oh yeah, ive seen the HORRID Disasters with the CF's. but like i said, if i see one for like $100, why not try it lol. But anyways... what is ypur material of choice for the brackets?

Absolutely, haha.

I don't recall what he is using (he is the fabricator, I just took lots of measurements, lol)

I do know it is NOT aluminum. He doesn't like how soft it is. It is being drawn up in CAD(?) and laser cut.

For fun, this is a quick 'sketch' I drew (who knows maybe it will help someone having these), as a reference guide. These are the measurements I took, with what I have on hand to provide him.

I was also given some other lower bracket measurements from two other people, for further references. He is going to create them completely custom, using those as a reference, but making sure it sits properly with my parts (aka my measurements).

Blade w/upper brackets on the top - upper bracket side view middle - trunk/ mounting holes on the bottom.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...e10c4137c2.jpg

Ahhh gotcha! And depending on the Grade, Aluminum is a great material!!
Laser cut? I like lasers! :eyetwitch

Took my daughter out for a picnic at a lake today. Here was the view from our picnic table :)

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...89b3046614.jpg

Lucky you! While you were out having a blast, we got some annoying snow :(

Aww, haha. I do not miss that!

Bracket update - here is the 3d model getting printed. This is NOT what the final bracket will look like. This is JUST a fitment model. The outside shape may change slightly and it won't be solid, it will have the triangle shapes on the vertical section. Depending on how it looks, I may also have him make it a lil taller or lean back a bit more. Right now it leans back 20 degrees (as opposed to a perfectly upright L bracket). I also need to check placement of where the third mounting hole will go that mounts the lip to the bracket. This model is just to test we have our "mounting hole vs bracket bend" distances correct before going to the metal version with the final tweaks.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...10bb7ef064.png

Did you model that yourself?

No no. My friend did :)

While I suppose I could, I don't typically do 3d modeling and I don't have a 3d printer. I am a graphic designer so it's not out of my realm but i like free hand art as opposed to strict measurements, haha.

Not sure why my phone had posted that so large and distorted... o-well. I should have an image of the actual 3d printed model later today. Hopefully he can get them both in the mail by tomorrow and I can do the test fit sometime early next week. From there he will still need to redraw the model so it's friendly to a flat piece of steel (where the 3d printer actually prints it to shape)... and the steel will be laser cut, then bent to shape... and then he will be powder coating them.

He said he will offer these in black or chrome powdercoat for buyers.

Gotcha, and hmmm, i might mess around with drawing up some brackets for S&G's. Looking forward to seeing the 3D printed model. Is he using PLA or some type of epoxy resin?

I have NO idea. It's black? He sent me a few videos of the start of the print last night.. I never knew how slow the process was. Was supposed to be like a 6+ hr job for the printer, for 1 bracket, lol.

Ask him when you get a chance if you don't mind! And yes, "rapid prototyping" is not what we today would think of "fast" lol. But it's still fast when you think about it.

Here is the first 3D printed bracket. His printer jammed in the middle of the night last night and didnt finish the last section, but fortunately it had already finished everything that was actually important. It's just missing the outer edge of the bottom piece (which effects nothing anyways).


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...748c69da09.jpg

Hmmm interesting, since i no longer work friday night, i might draw up some brackets and 3D print some myself. Luckily i can use my schools resources for this " school project" :D

Haha, go for it! This is the easiest way to confirm fitment for us, being a few states away while Im down here in AL. Especially since he's going to powder coat the final bracket. Would hate to waste time on something that wasn't perfect. If there are any fitment issues i can easily mark/drill the 3d print model and send them back to to edit the file. I think well be okay but better safe than sorry!

Yup, check out this printer!

Attachment 217307

It's printing using some sort of epoxy resin but its not a big deal, the real brackets would be some sort of alloy.

Attachment 217308

Nice!! I wouldn't hate having one..... Lol.

I wish it was mine, but for only 70k+ you can have your own!

Two brackets are complete. The 2nd one was printed flawlessly (printer had zero issues with this one). He said it looks so good he might reprint the 1st one "just cause", lol. Hoping they can be shipped tomorrow and have an update on the test fit at some point next week. Getting antsy! Trying so hard to be patient, lol.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...8436284518.jpg

Very cool Jazer.

When ya boosting?


Travis

Haha. No plans for boost. Ive built/turbocharged an n/a car before. Ive been down that road. I completely enjoy the car as it is :) maintenance and a few upgrades when it makes sense.. About it.

Boost, Nitrous or sit down :)

Otherwise their just boring lol

Good idea on the brackets btw

Travis

Thanks! I can't take credit for it tho, it was my friend's idea. Easier means of test fitting our measurements for sure.

Im not trying to make a "race car" out of it, so I have to say that while boost is always possible, it is not probable.. definitely no time soon.

The car isn't fast by any means, but it is still a joy to drive, and feels very sporty. Im an old lady now, It's just fine for what I do with it. lol. Once I start getting into AutoXing it, which I would like to do eventually I might at that point want more power once I am able to push the car to it's limits as it sits "stock".