Small update - got the front suspension done. Lower a-arms and the shock mounts were plasma cut out of 1/4in plate and kept as short as possible to reduce the forces reacting thru the frame.
Up front, I still need to mount the manual steering rack, and come up with a radiator. I can’t use a normal power steering setup since electric motors aren’t always spinning, but there are electric steering assists out there. The radiator will be used to cool the Tesla Motor and inverter though may need to size the radiator to help cool the battery pack as well.
I’ve stumbled across another battery pack that might work well for this use and be rather budget friendly. Between 2014 and 2016, Chevy made a full electric version of the Spark. It used the same motor and controller as the larger Volt but it had a tiny battery pack about half the size and range of the Volt, but still the same 400v. The Spark EV was mass produced, and well, it’s easy to come by the parts, especially when there’s a dealership in Wichita with 12 complete running cars sitting on their lot for less than a used Tesla battery pack.
Back to the suspension - I’m still figuring out how to mount the rear shocks and the rest of the Tesla Motor. I originally planned on using a jaguar independent rear axle, so the rear structure isn’t exactly in an optimum position to keep the shock mounts short (right now they would be about 8in tall). I may end up using some channel to reduce the amount of welding but it’s something I can think about while mounting the steering
But for meow, the roadster is off the frame stands, so I’m calling that a good milestone.
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