Under 300 lbs, total front sprung weight, reverse trike. Plan is to "narrow", not shorten, a Vette mono-leaf, to lower the spring rate a lot. Leave the ends fat, to accept a bolt-in ball joint at each end, Use a radius rod on each side, to control f./r. thrust. Using the spring, double duty as front axle. Radius rods will have correct angle to produce roll caster-gain. Top control of spindle TBD.
Thoughts ? Thanks, Art.
Corvette f-gls spring for more
Moderator: Team
Re: Corvette f-gls spring for more
FWIW, I've used bolt-on spring eyes on Astrovan fiberglas leaf springs on the front of my Studebaker pickup; so far, so good.
On the other hand, you are risking your life and the lives of anyone else on the road on a completely unproven technology.
On the other hand, you are risking your life and the lives of anyone else on the road on a completely unproven technology.
Jack Vines
Studebaker-Packard V8 Limited
Obsolete Engineering
Studebaker-Packard V8 Limited
Obsolete Engineering
Re: Corvette f-gls spring for more
Somewhat like a scratch-built car, only this will weigh under 800 lbs. Use my best thoughts. Proceed cautiously and check carefully after initial trial(s).
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Re: Corvette f-gls spring for more
I'm guessing all the fibers run along the length of the spring so if the spring is narrowed the fibers up by the eyes will simply end in mid air some distance from the spring eyes. The resulting stiffness of the spring might cause some serious stress gradients along the spring.
The bending stiffness is probably fairly linear based on width.
If you want to cut the spring rate in half you will need to make the spring only half as wide.
The bending stiffness is probably fairly linear based on width.
If you want to cut the spring rate in half you will need to make the spring only half as wide.
Re: Corvette f-gls spring for more
I suppose with 300 lbs. divided by 2, I could just use rubber under tension or compression.
Re: Corvette f-gls spring for more
If you contact someplace like Vansteel that sells/makes C3 corvette parts they or the place that makes the springs that they sell might be able to get a custom spring. I know C3 guys have gotten springs a bit narrower/shorter for wide tires and slightly custom rates, as I've herd they will vary a bit so you can request a higher rate one of the batch.
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I know as much as I can learn and try to keep an open mind to anything!
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I know as much as I can learn and try to keep an open mind to anything!
If I didn't overthink stuff I wouldn't be on speedtalk!