My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.

[Mark BEX]

Doing so many little things, but nothing much to directly report, however, the headache of steering has started .. It's the same, but different from the prototype ...

Today stripped down the new rack to make the mod to the rack shaft as I worked out with all the effort on the first prototype, and happy as Larry to find common 'off the shelf' inner tie rod and outer tie rods the right length, also all from the same manufacturer, and even better, the same manufacturer as the front uprights, brakes etc.

So one stop shopping for the bulk of the front end

 

[Mark BEX]

My lathe guy did my steering rack things today.

First is to take 100mm/4" off one end, and add it to the other end.

Second is to turn my nylon bushes, both simple procedures.

Though the rack isn't stock 'off the shelf', due to the central steering position, it is built from a stock 'off the shelf rack', merely modifying it, and the addition of a nylon bush.

Point is, it is not a specialised bespoke built item, and any small workshop with a lathe can achieve the same modifications very easily using the off the shelf rack, not that I expect any significant rack wear in it's lifetime on such a light vehicle with no power steering.

 

[Mark BEX]

My steering rack is looking like a manufacturer's genuine part

 

[84mpg]

My steering rack is looking like a manufacturer's genuine part

View attachment 25900

Sure does! Looks good!

 

[Ace]

My steering rack is looking like a manufacturer's genuine part

View attachment 25900

The "nice rack" jokes just write themselves......

 

[Mark BEX]

The "nice rack" jokes just write themselves......

You're steering the thread the wrong way .....

 

[JEBar]

 

[Mark BEX]

I think the new "Office" will work out, some final measuring tomorrow, and then to laser it

Oh, and if it works out, I have lowered the top of the dash by another 1.5" again, over 3" since doing this version. Should help with forward vision considerably.

 

[Sonoran Sam]

I just saw an advertisement for CFMOTO. Apparently, they are a manufacturer of Chinese Motorcycles being sold in the USA. They have 4 dealer locations in the Phoenix, AZ area, so there appears to be a dealer network for sales, parts and service. This is the first I've heard of this company, but they are HERE!!

Personally, I don't need another motorcycle, as I do want to replace my present motorcycle with the BEX Mongrel when its ready. I did find the fact that they are here quite interesting.

I don't know if this information may be useful to you or not.

And again, thank you for your continued efforts with the build.

 

[Mark BEX]

I just saw an advertisement for CFMOTO.

CFMoto are a huge company, who have been around for a while, and selling in the USA for a while too, mostly ATVs and UTVs in the USA.

Thanks, have spoken with them, but not convinced they have any answers for me.