UPDATE:
- Some metal plates of the front and rear lower A-arms were redesigned for higher strength and to be able to couple with one of two different lower ball joints depending on the builder's preference and/or region location. If you opt for one of the ball joints type, you can not use the other type, and vice versa. Also, it's now possible to attach mounting points for the sway bars' toe links on either side of the front and rear lower A-arms.
- As the suspension layout is now completed, I have an exact estimate for the total number of QA1 XMR 10-12 rod ends required. Each wheel will use 7 rod ends, so 28 numbers total. Optionally, two of these rod ends could be replaced with the cheaper alternative QA1 XMR 8-10 and used to connect the toe links of the rack&pinion assembly. However, I recommend to stick with all QA1 XMR 10-12 as they are 34.6% larger/stronger and will keep working flawlessly for longer period of time.
- Originally, the 4 front upper toe links (replacement of the upper A-arms) required 4 rod ends with left hand threads. The suspension will only use regular right hand thread now. The switch to these was decided in order to eliminate any chance of self-loosening caused by improper tightened rod end nut. The downside is that the initial setting of each toe link's length is now made slower. However, this is most likely only necessary once in the build and requires just a few extra minutes, so it's considered insignificant.
- There is a little modification in the front section around the middle of the dashboard area. Previously, I used a single tube in the center that is now replaced by two tubes sitting 160 mm apart, in order to increase the strength and to allow easier installation of the two metal sheets underneath. As a side effect, this change also widens the front upper opening through the central tunnel (160 mm wide single opening, instead of the previous two 70 mm wide openings), which could be usable should any electrical board, A/C vent pipes of other components be installed there.
- The current progress of the EU and both US chassis plans is as follows (this list looks almost as same as the one in my post on 30 May 2015, however, there are plenty of improvements and additions to some of the chassis sections):
A - Floor level [fully completed]
B - Front and rear* bumpers [front fully completed, rear half finished]
C - Engine cradle [fully completed]
D - Door frames and hinges [not yet started, will be my last task]
E - Engine bay [fully completed]
F - Front end [fully completed]
R - Roof roll-cage [redesigned, near finishing]
S - Sides of the cockpit [fully completed]
T - Central Tunnel [fully completed]
W - Firewall [fully completed]
M* - Metal sheets and plates [half completed]
MP - Machined parts [half completed]
SP - Suspension tubes [redesigned, near finishing]
*Originally, my Govedo chassis plans were not meant to include separate rear bumper frame (section B), however, I designed it recently as to make the package more complete and usable for the builders. To distinguish the front and rear bumper tubes in the chassis plans, the front ones are named from B-1 to B-14, and the rear ones are named from B-15 to B-29.
PS: My progress with the chassis plans was slowed down in last weeks due to me working mostly on the suspension design. However, after I'm done with it in the coming days, I will proceed with the remaining chassis plans and send a good amount of them to the respective builders. I thank you for your patience and assure you that I do my best to provide a chassis design that far exceeds my initial intent.
