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Hello!!
May 10, 2011 18:22:26 GMT -3
Post by nova50 on May 10, 2011 18:22:26 GMT -3
Lurked for a while and decided to register, I live in VA and like everywhere else in the US gas prices are getting bad. I stumbled across the XR-3 while randomly following links of vehicle builds. The plans for this vehicle seem pretty straight-forward so im looking to order in about a week or so. My garage is currently outfitted with 2 MIG welders, plasma cutter, electric mandrel pipe bender and an assortment of metal working tools.....used to be a metal mechanic for a while with a friend of mine and the business closed due to owners age, so he gave most his tools away for free . This site seems to be the best place for relative information and the builds here are informative. I have extensive fiberglass experience, plus a friend that works for a machine shop. With all these at my disposal im hoping this wont be a difficult task and will have one on the road within the year....with help from multiple friends.
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Post by vmrod on May 17, 2011 18:35:49 GMT -3
With all of your experience, you should be able to put one together quickly.
1 year sounds very ambitious, but it could be doable. The biggest time-eater for me was the machining work. I have to wait a long time for this.
Waterjet cutting is nice and saves lots of time. Costly, but not that bad.
My only complaint is that this project took alot of my time over a 2 year period. However, I learned to weld and how to build an EV from scratch.
I'll check back more often, if I know someone is using the site.
Vic
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Hello!!
May 18, 2011 14:41:17 GMT -3
Post by nova50 on May 18, 2011 14:41:17 GMT -3
Did you have to send away for the waterjet cutting? I have a few other ideas, but thats the beauty of finding this site. Which plans did you buy? I got the cd set and didnt get the chance to look all the way through it. I may use autocad to make more views of each section of the frame, not sure about that yet. I also wanted to see if there was a way to make the body on a mock frame. I will be spending the next month getting the machined parts and planning then start the build.
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Post by vmrod on May 19, 2011 17:47:33 GMT -3
I use MarZee for watercutting. They are top notch and very affordable.
I used Autocad for all of my build. It help me catch a few small errors. I build the parts in Autocad 3D by looking at the 2D plans. I then placed them together as reqd. For my modifications, I just redesigned in ACad, then plotted out a paper outline full-sized. Glue this to the metal, then cut on the line.
I have the full-blown plans. Paper and electronic.
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Post by vmrod on May 19, 2011 17:49:41 GMT -3
You will be better off using the chassis as a jig for the body. In a perfect world you could build the body first, however even a tiny imperfection in mounting a bracket may make for poor fitment.
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Hello!!
May 21, 2011 0:00:59 GMT -3
Post by nova50 on May 21, 2011 0:00:59 GMT -3
Cool at least my plans are somewhat in line with someone who has done this before. Have you had a chance to start the body yet?
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Post by vmrod on May 25, 2011 15:00:14 GMT -3
Nope.
Was getting it lined up, but then decided to turn it into a cool roadster with no body. The body will come later when I have the time and energy for it.
I plan on putting it back together, but using aluminum plate instead of wood, and matching seats. Wheel fenders will be installed, as will lights and stuff.
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