My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.

[Mark BEX]

So besides yesterday running around looking for component resources, today I went to a few car yards and bought a car that the Toyota 1.0 KR1 engine and 5 speed comes in. It was a bargain at $400,000 ... oh wait, that's Paul Elio's math foundation, sorry, I meant $400. Note the last 2 digits of the license plate, made me laugh, it's a sign I tell ya's!

Also looking at a bracing hoop that achieves a number of things, side intrusion, main roll hoop strength, and also a bar to grab onto to get in and out of the back seat, and on bumpy roads. Can hang your telephone and rubbish bag off it as well etc.
And yes, I am aware of the critical importance of positioning that bar in relation to the passenger safety in an accident, no need to pass judgments on it just yet :-)

 

[84mpg]

There will be lulls in the proceedings occasionally, I promise to avoid 8 year lulls though ...

There will be a couple of days lull right now, it's because I am out and about researching resources, and buying stuff, all part of the process.

I'm a fella that doesn't assume – if I don't see a daily post or picture, then work and progress must have completely stopped. I can understand... there's a whole lot more to what you're doing, than what meets the eye. Planning for the future while building today. I greatly appreciate your efforts and enjoy being a bystander.

 

[84mpg]

So besides yesterday running around looking for component resources, today I went to a few car yards and bought a car that the Toyota 1.0 KR1 engine and 5 speed comes in. It was a bargain at $400,000 ... oh wait, that's Paul Elio's math foundation, sorry, I meant $400. Note the last 2 digits of the license plate, made me laugh, it's a sign I tell ya's!

View attachment 24593

Also looking at a bracing hoop that achieves a number of things, side intrusion, main roll hoop strength, and also a bar to grab onto to get in and out of the back seat, and on bumpy roads. Can hang your telephone and rubbish bag off it as well etc.
And yes, I am aware of the critical importance of positioning that bar in relation to the passenger safety in an accident, no need to pass judgments on it just yet :-)

View attachment 24592

Yes..yes! If you were using the "other" math foundation, you would certainly be in the $20 - $30 million range at this stage of your build. Most certainly!

The license plate did provide a chuckle. A sign indeed!

 

[Mark BEX]

And today started working out the rear seat area, lots of room. It's not as simple as a car where the rear seats are almost secondary and hardly used, in this car it must be treated as a primary seat, often used, and by an adult seeking to be properly comfortable.

I was very pleased to remember a steering rack I looked at years back in one of the mini-vans that has sold millions. It's a 90 degree drive which is just what I need for a car with a central steering wheel. Oh and they are under $30 ... it's more involved, as you will see later, but a great find.

 

[Mark BEX]

I tell you what Guys and Gals, and neutral gender people who identify as washing machines;

Sitting in the front and rear seats today with the doors closed and no windows (i.e windows open), is almost like sitting in a convertible, you have fresh air and unobstructed vision either side of you, what a great feeling, and I was quite surprised in a delightful way!

I was considering to have fixed windows on the right front and left rear, but not now, it is a must that all 4 windows go down.

 

[84mpg]

I tell you what Guys and Gals, and neutral gender people who identify as washing machines;

Sitting in the front and rear seats today with the doors closed and no windows (i.e windows open), is almost like sitting in a convertible, you have fresh air and unobstructed vision either side of you, what a great feeling, and I was quite surprised in a delightful way!

I was considering to have fixed windows on the right front and left rear, but not now, it is a must that all 4 windows go down.

Glad to hear – you'll have all 4 windows go down! I was assuming at least both of the driver's windows would open/close. Yes – all 4 windows down will definitely give an open, breezy feel to the travels. As an older, ex-motorcycle rider (whose wife will not let him ride anymore), I've really been looking forward to having an enclosed, tandem seated 3-wheeler. Having air just to your right – that matches the left, will be quite an open feeling while driving. Motioning to other drivers with both arms, hands (and fingers) was always a benefit while on a bike. Your vehicle will provide the same opportunity!

Speaking of spaciousness. I've driven Ram trucks for the last 12 years or so. They're pretty roomy – being the size that they are. But while I sat in the "orange" prototype (many moons ago), my jaw dropped when I quickly realized that I had more space to my left in the Elio than I did in my Ram. That blew my mind and I was immediately hooked. I have no doubt how roomy your front cabin will be. It's awesome to see you putting that effort into the passenger area as well.

 

[JEBar]

I was considering to have fixed windows on the right front and left rear, but not now, it is a must that all 4 windows go down.

another very positive decision that will be extremely well received by those of us who attended shows and were able to spend some time sitting in an Elio .... in deciding on the doors, if the shifter is on the right, an elbow rest on the left would be most welcome .... for comfort one on each side of the rear seat would prove to really be handy

 

[W. WIllie]

That will help with any extraction, if needed in an accident and the feeling of being claustrophobic.

 

[Mark BEX]

But while I sat in the "orange" prototype (many moons ago), my jaw dropped when I quickly realized that I had more space to my left in the Elio than I did in my Ram. That blew my mind and I was immediately hooked. I have no doubt how roomy your front cabin will be.

Yes, you can easily put your arms down both sides of the seat.

 

[JEBar]

just wondering and a comment ....

1. what general type of suspension are you considering .... sports car ? ... touring ? .... off road ?

2. have you considered designing it to be flat towed .... there is a significant potential market of folks who travel in motorhomes .... most of the time they are couples .... the weight of a BEX it wouldn't require a separate towed braking system .... it would reduce the load on the motorhome .... and its uniqueness would be a major asset

3. we have long envisioned local clubs that would stage day drives and even tours .... I believe that the uniqueness of the look and the exposure such local chapters generate would prove to be extremely strong advertising ....