Phantom Retroadster Mk 2

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Three years after my first velocar building attempt I want something new.
As the old one it has to be a 2+2 seater to be used as a family cruiser.
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While my old Retroadster has a steel frame, a rather heavy birch ply bodywork and weights 85kg, the new one has to be significantly lighter.
After excessive weight-vs-costs calculations of all possible materials I came to the conclusion to use gaboon plywood for the frame and body.
It's very light, much lighter than birch or even pine, it's relatively cheap, rot resistant and I can order it at my local wood store.
The weight target for the new velocar is around 65kg.
For the naked frame I calculated 15kg.
I began over the winter, cutted out all the plywood pieces.
For proper strength the plywood is reinforced with 20x20mm spruce stringers.
The whole construction is close to an old wooden airplane.
Now the frame nears completion.
I have to say, it's the most complicated and critical part of the velocar, because structurally most important.
If the frame breaks, all other parts are worthless.

But here it is:
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The frame on the scale

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The scale is showing 14.9kg, I estimate 16kg when 100% complete

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Frame without top panel, note the square stringers

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This mockup gives an idea, how the frame will be used

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And the "special effects" are showing the future bodywork
The frame itself is too "cubistic" to win a cruiser bike design contest, but it's build for strength and durability.
All the curves that are missed in the frame, I try to add to the bodywork.
 
This is the new wooden frame with suspension components

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Mockup without components a few weeks ago

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Rear swing arm mount

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Double a-frame with elastomere struts made by Velomo

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Today the velocar finally stands on it's own wheels
Steering system and bodywork next week(s)

Cheers, Kai
 
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Yes, E-assist is planned.
We have a LiFePo4 battery pack here, 36V11Ah which is in cuboid form.
Only under the center part of the drivers bench is enough space for six of these packs.
But i think, for usual daily distances one or two would be enough.
Otherwise you would carry around a lot of unnecessary weight.
 
Wunderschöne, große projekt! Ist dies Ihr design oder eine kit.
Wonderful--great project. Is this your design or a kit?
 
No, it's all self designed, based on the models of Mr. Mochet.

I'm pondering about the final solution for the rear luggage compartment.
The previous velocar had a closed tail only accessible by removing the backrest of the childs seat.
Because I want a modular solution, which allows different body versions, I decided to left a large slot in the top panel of the new tail open.
This slot can be closed by a tailgate.
Or a pickup box around the slot and if you like a roof above the pickup box, which turns it into a van.

So I get many different solutions with just one base body.
And, I should be able to exchange the different versions within 15 minutes.
That's my goal, so far.

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Kai
 
It's a long time since the last post, so here is an update:
The rear is almost ready built since October.
After that I lost interest and also had small opportunity to work on the project.
Finally, in January I worked again on the vehicle.
I'm still in the making of the front hood.
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The Retroadster in comparison to a middle class estate

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Determining the lines and shape of the front hood

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Front side panels cut out and clamped in place

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Dashboard frame glued/laminated from 5 layers of 15x5mm spruce in position
 
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Dashboard "planked" and view into the partly assembled front luggage compartment

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Controlling the shape of the front curve

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Knee clearance is a bit tight. I have to shift the dashboard 5cm forward

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Additional cutouts in the dashboard to get more room for the knees
 
A short building update:
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Doorframes glued and doors cut out. With outside hinges the doors will be able to swing 180°, as shown.
Almost Lambo doors !!!

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Top panel temporarily attached with screws and partly trimmed edges.
The hole in the front will be closed by the headlights and a hood, this will be next weeks main issue

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Although the bodywork is rather low, there's plenty of space for knees and feet.
 
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