Pieces

Well, we have completed the axle holder and are in the process of positioning it so it can be welded onto the frame. Also, we have the rear steering mount machined and ready to be welded into place. We would have had the axle holder in place already but there was a small measurement problem which resulted in it not being square on the frame.

Also to keep the shape of the mono coat outer covering, we are using a steam-bent piece of wood to round out the front. This also improves the aerodynamics of the car.




Completed Front Axle Holder

It's Coming Along

The front axle holder is coming along quickly. We have it all laid out and tacked, awaiting approval so we can weld it. The rear steering is also coming together nicely too. Today we are tacking on a piece to the steering holder.


Front Axle Holder

Ranks

This week we have made progress on the front drive axle, rear wheel, and steering components. We have made the main support of the front axle. This will serve as the base and reinforcement for the axle braces. Also we have put the bearings and other components on the steering fork. I would also just like to introduce, more formally, the major players on our team.

Team Captain-Walter

Co-Captain/Designer-Dillon

Newsletter Editor and Photographer-Lauren

Website Editor-Joey

Drafter-Brey

Progress

Construction continues in the KV shop. As of right now we have laid out our front drive axle and we are working on the braces to mount it to the frame. In order to mount it to the frame we have to lay out the whole sub-frame. We plan on making this sub-frame out of 1/4" aluminum angle pieces. This sub-frame will also serve as our mount for the braces we will lay the mono coat over. Our crew leader, Walter Wians, is also our best TIG welder. The pictures below show the drive axle laid in place behind the motor and shows Walter welding together part of the sub-frame.

Construction

Well we have been working fairly diligently this past week. Once we figured out how to start, we started to layout the steering components and front axles. Today we actually have started to weld, so construction has officially began. We have laid out the main steering parts but have not calculated where exactly they will be placed. Either way progress is being made so we are happy. Also we are still looking for sponsors, so if you know of anyone that would like to be one please contact jmengel@kv.k12.in.us, thank you.


Steering


Engine


Front Axle


Part Being Welded

Disassembly

As of this week the team has started the steps of building. We have drawn up a few sketches and ideas of what we are trying to accomplish. We also have started disassembling last years car in order to improve from it. Our main idea is to use the old frame bar from the old car and build up from there.
New ideas for this year include: rear-wheel steering, front-wheel drive, and mainly Lexan, which is a clear and lightweight plastic coating. We are hoping to have great success with this new layout, so wish us luck!

Starting Up

Kankakee Valley is starting their car that will compete in the I.M.S.T.E.A. Super Mileage Competition. This competition challenges high school students to design and build a car that will get as many miles per gallon as possible. Not only are they challenged on making the car work, but they have to figure the math that is involved in making it work.
So far we have created the main design and begun collecting money in order to start fabrication. This year we have high expectations. KV's highest mpg rating was 470.88. Our goal this year is 750 mpg. Last year the winner of the competition had over 1000 mpg!
Through out our design and building process we will be posting blogs to keep the public and our sponsors up to date. Thanks for all of your support.


Here are few pictures of past cars. However, we are planning on a totally different design this year.