front ends for about a year. I don't think they are too big, just too wide-- and that can be remedied. I just happen to love this one, as it's already done (hub to hub).
Nice car, @Lane Anderson and @chines1.
This shore is a purdy color! 
Thanks Paul. The actual color is a bit more gray, but the fluorescent lights make it look like a brighter blue. The color is very sensitive to the light on it. See the bottom pictures on the previous page for a more accurate picture.
Stan, the thing I like about using off the shelf components is future availability. One off designs are cool, but could be a nightmare for future owners. I'd lay a lot of cash that the Mustang II frontend will still be around. But then again, so will good fabricators; at least here in the USA, maybe not in Australia! lol
Some pictures from the last week. SE is still operational for now. I am amazed how beautifully that door fits.
Attachments
Images (4)
Love these detail shots!
Some more progress pictures from the dedicated Mr. Hines. Some of you may know that he had to lay off a large percentage of his staff due to the COVID-19 situation. The remaining staff, Carey included, is forging ahead as best they can while socially distancing appropriately. I told him that, while I want the car yesterday, the highest priority is that he and his team as safe and healthy. Thanks for the hard work under difficult conditions, guys. Stay safe!
Engine mock up in place temporarily. Hey @chines1, how do you get the engine in and out, anyway? I assume that the whole engine cradle comes out of the bottom with it, right?
Headliner prep
Unfortunately the welder who was a going to do the roll bar was in a vulnerable group and is currently laid off, so that part is delayed for now.
Attachments
Images (2)
Lane,
This car will be astounding. I had forgotten about the roll bar, but I'm sure you will appreciate the added measure of safety.
What really impresses me is the "lay-back" room Carey and Chuck were able to achieve. Every other mid-engine car I've ever seen feels crowded. Looking at the frame members in relation to the door opening, I can see guys with really long legs and torsos fitting in this thing. It's all going to depend on how the engine cover is built, but I'm really liking what I'm seeing so far.
I'm still an air-cooled, rear-engined guy-- but I can really see the appeal of the whole thing, especially given your extremely hot/humid summers. An enclosed car with decent heat/air, and a modern computer controlled engine could easily be a second car, able to be used year-round in the SE.
Good for you!
Awesome Car Lane.
Lane has there been any changes from the prototype I sat in at Carlisle in the location of the mid engine?
Stan, that one for me was a bit tight fitting but maybe the seat was not installed as far back as I would need it. Just saying. I can really appreciate having the engine and tranny both from Subie and in the same orientation.
I think the tall guys might prefer the rear engined units when they are created.
You’ll have to ask @chines1 about any engine position mods, Ray. I seem to recall him making a comment about redesigning the engine cover.
I emailed Lane a pic of the removable engine cradle. Tried to post it but failed. Anyway, engine and trans drop out from the bottom as one unit.
@IaM-Ray No, engine position did not change, and won't for mid engine, but we are playing with he engine cover to buy a little more leg room. Proto1 had around 1.5" of dead space that can be utilized if the cover is done differently. Lanes will not be a good litmus test for this due to his roll bar and race harness mounts, and the next car down the one is rear engine, but after that I'll play a little more and see what room I can buy in reality...
Will it simplify things if I forego the race harness and use the standard 3-point belts? Will those work with the roll bar?
Lane Anderson posted:Will it simplify things if I forego the race harness and use the standard 3-point belts? Will those work with the roll bar?
No it is simpler with the 4 points. Yes they can be made to work but provisions will have to be added to the leg of the roll bar to do so.
Engine cradle picture. Not sure why the whole picture won't show in this post, but click on the thumbnail to see it.
Attachments
Images (1)
Good stuff... Lane, it is really worth it having your builder close to you.
But, under these conditions, not too close!
He's not much, if any closer to me than he is to you, Ray. However he is very good at communicating, unlike some others.
I didn't know Lane and Carey were kissing cousins 
Latest update from the hardworking @chines1 (Carey Hines):
"Not a ton in the way of pictorial progress, although I did finish up the front wiring and I'm installing lights and figuring out horn grills this week,
Although upholstery was supposed to do the headliner a while ago, they asked that we fit up the rear view and sun visors before they do their headliner, so visors were ordered and expected any day. None of the prototypes have them, so we “think” we know how we’re going to install them, but if that doesn’t work we’ll have to do a little bit of welding on the steel windshield surround structure. Not a big deal, but certainly don’t want headliner in the way.
First run of customs radiators is due this week as well, so I’ll jump on coolant system and air ducting as soon as they arrive."
I have to say I really appreciate them continuing to make progress during this mess. I know it's not easy. Thanks guys!!
Where are the rads going ?
I think it's only one radiator, Ray. Lane is mid-engine fancy, but not dual-radiator-IM-Suby fancy.
Hmmm... Nobody’s called me “fancy” in... um... ever.
Latest from the fancy Mr. Hines: "Just tack’d in place, still have to do the cross bar for the 4 point belts and pondering if we should do a diagonal top left to bottom right. The original GT bar did not have a diagonal but it would be much stronger, however it will seriously hamper the removal of the engine cover… Thoughts?
Once it’s all fitted, we pull it out and finish up the welds, paint it (leaving the bottom 3-4” unpainted) and then weld it in for good… baby steps. Governor is supposed to come on at 2:30 and let us know the latest, as it sits now, we are cleared to reopen Monday, but with Ohio and Michigan just extending, I am kinda thinking ours may extend us as well. We’ll see."
He later told me that he will be able bring back on anyone under 65, so he'll be at 80% starting Monday.
Again, that's just a mockup engine. The real one is going to be a bit purtier.
Attachments
Images (2)
Oh, Carey (@chines1)! See above.
LOL Rick! I suggested that exact remedy to Lane in an email. I agree with Lane that he doesn't really need the diagonal.
But if Carey was to install a removable crossbar or harness bar, that would be way more practical. Headrests for whiplash protection could be attached to the harness bar. Then the bar and rests could be removed with two bolts for engine access.
An oil fill/dipstick access could easily be fabricated into the engine cover. What else do you need to do to a Suby on a regular basis but check and/or change the oil?
"What else do you need to do to a Suby on a regular basis but check and/or change the oil?"
That is the only thing you check all the time
Don't forget to check coolant level, guys.
AGREED, JIM!
@Jim Kelly posted:Don't forget to check coolant level, guys.
And add Subaru Coolant Conditioner.