Tube Chassis "VW Caddy" Project
Discussion
Hello all;
Welcome to my project!
It started off as tidying up my '88 VW Caddy, but I got fascinated by motorsport design and engineering at the same kind of time, wanting to ditch the ancient-tech leaf springs for 4-link axle etc, then toyed with a mid engine setup, bought a gearbox and subframe etc from an Audi 80 to suit.
Fast forward a few months, the caddy is now only going to be used as a buck for taking GRP moulds off.
Much to the dismay of the VW Caddy Forum
It will have Audi Quattro-style arches and 'side skirts' to bump it out to 1850mm wide (to match the Ultima GTR)
Mid engine 2.7T V6 mounted to an 01E DQS 6 speed gearbox
I have designed a full tube chassis for the car, as well as plotting front and rear suspension geometry, uprights etc
At the time of writing I'd say the CAD designing side is about 90% there and the chassis fabrication has started
So, photos:
(model is pretty crap, I can't do surface modelling)
This is my first attempt at bot designing and making something of this magnitude.
I welcome criticism and suggestions, as I know there are many much more knowledgeable people on this forum!
Welcome to my project!
It started off as tidying up my '88 VW Caddy, but I got fascinated by motorsport design and engineering at the same kind of time, wanting to ditch the ancient-tech leaf springs for 4-link axle etc, then toyed with a mid engine setup, bought a gearbox and subframe etc from an Audi 80 to suit.
Fast forward a few months, the caddy is now only going to be used as a buck for taking GRP moulds off.
Much to the dismay of the VW Caddy Forum
It will have Audi Quattro-style arches and 'side skirts' to bump it out to 1850mm wide (to match the Ultima GTR)
Mid engine 2.7T V6 mounted to an 01E DQS 6 speed gearbox
I have designed a full tube chassis for the car, as well as plotting front and rear suspension geometry, uprights etc
At the time of writing I'd say the CAD designing side is about 90% there and the chassis fabrication has started
So, photos:
(model is pretty crap, I can't do surface modelling)
This is my first attempt at bot designing and making something of this magnitude.
I welcome criticism and suggestions, as I know there are many much more knowledgeable people on this forum!
Some pictures of the actual building
Engine and 'box temporarily mated together
2.7t V6 ARE engine and DQS code 01E fwd box
cutting
Welding
welded
This so far is the lower cab area, and the bottom front wishbone mounting area
I'm using rectangular (50x30x2 mostly) as all these faces will have panels bonded on to increase strength
Final weight for the chassis alone comes out around 110kg, while it's no lightweight it should be stiff and safe
Engine and 'box temporarily mated together
2.7t V6 ARE engine and DQS code 01E fwd box
cutting
Welding
welded
This so far is the lower cab area, and the bottom front wishbone mounting area
I'm using rectangular (50x30x2 mostly) as all these faces will have panels bonded on to increase strength
Final weight for the chassis alone comes out around 110kg, while it's no lightweight it should be stiff and safe
thanks guys, much appreciated.
with regards to the wishbones, the front uprights have shim-based camber adjustment, have not yet decided about caster
Was going to just go for somewhere around 8 degrees as a starting point, then if i want to change it make up some new upper wishbones
Seems a bit expensive and time consuming I know, but as i'm planning to use delrin bushes instead of rose joints it's a bit more complicated
maybe I will use rose joints for the UCAs...
with regards to the wishbones, the front uprights have shim-based camber adjustment, have not yet decided about caster
Was going to just go for somewhere around 8 degrees as a starting point, then if i want to change it make up some new upper wishbones
Seems a bit expensive and time consuming I know, but as i'm planning to use delrin bushes instead of rose joints it's a bit more complicated
maybe I will use rose joints for the UCAs...
ah goodness no, mine is a complete tube chassis, bodywork will be muuch wider than standard.
There are 2 so far that I know of actually.
Really wanted to get into contact with the builder about the emerald ECU he went with, as I may be going down that route.
I hate engine work though so getting the engine running is something i've been avoiding thinking about a bit
Mine currently looks lie this
There are 2 so far that I know of actually.
Really wanted to get into contact with the builder about the emerald ECU he went with, as I may be going down that route.
I hate engine work though so getting the engine running is something i've been avoiding thinking about a bit
Mine currently looks lie this
rear end now has the 'suspension box' done, and the main linking tubes
still only mobile phone photos i'm afraid, but have a decent camera on order!
Still not decided on whereabouts to mount the rear suspension yet, and working on designing the uprights still too.
It's getting pretty cold wet and miserable now for working on the chassis, so maybe move onto wishbones and such soon
still only mobile phone photos i'm afraid, but have a decent camera on order!
Still not decided on whereabouts to mount the rear suspension yet, and working on designing the uprights still too.
It's getting pretty cold wet and miserable now for working on the chassis, so maybe move onto wishbones and such soon
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