May 29 Update

Since we drastically changed the Toyoto MR2 Steering hubs we had to totally re-calculate all the steering geometries. We had to set up the "scrub radius", camber, caster, and akerman. We calculated maximum front wheel turning angles using the new steering rack we bought. This rack has a lot less travel than the stock Toyota MR2 rack. This means we have less steering wheel turns lock to lock. Now we will also have more steering effort. We have to shorten the steering arms to get the turning radius with less rack travel.

After calculating and mapping the proper pivot point for the tie rod ends, matt cut the Toyota Steering Arms and ground and welded them back to gether.

Jim and Matt studied Akerman Steering and built a two dimensional mock-up to test the steering geometry. This will assure that in a tight turn, the inside front wheel will turn the proper amount more than the outside wheel (the is travelling a smaller diameter radius in a turn). We also made a 2D graphic of the front fender to study tire clearance in a full-lock turning situation.

May 28 Update

Stas and Tay help with clay modeling of full size model. The goal is to have it ready to take a fiberglass mold off of it before the summer school session starts.

May 7 Update

The new steering rack can barely be seen just behind the horizontal yellow tubing. Matt Briggs was working on this when he received the tragic news that his sister had died that night. We immedietely booked a flight to Rochester New York so he could be with his family.

Paul stopped by to help. It was his first experience working on a full size model and he noted how the scale of the tools to the size of the model is very different than working on a 1/5 scale model. Paul moved quickly and filled in new clay between the rear fenders to make more room for the Toyota engine that will eventually be under this area.

Here Napolean is raking the fresh clay he has just applied to the right front fender.