Knockhill Trackdays

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:05 pm

The_Rossatron wrote:How was the gravel experience Greg? Was it wet, what happened?

Put me down for two towing eyes if the group buy goes ahead!

twas fun - was busy chauffering Tom round stating how fun standard lizzies were. Got round clarks, headed for the chicane and tom said" is this on standard red Konis; I'm impressed!". At that point, turning in left, I lost grip at the back, thought I'd caught it, then it went sideways into the gravel. Gravel is my friend, there was a point when the wall seemed to be approaching quickly!

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:16 pm

I,m up for one too, we could have done with some towing gear on my last road run, Eh Neil. I suppose you've gotten rid of that off roader now.

Rich / Stu
Before we all wade in and get towing eyes have you had any more thaught re the rear towing eye / jacking beam I was on about a while ago.
http://www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/viewtopic ... isheliseso

Could someone have a think about the forces on the mounting points. Would you be better with 2 eyes and a strop between (bit of climbing rope and 2 Karibiners would be quick and effective) as both mounts then share the load irrespective of the direction or is a fixed A (as sold on line) better? The fixed A will result in both push and pull forces and may be more likely to result in a twisting force, especially if there is any sort of sideways pull.

If you go for the beam arrangement with 2 eyes then the U shape would be closed and probably add some strength.

My 2p

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:16 pm

mac wrote:They connect to either the left or right hand dome headed bolts on the undertray.

I'm going to speak to Lotus Motorsport before I commit to buying.

Cheers

Mac

http://www.eliseparts.com/shop/index.ph ... cts_id=510

Are these the ones? If so, I guess Geary would be happy to knock something off the price for a group buy (or we could at least save oon postage!). Can you let us know what Lotus Motorsport think mac?

Cheers,

Greg

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:51 pm

Stephen,

Job for someone with a metal workshop (Stu, can I borrrow yours?!?!

)

With 2 eyes you will have to use a yoke to spread the load properly or you will only be loading one anyway. Only of use for a straight out pull. That A frame type looks good but expensive!

I can make proper (as in not climbing) rope tow lines if anyone wants. Spliced eyes in each end with or without steel eyes, shackles etc.

Anyone interested?

Rich

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:47 pm

Rich,
If you you use a yoke / strop without a knot or centre point then surely the loads will be quite well shared. If you put a knot in the rope then only a single line will be loaded unless the pull is straight and direct.

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:56 pm

Suppose so, hadn't thought of that!

A pulley arrangement would be easier on the rope too. But that is getting a bit complicated.....

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:13 pm

I was thinking of a bar to provide jacking point and spread the load with an eye at either end. Carry a length of climbing rope or sling say 3 foot long with a karibiner knotted on at either end and one clipped in the middle to float & spread the load.

When you hit the gravel then you can clip it on and unclip without any knots once you are out.

You can get climbing quickdraws for £10 with two snap krabs. if we all carry tha same arrangement then you could clip them together to provide a tow rope etc etc.
Starting to get carried away an back into my be prepared Scout mode sorry.

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:19 pm

Would climbing quickdraws and krabs be up to the loads involved in towing a car (even a light one) that is stuck in gravel?

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:37 pm

Should be

Rates below

# Weight : 105g
# Major axis : 24kN
# Gate open : 8kN
# Minor axis : 8kN

http://www.tiso.com/equipment/karabiner ... _pack_of_5

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:39 pm

Stephen wrote:Should be

Rates below

# Weight : 105g
# Major axis : 24kN
# Gate open : 8kN
# Minor axis : 8kN

What's a kN

I now know;

kilonewton (kN)
a common metric unit of force, the kilonewton equals 1000 newtons; it is a force that will accelerate a mass of 1 metric ton at the rate of 1 meter per second per second. One kilonewton equals 101.972 kilograms of force, 224.809 pounds of force or 7233.01 poundals.

Thanks too; http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/dictK.html

Post by ed » Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:44 pm

I think it means kilo newtons!

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:05 pm

ah yes.its as clear as mud(or gravel).

Can't count but does 24kn roughly = 2 tonnes?

MacK · Post by **MacK** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:08 pm

jamie · Post by **jamie** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 5:41 pm

This takes your idea on two tow hooks a step further ....

http://www.sector111.com/handler.cfm?ca ... on=product

Could some thing like this get made up?

minkypotglory · Post by **minkypotglory** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 6:43 pm

GregR wrote:oh, and count me in for a group buy of one of those rear towe eyes.

Cheers,

Greg <gravel in shoes faction>

obviously Gordens lessons went in one ear and out the other hence gravel trap

Neilp