Ed's 'StreetRunner' Quad Build

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Sep 12, 2012
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Apple Valley, California, USA
Here's a bit of gee-whiz info for you.

Wanted to know how heavy this beast is getting.

I set the car on 2x4 blocks under each tire. This being the same depth as our bathroom scale.
Then one by one and multiple tries of each corner I settled on the weights below.

It needs to go on a diet. I thought it would get up to about 500 lbs.
I'm glad I chose to use two motors.

In lbs.
The rear different weights are due to the steering and master cylinders are on that side.

The steering mainly is heavy.
LR = 211
RR = 186

Haven't figured out why the difference in the front.

LF = 72
RF = 89 ( don't know why)

Total 558 lbs. (253 kilos)

It zips right along despite the weight.
Which includes another 450 +/- for passengers.

450 + 558 = a heafty 1008 lbs.
 
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Went to the local swap meet today. It was packed with vendors. Went last week looking for air line fittings, with no luck.
This week I hit the jackpot.
Got 12 brass fittings for $10. A good price compared to the big box stores.



Using some scrap PVC and hose, I used three fittings to make a prototype manifold to mount to the firewall.
Still waiting for the red hose that I ordered last Sunday.
Still haven't got a ship date or tracking number. This time I used ebay, so I'm sure I'll get my money back if this turns sour.

Don't want to install the fittings into the 'carbs' until I get the hose....just in case.
When the final hoses are installed and to keep things tidy, I will make a hose separator for each side.



Also made a rough mockup for the windshield. Haven't decided on thickness yet.
I have a 1/4" thick piece but it is scratched too much to use.

The upper 'glass' is in the A/C mode ๐Ÿ˜„


 
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From humble beginnings, it grows...



...into the beauty before you.



The red hose never arrived. But that I take as an omen to not use it.
I canceled the order and decided to go back to my original idea (though more expensive).
Besides that, I was having a problem liking the sloppy look of the hoses.



Today I got this far. A better look by far. IMHO



Now to decide how to make the fuel blocks and how to route the tubing to them.
The tubing must have hose dampeners between the copper tubing and the fuel blocks.
Everyone knows that this beast will shake rattle and roar, RIGHT? ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
The mock-up fuel block (white PVC) is one idea that may work.
Other ideas are formulating.



Brass fittings are not cheap. But I am feeling better about changing to copper/brass.
Much cleaner, and better organized.

And there is the 'BLING' factor.

 
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Apr 15, 2013
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Washington state
I recall you mentioned about having LEDs in the exhaust pipes for realism. I have occasionally wondered if you are still wanting?
I have lots of large white LEDs as well as RGB LEDs.
connect to a circuit to flash in accordance to the firing order.
Let me know
 
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I recall you mentioned about having LEDs in the exhaust pipes for realism. I have occasionally wondered if you are still wanting?
I have lots of large white LEDs as well as RGB LEDs.
connect to a circuit to flash in accordance to the firing order.
Let me know
Thanks for the offer but I'm no longer considering doing that.
The use of the car will be during the day, and it's electric-powered, so there isn't any 'firing order' to link into.

But I will keep it in mind, just in case..๐Ÿค”
 
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Mental block - fuel block

Finally settled on how I will transition from the carb copper tubing to the fuel block.
I'm using scrap copper tubing for this mock-up.



Cut the block from a 1x1 square tube. Cut it long way to 1/2 " thickness
Welded ends on it and drilled appropriate holes for mounting the fittings and mounting screws.

Finish grinding/sanding yet to be done.



 
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Well, guess what?

Remember that red hose that didn't arrive by the time it was estimated too?
The same hose that I canceled 3 days ago. Well, it has shipped, and get this, --- it's going to arrive between Sept 23 and Sept 27th. ๐Ÿ™„
I may be wrong, but isn't today Sept 30th?

So I now have a red hose coming that I'm not going to use because they wouldn't cancel the order.
I don't usually leave feedback, but in this case, I just might. Grrrr.

Anyway, as the world turns...right?

On the bright side, the wife and I got our COVID booster shot today.
Called late this morning and got an appointment for 3 pm.

No side effects at all for either of us.
So we are much more relaxed because of it.


Ok, back to the business of building a hot rod.

The second fuel block was, completed this morning. And the remaining copper tubing was cut and bent to exacting specifications.
Here the first of two blocks are connected. Too tight to secure to the firewall just yet.



Bought some clear tubing to replace the red tube that I canceled but will be receiving anyway. ๐Ÿ˜•
I actually like the clear better at this time, because it blends in with the tubing, and doesn't become the focal point.
We'll have to see what the red tube looks like, if and when it does arrive.



Still need to install the hose clamps.. Hopefully, the clear tubing will straighten out in time.

 
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Does this copper tubing have a function?
I really don't know exactly what you're trying to achieve, but it looks like fun to make a fake engine anyway.
I recently added an engine to my chopper bike but just by drawing it on a board in the frame, i will go 3d when i figure out how to best do it.
 
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Does this copper tubing have a function?
I really don't know exactly what you're trying to achieve, but it looks like fun to make a fake engine anyway.
I recently added an engine to my chopper bike but just by drawing it on a board in the frame, i will go 3d when i figure out how to best do it.
You answered your own question..." but it looks like fun to make a fake engine anyway".

I see it this way. The norm is to follow others' creativity or create something that makes people wonder.

As with virtually everything about this build, the copper tubing is an ' illusion ' of reality.
The looks I get now when people realize this thing isn't what it appears.....soooo much fun to be had in the near future.
 
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You answered your own question..." but it looks like fun to make a fake engine anyway".

I see it this way. The norm is to follow others' creativity or create something that makes people wonder.

As with virtually everything about this build, the copper tubing is an ' illusion ' of reality.
The looks I get now when people realize this thing isn't what it appears.....soooo much fun to be had in the near future.
Because you have plenty of battery power available had you considered:
  1. Audio of car engine sounds Phut-Phut-Phut of an early car.
  2. A smoke puffer unit to create little puffs of steam/smoke (a bit like a Vape unit).
The late John Price had these items on his list of things to do for his Violette.
 
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Because you have plenty of battery power available had you considered:
  1. Audio of car engine sounds Phut-Phut-Phut of an early car.
  2. A smoke puffer unit to create little puffs of steam/smoke (a bit like a Vape unit).
The late John Price had these items on his list of things to do for his Violette.
What do you mean, Phut-Phut-Phut?
I know this thread is long winded, but less we forget.
This beast will Roar-Roar-Roar when the time comes.
I just need to find the right sound equipment to make it ...LOUD!
[video]
 
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look at amazon for a 30 watt audio amplifier. Should be enough? or look for a 48 volt audio amplifier for really LOUD
 
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Moving on to the really important things - like designing the cup holders.

Maybe a location for the switches as well. Decision pending on that.



After numerous designs, I settled on this cantilever style.
The top will be a wood insert of a yet decided style.



My red hose finally arrived.

I was concerned that the red might overshadow the copper tubing.
So to my surprise, it doesn't look too bad.
I will leave it this way for a while. See if it grows on me.



The red doesn't look as good as it does in real life.

 
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I trired mounting my two switches in 1 1/2 box tubing then using plastic end caps I cut out holes to mount the end caps/switches.
Will get some pics today.
 
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Today's Progress

1/4" thick Plexiglas/Lexan is expensive. I happen to have a large piece that I have been hoarding for years.
It's large enough to cut for my windshield. Went online for ideas on how I should cut it.
I've cut Plexiglas before but it has been a while. I really couldn't afford to mess this one up.

You can see a narrow, trial cut, laying on the ground.



I settled on using my circular saw with a cement cutting blade.
Worked like a champ.



For the first couple of cuts, I took thin slices. But after some experience, the last cut was done full 1/4" cut.
The cut came out quite smooth, requiring minimal additional filing/sanding on the edges.
I used my grinder to round the corners. Also worked perfectly.



This plexiglass has been around and hasn't always been treated kindly. There is a fair amount of polishing to be done.
If I can get the scratches out, then I will have saved myself big bucks for a new piece.
 
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Windshield Progress

Started the day making six 'L' brackets. Four for the sides and two for the bottom.


Drilled them for 1/4" threaded rod studs and cut threads in them.


Welded the threaded rod studs in place. The nut is there just to torque tight for welding.
Done this so the brackets will have a clean appearance from the front when finished.


Studs welded in, fronts ground smooth, and brackets welded to frame.
Windshield installed


Rearview of studs, prior to cutting to length.
A rear cover plate will be installed as well.
Finish 'fill' welding to be done later.


A look at the semi-completed brackets and the scratches that I will have to work on later.
 
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Today was swap meet/flea market day.

There was a good vendor turnout. I do believe many of them get their goodies from the same source.

I don't search like many, who rummage through every box, every container.
My philosophy has always been, if I'm meant to have it, it will appear before me.

Today was such a day. First I scored a barely used hardwood cutting board, 18 x 18 x 1.5" thick.
Been wanting one to keep in our camper.
Got it for ... Five bucks
Some are around the $50.00 range. Priced one similar at over $100.
Got home sanded down the few cut marks and it is like new again. Just need to put food-grade oil on it.

Next, I spotted a piece of plexiglass about the size of the one I'm using in the StreetRunner.
It looks like many you may have seen in the stores for COVID barriers.
I measured it and it will be perfect as a replacement for the scratched version.
Got it for Five bucks.

And the best for last, some bling for the hot rod.
I thought I was going to make my own, so this is a nice find...
You guessed it, Five bucks.



Todays Fabrication Progress

I shaped the brackets to something a little more stylish.
Also, cut out the backing plates and got the studs cut down to size.



 
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And to top it all off..the windshield that is.





This is how you air condition back in the day.
Brass lid supports work quite well for holding glass open.



DIY hinges that are to the point for this conversation.

 
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