Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul L
7Fan7 – Welcome to the forum. 
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the 7 replica market.
But I guess the market for a carbon fibre tub will be linked to the price.
I think the other thing to consider would be proving the strength of the joins between the tub and the front/rear frames.
Good luck, Paul. 
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Munky
You may want to read up some on this guy:
https://www.palatov.com
He was the first person to fit a V8 into an Ariel Atom and he and the guy who works in the shop next door (Tristan) have won some Pikes Peak titles in their time.
I have one of his cars, that Tristan did the major part of the assembly of. Great team and super hard working.
Check out all of his cars. One is a complete Carbon tub and frame.
You may also want to read up about the new Corvette. That might give you some ideas too.
I know you mention the 7, but perhaps using a new material may allow you to rethink the structure and layout.
Look how Ariel or rather Nick Smart, reimagined the Atom by taking a different look at the true user requirements and the materials at hand. That and a little lateral thinking (bringing in ideas from nature) resulted in something quite new and revolutionary.
What ever you decide, please keep us updated with your progress!
Edit: sorry, I'm not 100% sure they are still making the carbon version - you will have to check out the website! |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Towed
From what I've read on the subject, carbon fibre isn't really an improvement on GRP for the kit-car market.
Although it's often described as 'stronger' than the equivalent weight of fibreglass or steel, what those who use the term mean is that it's more rigid than fibreglass or steel of the same thickness, so can be made lighter than either.
That sounds great, but it actually means that for a vehicle body or boat hull it isn't such a forgiving material as fibreglass, which will distort then return to its original shape under moderate impact forces, where carbon fibre would shatter. On a racing car the (minimal) weight saving might be worthwhile, but the increased complexity of production, cost and inherent fragility of carbon fibre would put me off using it for a home-built kit car project.
If you're set on using it then I'd consider coming up with an original design rather than yet another seven, and pitching it as a turn-key car at around the price of a Boxster or high-spec Elise for sale to those who like to brag about their unused weekend toy's technical specification after they've driven their seven series to the golf club.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
|
Hey guys, I really appreciate all of your responses. As part of the university project, I'm doing a follow up on owner's perspective of the carbon fibre tub. So I am currently doing a short survey (less than 5 min to answer), and I'd really appreciate if you guys could spare a couple of minutes to answer the survey. All responses will be stored anonymously and if you do have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. The link for the survey is below. And by the way, do not hesitate to distribute this link to other kit car owners that you may know of, whether friends, family, etc.
https://goo.gl/forms/kyjYgLPVGPcp3OaE3
Cheers guys,
7Fan7