End of The Semester

The past week has been pretty hectic with the end of semester finals and all, so it has been hard trying to find time to come up with a post. Now the finals are done and it is the last day before break.

Recently Rich got all the wiring run and ready to be hooked up. We have pretty much finished the proposal with the exception of the drawings but those should be completed by the time we come back from break. Once we come back we'll be working diligently to finish the car, so Happy Holidays!

Tail Section

This week we made some pretty decent progress. We have the fire extinguisher hose to direct it into the engine compartment ready to be put in. The past couple of days Rich has laid out the design of the rear engine cover. We laid it out using cardboard in order to get the basic shape of it. We are designing it so that it will be aerodynamic as well as removable to make servicing the engine easier. As of right now, we have our minds set on constructing it out of fiberglass. We also have a couple of people working on our proposal and our design drawings. These are pretty well finished but they need a few revisions to make them more professional looking.

Gas Tank & Fire Extinguisher Mounts

Because it was a short week due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we didn't get a lot done but Rich got the gas tank mount made and installed. The tank has to be easily removed by the inspectors at the competition. Rich and I also figured out where to mount the fire extinguisher and he got the bracket made and welded on for it. The extinguisher is mounted so that if there is a fire in the engine compartment, all the driver has to do is pull the pin and squeeze the handle. The dry chemical powder goes through a hose and comes out a nozzle aimed at the engine and carburetor. Mr. Mengel is going to pick up the hose this weekend for us.

Trying It On For Size

This past week we have shown progress. Now that the rear of the canopy is in place, Rich fastened the windshield on the car. As shown in the picture, I laid in the car to make sure visibility was good. It also helps that I am significantly bigger than Tyler, our driver, so me being able to fit insures he will fit comfortably. Since Tyler is not in our class, it is hard to get exact measurements, however, we will make do. Our drafters are making progress on our drawings, as well as Sam who is writing our proposal.

Update

These past couple of weeks we have done more on the paperwork than on the actual car. This is important though, without the paper work we cannot compete. Our proposal is due January 22nd. Sam is working on this now, since he did it last year, it should be easiest for him. In the meantime, Dillon is working on the CAD drawings for the proposal.

Right now Rich is working on some sheet metal. He is making a firewall and when we get another sheet of aluminum, he'll finish the floor. In the meantime, he will continue to make parts like the gas tank mount.

Car Update

I haven't had the chance to write the past couple of weeks because of computer access issues. Rich has gotten a lot of work done on the car these past two weeks. He has cut up the old canopy and made it fit to our car. All we have to do to that is get the Lexan to cover it.

This car overall will look pretty close to the one last year minus the one wheel in the back design. It will now be a regular four wheel car design.

Rich has also welded the frame all together because most of the joints were just tack welded together. He has cut a piece of aluminum for the flooring near the nose but he still needs to rivet it in, though.

Mr. Mengel has received a copy of the rules from IMSTEA, so we will be reviewing those to make sure there hasn't been any changes for this year that will affect our car design. We will also be starting on our drawings and the write up for our proposal.

Battery Box

Now that the steering is all set up, Rich has been trying to find other things to work on. This week he found a place to mount up the battery. It should work but if it comes in contact with the firewall it will need to be moved later on. Next we will focus on fabricating the flooring of the car. It will probably be the same idea as last years.

Mr. Mengel also has sent in our letter of intent. So if we do figure out a team and get this car in working condition, we will be in the competition.