This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.
And for those wondering about hanging Exhausts. Here is one solution. A simple frame that shares mounting with the rear of the main frame and effectively puts a 40" bar just up under the rear of the shell.
It could be 'Triangulated' but with the stress it's under, I really don't think it's worth the extra metal/weight
Andy only my opinion but with vibration i think that may fail eventually, maybe just a songle support running diagonally from the top of the main frame down to the centre of it?
Currently finalising that but at present we're looking at welding underneath to the frame and a partial seam inside the well. Also will be looking at a bracket / angle to attach to the chassis once fitted
Agreed. One thing to bear in mind though, if anybody wants to fit sliding seats the floors need to slope up from back to front so they're level with the top edge of the centre outrigger at the front. Otherwise the seat adjuster handle will foul the inside of the outrigger. Hope that makes sense.
Ahh, some photos might help.
You can see that the handle on the seat runners wouldn't clear the front edge unless it was near enough level with the top of the centre rigger.
THe thinking behind this is that if that were needed it would be a simple matter to chock the front mounts of the seat runners up to the angle required but having sat in a flat lowered floor now, it feels good and gives that option which couldn't be given to a sloping floor. The same goes for the front floors which, as they will be supplied separately, can be mounted above or below the chassis rail to suit the builder's own preferences.
Whilst I can see pros and cons for both flat and sloping, I think sloping has an advantage in that people who need to sit closer to the wheel and pedals tend to be shorter and hence they need to sit higher to have a good view of the road.
I am hoping that my finished car will be driven by quite a few people (I like the idea of being a passenger as family and friends enjoy it), so it needs to be flexible without the need for cushions.
That's our thinking in that a lowered, flat floor gives both options whilst a permanently sloped floor only gives one. In effect a flat can be converted to exactly the same as a sloped floor by the addition of a raised block under the front rail mounts.
Just to throw in a different opinion. What i found from driving mine with a fixed seat, as it was angled and not too far back it catered for everyone from me (6'2") downwards without needing adjustment. Actually i can't remember anyone being too short to reach the pedals....
That said i'm not knocking anyone who does fit a sliding seat, especially if they're "well ard", as while i can see that sliding seats can be useful, I'm not totally convinced that they're needed in a Sammio/Ribble?
Dave - That's useful to know. I was wondering whether a reclined driving position might be an option - taller drivers just bending their knees a bit more. Hmmmm, it would make life easier and give me another 25mm seat height to play with.
Just to throw in a different opinion. What i found from driving mine with a fixed seat, as it was angled and not too far back it catered for everyone from me (6'2") downwards without needing adjustment. Actually i can't remember anyone being too short to reach the pedals....
That said i'm not knocking anyone who does fit a sliding seat, especially if they're "well ard", as while i can see that sliding seats can be useful, I'm not totally convinced that they're needed in a Sammio/Ribble?
Just food for thought
I know where you're coming from, DC. My main reason for wanting runners on a sloping floor was to allow my rather petite wife to drive it occasionally. As you can see from the photo of her in the seat with it set for me though, she fits just fine without it being moved.
It does also provide security for the luggage bay as you have to slide both seats fully forward before you can open it, even if you know it's there. Additionally, moving the passenger seat forwards frees up extra luggage space behind it and still leaves plenty of leg room in the passenger foot well.
