Elio Type Vehicle Resurection --- AKA the BEX

[JEBar]

understood and agree

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

A little bit of this, and a little bit of that,

mount fuel tank,
\
put on rear wheel to check clearances and alignment,

jump up and down on suspension,

check seat to pedal ergonomics,

mount steering wheel/column and relocate 3 times until right,

design and send out steering rack mount file to laser for cutting,

go home ...

[JEBar]

in answer to the question : "I like it. Keep up the good work. Any progress on someone to build them?"


Mark Responded : "I have people positioned and offers.

I can make 'tens' or 'hundreds' locally, have to wait and see if people actually want more, or not ...​

[markiver54]

I'm optimistic, to say the least. I think Mark deserves a huge reward for his efforts and expertise!

[JEBar]

I'm optimistic as well .... I look forward to taking off cross NC in one of his trikes well before the end of this year

[markiver54]

I'm optimistic as well .... I look forward to taking off cross NC in one of his trikes well before the end of this year

That would be a special adventure!

[Travlin]

These reports are interesting but is there ever going to be a finished vehicle for sale and use by the public?

[JEBar]

I believe there will be an early run of them that will be on the road later this year .... from there it won't be a long jump to production runs

[JEBar]

in answer to the question : "Do you have any idea when a testable prototype might be completed?"

Mark Responded : "I have a driveable 'tandem seat' prototype, but went a major step further after it built to a rolling stage, mostly for ease of production processes, but I decided to follow the staggered seating layout, and that should be test driveable as a chassis in a reasonably short time."



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9-RVzfhWZE&t=205s

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Mounting the steering rack, but it's a lot more complicated than it looks, as the lower front suspension mounts and firewall come into the equation, but as you know, you eat an elephant one bite at a time.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Into the front suspension, nothing much in it, not much changed, just rechecking things as I go.


I did a short video for another group where one guy was asking about how to check his bumpsteer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuvm0RHzyuU

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ...

Fixed the bumpsteer by lowering the rack

Fitted spring back on suspension

Fitted front suspension

Fitted tie rod ends

Sat engine into position

Started on engine mountings.

Thought of a stunning revelation that will change the world forever and completely eliminate poverty, but I had my lunchtime nap and forgot what it was, oh well.. I must remember to write these things down in the future.​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

On it's wheels for the first time, always a nice feeling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME3Xe8EWL6M&t=93s

I am going away tomorrow for 3 days, first holiday I have had in ages, well, mini holiday anyway.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

So back into it after my 3 day holiday.

Today's effort was:

Positioning the engine in the frame,

Remove the exhaust manifold, cut it up, and weld it back together for better clearance,

Design bracket for rear engine mount.​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Not a great picture, but the rear engine mount is done and bolted to the firewall, as well as the exhaust manifold back on.

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Designed, lasered, folded and fitted the lower radiator mount today, and looking what I have to do to also mount the air con condenser.

Of course for the 2nd step, I also have to design and fabricate the upper radiator/condenser mount as well.​​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

I'm fiddling with lots of little things, aiming to getting it up and drive'able soon.

For example, today I got new fuel lines and filter for the fuel tank, and mounted the steering column.​

[JEBar]

When Asked : "do you plan to use and in-tank fuel filter or an inline one between the tank and motor"

Mark Responded : "The black thing with the writing on it in the picture above is a typical inline filter."

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Not much info you all may have noticed.

I am in 'next major step' planning stages.​

[JEBar]

Per Mark BEX ....

Ok...

I have decided to go straight to start final design work and building tooling suitable for limited production.

I am very satisfied with what I have, I know it's going to work, and see no reason to waste more weeks, or months even, going further with a prototype which has now served it's purpose.

Don't get too excited, it's still quite a process to go, it's not like they will be ready to produce next month.

First step will be to build a production floor pattern, and do the tooling for that over the next 1.5 to 2 weeks estimated.​