new body

here is the shot of the body outline i just finished. i really liked the body on the gecko 2, and was happy i could maintain the overall looks of that car when designing this body. it's nearly the same, only being lengthened for the extended wheelbase. the windshield is also a full height windshield (to facilitate the targa top) and has a full roll to the front.

slow goings

this weekend my wonderful girlfriend came to visit, so the gecko was put on hold. as of now, plans (the fourth redesign) have been finalized, and metal should be on its way...sometime soon. i have some other financial priorities in line, so the gecko might be on hold for say, three weeks or so. check back.

a word on subframes....

this is why i use subframes in my design process:

below is a simple subframe for the front suspension and front bulkhead. i build this as its own component, and then attach it numerous other subframes to complete the whole car.



this is what the car looks like from the front with a bunch of other stuff drawn in too (about HALF of all components--remember, this is only the chassis!

did i get it right this time?

well, gecko 3 (and a half?) is now reaching what i believe to be a "final" point. the mere word "final" pretty much means nothing with this project, but this is why i think this frame is a good one:

-the use of 1.5"x1.5"x3" rectangular tube as main support beams running the length of the car
-intersecting pipes, where 1.5" OD circular pipe goes through the rectangular tube, and is then welded on all edges for a VERY strong joint.
-48" of shoulder width, more than plenty comfortable for two people.
-53" of leg room.
-long suspension wishbones for smooth travel.
-front crash zone (an area of pipes and tube that will absorb energy in the front of the car)
-tri-supported roll bars
-the use of gusset plates in areas where intersecting joints are not used
-a hard top (although not yet designed) appears likely as an option

so hopefully, this will be it. a final design. the frame appears as though it would support a very angular, sharp body style. check it out, let me know what you think

Related Pictures

i figured id share a couple pics i have in my archives that either inspired the gecko, or gave me guidance on key design principles. ill add more every now and then...

moving day

all packed up in teh back of my car--everything I own dedicated to the gecko project. nearly a thousand bucks worth of stuff already...

here's what i have now:

-1000cc four cylinder engine out of a Honda CBR1000RR sport bike
-ECU module for the engine
-two stock airboxes with dual stage fuel injection fuel rails
-ignition cylinder with keys
-8.8 posi differential
-kick stand sensor switch
-airbox inlet pipe

key components i need in the near future:

-STEEL!
-front uprights/hubs
-steering rack
-wiring harness for the engine
-jet power commander
-fuel pump/lines (and prolly a fuel tank for that matter)
-battery

All packed up and ready to go:

well....

interesting past couple days.

the redesign (now Gecko 3) is coming along alright. got a bit done while i was on vacation back home. due to recent events, i'll have more time to dedicate to the project, as well as some more funds as well. keep checking back for updates!