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V-Twin Mini (Version 2.0)

roundnose

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#1 darkcat

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Posted 25 February 2013 - 10:30 AM

(semi-continued from: http://www.theminifo...da-v-twin-mini/ )

So having stripped back a complete Honda VTR1000 to get its engine, electrics etc, i thought it would be a good idea to throw it in the mini. This turned out to be a logistical nightmare, and it also occurred to me eventually that it would not be a slot-in conversion, alterations to the body would be inevitable. I wanted to make this a reversible project, IE I could revert the mini back to standard - but that was looking less and less likely.

SO! dumped that idea and put the subframe and engine in the shed over Christmas.

Now I'm back, and have some cash to play with so i thought "OK lets find an old shell to rip apart" - this proved impossible in a reasonable price range, i even considered a new heritage shell, but that alone was 2x my complete budget.

After much searching, looking at rotted out scrappers for over £1k (!!??!), I stumbled across a company who had recently bought a complete set of molds to make fibreglass complete shells, floor and all, and full size too, not a shortened or flattened shape.

And yesterday - I picked it up (only the 3rd out of their mold set):



Posted Image

The shell obviously has no structural strength at all, so the intention is to get a complete Safety Devices (or similar) weld-in cage, and customise it to attach to the front and rear subframes to be a space frame basically...

Edited by darkcat, 25 February 2013 - 11:36 AM.


#2 Old Bob

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Posted 25 February 2013 - 11:31 AM

An interesting project which I am sure will create a lot of interest. A huge amount of work for you though......

Bob

#3 darkcat

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Posted 25 February 2013 - 04:21 PM

Offering the body up to the subframe...

Posted Image

#4 Artful Dodger

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Posted 26 February 2013 - 07:43 PM

oh thats cool!! how much is the shell if you dont mind me asking?

#5 hoody99

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Posted 26 February 2013 - 08:40 PM

Where did you get It if you don't mind me asking lol

#6 darkcat

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Posted 27 February 2013 - 09:35 AM

Dodger - The company asked me not to discuss prices online as they havent started marketing them properly yet, but i will say that it was very reasonably priced.

The company is "Customminis.co.uk" (website currently down though) over in Dudley - you can get Les at [email protected].
If you do contact him, please mention me (Darkcat)

#7 Boab

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Posted 27 February 2013 - 03:41 PM

This looks like the shell that was at Bingley. If it is, I would be wary. The seams looked terrible and not very strong.

If not, then no need to worry

#8 darkcat

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Posted 27 February 2013 - 04:07 PM

Yes it is that one, although somehow i missed it completely at the show...

Yes the seams do need some work, but nothing a bit of glass-packed epoxy cant fix.
I might de-seam it anyway, but not sure i like the look...

The price was about right.

#9 darkcat

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Posted 03 March 2013 - 01:43 PM

OK, so having through it through, a lot, i have changed the plan, its now going to be RWD, mid-engined.

SO i now intend to use 2x front subframes.

Mocked up the rear front subframe this morning (and now i itch like hell as ive been using a slitting disk on fibreglass...

Posted Image

#10 mini_in_progress

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Posted 03 March 2013 - 02:09 PM

Looks an intersting project mate. Altho would you not be better mounting the Engine into the spaceframe and mounting the dif suspension axel to it to ect rather than using a front subby?...

#11 darkcat

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Posted 03 March 2013 - 02:13 PM

I did think about that yes, BUT at the end of the day, the subframe is already built, it would be a massive job to create custom spaceframe and suspension.
If i have a large workshop with £50k of metal working equipment in it, then i'd be fine, but i haven't.

#12 AndrewMini

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Posted 03 March 2013 - 02:22 PM

looks like a good build, would like a fibreglass shell :) rear engine idea looks interesting as well

#13 Artful Dodger

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Posted 03 March 2013 - 02:31 PM

Dodger - The company asked me not to discuss prices online as they havent started marketing them properly yet, but i will say that it was very reasonably priced.

The company is "Customminis.co.uk" (website currently down though) over in Dudley - you can get Les at [email protected].
If you do contact him, please mention me (Darkcat)


fair enough! was just interested, let me know when they are happy for it to go online ;)

good luck with the project! keep the seams, will look awsome!

#14 mini_in_progress

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Posted 03 March 2013 - 10:05 PM

I did think about that yes, BUT at the end of the day, the subframe is already built, it would be a massive job to create custom spaceframe and suspension.
If i have a large workshop with £50k of metal working equipment in it, then i'd be fine, but i haven't.


fair enough mate, id just thought it would be just as much work involved as fitting that subby to the spaceframe correctly

#15 Willy_sa

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Posted 04 March 2013 - 11:40 AM

I think this is a great project. If the shell is only going to be a skin over a "space frame" car then I could well have been made out off cheese.

Think this will go and sound amazing!





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