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| 1927 Pontiac Fiero (Page 39/41) |
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toddshotrods
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FEB 27, 11:39 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by UCFieroCharger:
...Do you have a photo of your car/chassis you are starting with?... |
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This crappy cell pic is the best I have right now. The actual car is three hours away at a friend's shop (where I used to live).
| quote | Originally posted by UCFieroCharger:
...because I think in order for this to be a complete success it really needs to be well thought out and no corners cut in exchange for getting it on the road quicker. Im wondering what things you have set in stone right now... |
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Agreed. Before, the 27 was just an idea to have a quick thrown together toy to run around town with - it wasn't supposed to be a serious project. When the circumstances in my life changed, having an extra toy was no longer feasible which is what led to the project being postponed.
Set in stone:
1) The car is first and foremost a marketing tool - convenience and praticality take a backseat to its true purpose.
2) It must be an EV.
3) It must be mid/rear layout.
4) The batteries must be under the floorboards for low cg and polar moment. This also has the side effect of making the body taller, which IMO gives the car more classic proportions - win-win.
5)The electric propulsion system must be visible from some angle.
6) It must have a natural "elegance".
| quote | Originally posted by UCFieroCharger:
If I were approaching this project, the first thing I would do is think of how pontiac would do the 1927 fiero as a production car, THEN hotrod/rat rod it from there. I would do it this way because it breaks the design project into two steps which should be much easier to complete than both at the same time. |
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I gave myself total freedom in the "what if" department and connected Fiero DNA with the two-seat, m/r, layout; and Pontiac DNA with the grille, trim, etc. There wasn't much to an actual 1927 Pontiac. They had a pretty bland body, with a mildly distinguishable grille. What I am saying is I did approach it exactly as you would. I studied antique Pontiacs, then gave some thought to what I believed they would have created for a little runabout sporting car. I believe that it would have still been somewhat bland. From there I let my imagination run and followed my original line of thinking that started this project which is something like, "what if Mr. Lamborghini had been born in the late 19th century, moved to America, worked for Pontiac, and developed the Fiero for them in the Roaring 20's?!" My original hypothesis was a bit different, but that's the current "translation".
All that being said, please continue on the train of thought you had in your posts. I just wanted to clue you into the thought processes that led to the current design - along with the circumstances that brought the project back to life - as stated on page 8. I have been really curious to see your interpretation since page 2. 
Edited for typos[This message has been edited by toddshotrods (edited 02-27-2009).]
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UCFieroCharger
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FEB 27, 12:25 PM
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are you completely sold on that dual bubble/flair dash setup?
I think a single sweep over the top would be more appropriate personally, I have only seen once where someone did a dual bubble like that on a vintage style car and it didnt fit right because it is too complex of a form for that style body. Just my opinion, I also really like this kind of dash with the machine swirls:
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toddshotrods
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FEB 27, 12:45 PM
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Completely sold on it? Not absolutely, but I am heavily biased towards it  Partly because I like it, and and also because the forms have already been created.
I have mixed emotions on engine turned panels. I kind of like them, but have never wanted to use them on my projects.
Come on, let's see...
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toddshotrods
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FEB 27, 01:24 PM
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Edit = I figure I might as well make use of this post, instead of leaving it to occupy bandwidth as a mistake...
Some more specifics of the current chassis for you to work off:
> The wheelbase for the current chassis will be about 96-inches, plus or minus a couple inches if absolutely necessary.
> The main frame is approximately 20-22" wide at the front, and 38-40" wide at the back of the main body (seating area)
> From the front axle center line to the back of the body in the rendering would be approximately 78-80"
> The main frame rails are 2x3-inch rectangular tubing, and run from the rear control arm pick-up points to just behind the front axle center line, tapering in as they progress forward.
> The chassis is designed so that the main rails are approximately 11-12-inches high at the rear control arms pick-up points, and 9-10 inches off the ground in front.
> The battery pack is suspended between the rails and will be cradled by multiple tubular crossmembers that loop from rail to rail under the pack.
> The body hangs lower and completely conceals the frame rails.
> The ground clearance at the front axle centerline (body panels) will be about 3 inches.
> The ground clearance at the back of the body (as shown in the rendering) will be about 4-5 inches depending on what "rake" looks best.
> The ground clearance of the frame's crossmembers will be the same as the body, allowing the battery pack to hang down inside the chassis, beneath the floorbards.
Hope all that makes sense...[This message has been edited by toddshotrods (edited 02-27-2009).]
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Gokart Mozart
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MAR 02, 05:51 PM
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How about an engine turned panel a few inches behind the dash that supports the steering column and hides the ignition. Just don't make it too tall or you'll bump your shins!
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Gokart Mozart
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MAR 04, 08:47 PM
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Gokart Mozart
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MAR 04, 09:05 PM
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toddshotrods
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MAR 04, 10:34 PM
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I definitely like some things there. The brakes could open the doors to new opportunities in wheel styling - if they can be pulled off without detracting from the vintage theme.
I like the idea of the head fairings. They're definitely vintage, and would look nice following the double hump dash. The question is whether there is a way to incorporate them into the bucket style body, or whether it's worth considering more drastic measures to work them into the design.
In the beginning, the Timepiece was supposed to have a step-over-and-into race type body. The main reason was so I wouldn't have to do jambs and doors. Now that this project is intended to be a more serious effort, I think I am going for suicide style doors. Even though I want higher performance levels, I am really shooting for a vintage Rolls Royce type "feel". The mental image I use as a measuring stick for working on some elements of the design are of a man in an expensive suit opening the right suicide door for his lady friend. Imagine her in a formal evening gown, stepping up into the car, and tucking her gown inside, as he gently clicks the door shut. Then imagine them gliding away with only the sound of their voices being heard over soft, but full, music from the car's entertainment system.
If that seems out of bounds for a vintage Pontiac, take a good look at what Rad Rides by Troy did with an ordinary old 36 Ford (2007? Ridler winner). The car is so elegant it look like it could have been made by Rolls in 1936. I know I don't have the unlimited, multi-million buck, budget he had but if you don't shoot for the stars....
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Gokart Mozart
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MAR 06, 09:50 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by toddshotrods:
If that seems out of bounds for a vintage Pontiac, take a good look at what Rad Rides by Troy did with an ordinary old 36 Ford (2007? Ridler winner). The car is so elegant it look like it could have been made by Rolls in 1936. I know I don't have the unlimited, multi-million buck, budget he had but if you don't shoot for the stars.... |
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Why have bounds?
http://www.radrides.com/firstlove.htm
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toddshotrods
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MAR 06, 10:21 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Gokart Mozart:
Why have bounds? |
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That's my motto  Thanks for posting the link to First Love, I was too lazy to go get it when I mentioned the car. How about the Ritzow Chrysler? It's supposed to be at Cobo Hall right now!
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