Project Build - Elise GT: Honda Swap / Widebody Conversion

[smee]

I'm sure I read somewhere on your original post about the 190 being super rare and wanting to only make changes which could be reversed? IIRC you wouldn't cut the firewall for this reason?

Anyway, it looks very brave and I'm very impressed with your ability to just learn composite body fabrication so wish you the best of luck.

[MacLotus]

I'm sure I read somewhere on your original post about the 190 being super rare and wanting to only make changes which could be reversed?

Hmmm... That does sound a little like something I'd say. Maybe I was drinking? True... I do appreciate a rare car like the 190, but now I've got the 'one and only' Elise GT.

Sometimes, you just got to say "What the f@#k."

[MacLotus]

Here are some updated photos of how the fiberglass layup is coming...













Starting to cut in and shape the brake ducts...



One of the last things I really wanted to do was to ensure the underside of the clams were finished, and when I say finished I mean designed to re-incorporate the plastic wheel liners and covered with Lizardskin (described earlier in this thread). Some parts of the body will be foam core, but as this project is not intended to reduce weight by-all-means for racing, I'm OK if this project gains a few pounds. After all, the car was 400lbs lighter than an S2 to start.

[Dominic]

Good to see it progressing well. Keep the updates coming

[MacLotus]

Just another update on the progress. Spent most of the day shaping the front air vents. While I shaped it in foam, I find its easier to get a smoother finish for the fiberglass lay-up if I do a couple coats of vinyl spackling. That is the white material you see on many of my fabricated parts. Once the part is built, remove the foam from behind with a wire brush drill attachment and follow up with a water-fed power washer to remove any remaining bits of spackle.





Sometimes, the smooth build-up of an area is better handled without foam. The area just above rear air vents is smoothed out by using several layers (15-20) of 7.5oz fiberglass that will build up to 3-4mm in a small area. What's most important is a long, flat, scored attachment area for the new epoxy to adhere to, and that's not always possible with foam (too thin), so a follow-up such as this lay-up will help give you the shape you want. I had to do something similar around the headlamps.

[Ferg]

The vinyl coating is a good idea. Hats off for all the effort you're putting in.

[MacLotus]

Just some project progress photos...











The rear wheel ducts will require some additional shaping internally, and of course the rear clam vent and exhaust tip ports have yet to be cut... but otherwise, coming along.

[Ferg]

Did you take a mould of an S1 exige's smile or are you approximating? Looks bang on. I've often thought what the front would look like without the indicator. Not a five minute job though lol

[MacLotus]

No mold. Just a photo or two. It's just a little wider to match the fenders.

[Stu160]

A few hours work there.... think it will be spectacular when its finished

Stu

[j2 lot]

I've often thought what the front would look like without the indicator.

Like the Elise currently being made by Lotus ( S2.5 or whatever )- much cleaner looking

MacLotus - loving your work , a huge amount of time invested but it is looking promising

[MacLotus]

Thanks for the compliments! I'll continue to post progress. Cheers!

[MacLotus]

Just posting an update with the sills/rocker attached. I also ran the cooling hoses for the charge-cooler. SC in the works!

[KingK_series]

Thanks for the compliments! I'll continue to post progress. Cheers!

Are you running it with the modded clams? or taking molds from them?


are you not adding massive amount of weight?

did you weigh the engine box before you installed?? -

[Dominic]

Loving your work Ken, keep it up

are you not adding massive amount of weight?

did you weigh the engine box before you installed?? -

I take from Ken's previous posts that he is not entirely focused on pure performance, and part of his motivation comes from aesthetic aspirations.