Build Log - 18 May 2008

First Trial fit of Body & Canopy


Not bad, but more headroom and better forward visibility needed. Next steps, as detailed below involved moving the seat forward 180mm, and raising the rear of the body another 40mm.

Second Trial Fit - Test fitting the Belly Pan to the Chassis


Side view - note possible battery box location for LiFePO4 48V 20AH pack. This was originally intended to go immediately behind front axle, but the need to revise the seating position put paid to that. I now need to evaluate the impact of these changes on CoG calculations.


Side view, with seat pan in position. A bit of experimentation was required to determine the optimal location with respect to headroom, forward visibility &c.


Front view - note negative camber of front wheels, which doesn't seem quite right. More investigation required!

Test Fit of body and Canopy


Front view with seat in revised position - much better forward visibility.


3/4 rear view. A late decision to move the whole body forward and expose the rear wheel seems to be working well aesthetically, and will certainly make maintenance easier.


Test Pilot Dylan is ready to go! Note cut out in belly pan at mid wheelbase. This was needed each side to clear the rear corners of the chassis in this location - another compromise resulting from using a BugE Chassis under an Aerocoupe body. These will get covered over with faired 'bumps' at some stage.