66 Miata Batmobile Build

what exactly was your method for transferring the position of the pins to a measurement?

I've been wanting to build a bat mobile and a Lamborghini countach replica. I'm afraid on the latter one that when I get around to doing it, the only kit car maker in the US won't be around any more and I was going to try and use a model like you did.
 
metrosonus said:
what exactly was your method for transferring the position of the pins to a measurement?

I've been wanting to build a bat mobile and a Lamborghini countach replica. I'm afraid on the latter one that when I get around to doing it, the only kit car maker in the US won't be around any more and I was going to try and use a model like you did.
Click to expand...

I traced all the 'pin molds' onto paper as I took them. I then scanned them into photoshop, lined them up and blew then up 18X (since the model was 1:18 scale). It's pretty inexact and I'm sure there's a better way to do it - like maybe get two models and slice each one deli style on a really awesome bandsaw (one lengthwise and one crosswise).
 
Yes, progress!
Well first, I did build the ice box air conditioning system. Here are some pictures of that ridiculous boondoggle:

Supplies:

View attachment 59358

I built the auxilliary transmission cooler into a foam cooler:

View attachment 59359
View attachment 59361

I put an ice cooler in the trunk with a water line out and line in. I used a Harbor Freight universal water pump to pump ice water from the rear cooler into the passenger cabin, through the transmission cooler, and back to the rear cooler. I wired power to the front cooler fan so that it blew over the radiator, producing cool air.

View attachment 59360

When it was all running, I measured the cool air with a meat thermometer - in 100 degree heat, with 30 pounds of ice in the back, I could produce 78 degree air from the cooler for about one hour.

In short, it was pretty much useless.

Here's a big video file (33megs) of the whole thing working:

http://www.creebobby.com/MVI_4386.AVI

In any case, I found a better solution . . .
 
The better solution to the no a/c problem is that I bought a 1997 black miata with COLD A/C!
View attachment 59362
Since it's already black, I won't have to paint it prior to Batmobilification.
Plus it's newer, with lower miles, bigger engine, etc.
The old miata's on Austin Craigslist, if anyone needs one . . .
 
Actual Progress.

I attached all the paper/glass panels to the second door piece. For this side I used staples to keep the seams even. I removed the staples once the resin hardened.
It came out alright.

View attachment 59363
View attachment 59364

I made the first twelve paper/glass panels for the front, and attached six of those:

View attachment 59365
View attachment 59366

The problem I've run into is that for the last two weeks, my skin (arms, hands, neck, shoulders, legs) has been constantly itchy/burny feeling.
I've laid down just over two gallons of polyester resin up to this point, and I've used fans / barrier cream / long sleeves / full mask respirator the whole time. Despite this, the solvents in poly resin are persistent and nasty, and I think my skin has already gotten more dosage through fumes than it wants to handle.
Ouch.
 
Ouch! Being sensitized to the resin is a bit unfortunate.

Swapping out the Miata for AC is a pretty big move and improvement. Hope the vapor sensitization goes away after some time away from the stuff. Otherwise, a nitrile bunny suit might be in your future... That AC you made could come in handy. Hope it doesn't come to that! This project and your commitment to it is still quite awesome. :)
 
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Wow, unbelievable, you should post this to the Batmobile builders forum chickslovethecar dot com. Mostly guys building 89 and tumbler kits, but they would dig this over there. And a lot of them are fiberglass experts from trial and error.
 
Can I make a conserted suggestion? You've done an excellent job with the framework/skeleton. Now, remove it as you have. Place a plastic sheet over the car, then put the framework back on. Get that expanding foam in a can stuff and fill all the voids in between the framework. It's gonna expand and the you can file and sand it back down to follow the shape of the framework. you can even use an oscclating hand sander to shape it. Then fiberglass on top of it, followed with a gel coat. When that's totally cured, you can remove the skeleton inside. Badabing-badaboom! You have a shell. Then you bolt it onto your existing frame.
 
Hello BlueMirage,
Good ideas - thanks. Since the frame is built to hug the miata, and since it's already strengthened with a grid of fiberglass/carbon, I'm definitely going to use it as part of the final kit.
I do think I might find a way to use spray foam, though.
 
Progress - chipboard skin, part one.

So I stopped with the polyester resin and now I'm heading in a new direction.

I got some thick chipboard (.040), and I'm 'skinning' out the frame with individual chipboard plates.

View attachment 67609

First I trace the area I want to cover with overhead transparencies.
Then I make a paper pattern from the transparency.
Then I use the paper pattern to make a chipboard plate, complete with tabs and fans where needed.

Here are the three stages:
View attachment 67607

I score and fold the tabs and then attach the chipboard with hi-temp hot glue.

Here's the piece above glued in place:
View attachment 67608

It takes an average of thirty minutes to get each piece of the skin done.
 
More chipboard.

Chipboard, chipboard, chipboard.

The wheel well:
View attachment 67620


I got every plate done from the waistline down!

View attachment 67621

It's starting to look a lot like a Batmobile.

When I get all the plates done, I think I'll tape up all the seams with gummed paper tape. Then I'll flip it over and reinforce the plates from the back of the frame. Then I'll coat the outside of the skin with either polyester resin or a truck bed liner type of plastic coating.
 
Yay! an update! I like the progress that you've made. how much do you estimate it weighs right now?
 
It's getting close to 50 lbs, which includes:

Foam skeleton, hot glued together.
Elmer's glue over foam.
Balsa wood to fill in and connect shapes, hot glued.
Fiberglass tape, carbon fiber tape, carpet tacks.
Polyester resin (2 gallons laid on).
Chipboard and hot glue.

The chipboard is thick, dense and heavy.
Hot glue builds up and seems to add a lot of weight in the long run.
 
That's honestly less than I was expecting at this point, your structure looks solid. If the weight stays on this track when you're finished, the car's handling should be just as fun as it is now. (Batmobile like agility?)

Keep it up! :cheers
 
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