3d Model

A grille! Some of those look like the 'Got Milk' mustache because its horizontal.

How about the nose going vertical...similar to the '40 ford, perhaps sloped backwards for aerodynamics? Not like the cheesy VW kit 40 Ford front ends, but a nod in that direction for smooth beautiful lines - and a grille.

Think outside the box fellas...a marker lights or driving lights and turn signals can be put on the outrigger fairings. If they project a beam they just need to be isolated. Ours should not be confined to figuring out the technicalities because it is technically possible, we should explore the vision and possibilities.

AriLea said:

One thing I'm having trouble with, deciding on a grill that seems right with this style.
So help me, what do you like best from this list? The bumper would not be
functional, it's just chrome trim.

View attachment 3948

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I don't like any of the chrome trims in the front. What about a chrome trim circling the radiator inlet?

Jim H said:

Glad to see you come around to the right color, and don't forget the luggage rack........LOL

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No luggage rack, just the trailer! #1 however will be True Blue!

AriLea said:

One thing I'm having trouble with, deciding on a grill that seems right with this style.
So help me, what do you like best from this list? The bumper would not be
functional, it's just chrome trim.

View attachment 3948

Click to expand...

1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
#2 is 1st choice or #5

#2 and #5 ARE interesting. You can also say which you hate. For me that's 4,7 and 8. Honestly it won't hurt my feelings ( well, I'll get over it at least ), it's all in the eyes of the beholder.

Personally, I do like the horizontal 'teeth' a bit better than the vertical. I do want to say I like plain better than a grill or moch-bumper, or possibly the 'ring' trim would work. But the challenge was to find something in the 'aerodynamic' style of the 50's, which back then was frankly all about adorning a heavy bumper, as if aircraft had them ( i.e a total fabrication ). Heavy bumpers, Something I'm not keen on, but I accepted the goal, so I'm giving it my best shot with your help. Obviously an actual heavy metal bumper is out of the question as just totally counter to the Elio ethic. I won't go that far to cater to one style goal.
Some of this difficulty is I want to find what others like and not so much what I like. But I have to use my own sense of beauty in every decision either way.

Still simple is better. So maybe the simple F86 ring around the nose is possible to work out?
The problem there is a lack of geometry (lines and forms) that would seem natural. It is very possible to unbolt the Elio nose and create a whole geometry that provides a path for the ring. This would then say we're not stuck with my out-side the box headlights. But on the other hand, a new nose is a big-big mod and I was hoping more for smoke-and mirrors rather than total war on mechanical structure.

As for a bumper idea, we could avoid it entirely catering to the thought this is NOT a car, but a cyclecar and to heck with that one aspect. So what then? We'll the 50's was all about aircraft. So what aircraft ? The F86 is high on the list, and so was the p51. The nose ring / intake benzyl or whatever is compatible with that.

And then there is the vertical look Jeff noted. I'll have to contemplate that a bit too. That would be much easier in a full nose kit. But still, there is maybe some trickery there that could be put to use and still be a simple bolt on.

So no mater the final look,
1) It must be 'Aerodyne' styled (what ever THAT means, which could mean no grill or trim at all).
2) A low level of mod,kit or bolt-ons
3) Not too complex or overdone ( NOT rococo? ) Think more Kaiser than Oldsmobile.
4) Moderately Low weight and low aerodynamic impact

We'll have to gind on this a while, until something becomes a more clear winner.

BTW, if I let simple and no bumper speak to me this combo seems to come to mind.

TRISOFT WINGTIP BUMPER
Part # 13-08263


(Click image for a larger view)

Trisoft Bumpers provide protection for the trailing edge of the wing, delta fins and ventral fins. Each Trisoft Bumper is made of chemical resistant EVA foam and provides ultimate aircraft protection.

The Trisoft Bumpers also work great as wing edge indentifiers. This helps protect your employees while they are working or walking under the wing.

So, all the Kids are done for today, all tuckered out and in bed ( the younger ones ), leaving some time for grandpaw to have some hobby time!.

I've come to a decision about the best 'Aerodyne' style, of what I have that meets the goals, and uses the decorative -mock-bumper. This is all just for study and exploration from my point of view, so I kept all the variations inside the model file and uploaded it to the warehouse.
And anyone who knows how to move 'groups' around and align objects can play with it.

The best up to now without a bumper is at the top, the best with a bumper is either of the other two. I may still yet get the 'ring' benzyl variation in there, we'll see.

On behalf of your Xmas stocking;
I also uploaded the vision of what people might do with a Elio for off-road. You KNOW someone will try something like this. Elio was designed for a selective purpose, but at that price point it becomes something that can also be a means to go other places and this may be one of them.

Can it perform this kind of use? Sure why not? with 2/3 of the wheels powered it's halfway to a 4 wheeler. Just needs some kind of limited slip, lower gearing, beefier suspension bits and other things as shown. Actually surprisingly little compared to other 'off-road-upgrades'. Beach Busting, Stump Jumping, Dune Trolling, Desert Dusting, Rock Rustling, Mud Rucking, it's all good!

Enjoy!

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=u5c09f29b-d254-46eb-9b50-d19f255ab464
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=u1596b6e9-7e19-40df-b84d-3ace55ba003d

Ari, can you do a standard Elio with lettering near the door that says Model "Z" in honor of Zelio. I'm going to try to get a chrome piece made to put on my Elio in her honor. My Elio will always be a Model Z.

Jim H said:

Ari, can you do a standard Elio with lettering near the door that says Model "Z" in honor of Zelio. I'm going to try to get a chrome piece made to put on my Elio in her honor. My Elio will always be a Model Z.

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Sure, that's easy, the program has a 3d letter maker. Is this text to be 'Z' or 'Model Z'? (Z bigger than model ) You want it placed similar to other model labeling?

Come to think about it with what shapes are there, there is only one best option on the door, depending on the desired text.

AriLea said:

Sure, that's easy, the program has a 3d letter maker. Is this text to be 'Z' or 'Model Z'? (Z bigger than model ) You want it placed similar to other model labeling?

Come to think about it with what shapes are there, there is only one best option on the door, depending on the desired text.

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I am definitely NOT artistic so I will yield to your expertise. It should be "Model Z" and sized like any other model designation like Impala, Charger, or DeVille. I plan on putting one in the same position on each side. Thanks.......Jim H