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1989 Batmobile Go-Cart Project
Build Log - July 2004
Tim@1989batmobile.com
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1989 Batmobile Go-Cart Project
Build Log - July 2004
Tim@1989batmobile.com
Part I - Building the plug (...cont)
7/13/04
Finally, I was able to put a little time in... and I do mean a little. After debating on where exactly to add framework for the top of the fenders, I decided to just put a strip of foam in place with some temporary coarse drywall screws (turned in by hand) and then fit framework in underneath where it seems necessary. After I had the piece in place I traced the outside edge but then decided to just cut it off in place with the hot knife. I made a cut in the front, as seen in the 3rd picture, and leaned it forward. I'll fill it in with a little spray foam (Great Stuff) and sand it smooth. It's not shown in these pictures, but I also sketched out the inside edge of the fender. Once I'm happy with it I will cut the inside edge and then remove it to trace out the other fender.
7/14/04
I cut the inside edge of the fender. I then traced out the other side piece, attached it and bent it around the front with the heat gun. I did the framing around the bend differently this time. This was much easier and worked better too. I went ahead and made a cut in the front like I did on the opposite side to lean it forward. I then removed the top fender piece and traced it to make the other one. I think it's actually starting to look like a Batmobile. I know it looks a bit crude right now, but it's still early. I'm just trying to get the general shape and then I will shape it further with sanding and filling and sanding and filling and sanding and.... well, you get the idea.
7/16/04
I cut a piece for the inside of the fender, attached it with a couple screws and then traced the top edge of the fender. After cutting it out I decided it would be better if this piece were under the fender like the outer side piece is. I plan to cut it flush with the fender and then remove an additional 9/16" so it will slip under the fender. You can also see that I filled one of the gaps with expanding foam and then sanded it flush. In the third from the last picture you can see where I've begun to add some support blocks under the fender. The piece of 2" foam in the second to the last picture is a piece that I had cut earlier, but I think it will work well there so I will probably keep it. The last picture shows the inside fender piece that I need to make a duplicate of for the other side.
7/21/04
I added some support blocks under the fenders to keep the foam from moving around too much. These will also give me a place to put more screws to keep the fenders from moving in and out. I made the final cuts on the inside fender piece and then traced it to make the other one. I'll add some more blocks behind them so I will be able to screw them in place and make the curve in front with the heat gun.
7/23/04
I started working on the hood & jet intake by adding some more wood to the frame. I cut out the general shape of the intake and bent it with the heat gun. I cut the front a little large so I could shape it further when it's in place. Setting it in place, it looks pretty good, so I began forming the next piece using a large tube, the heat gun and a spring clamps. I then attache it to the back with expanding spray foam and let it dry for about an hour. Meanwhile, I finally decide that the handle on the go-cart was going to have to be removed so I cut it off with a cutting wheel (lots of sparks, would have made a cool picture!) Once the foam was dry I trimmed it up and added a second half.
7/26/04
The more I looked at my intake, the more I realized how wrong it was. The "tunnel" should go straight back into the car and when I positioned the intake I made that way (3rd picture), it was very obvious that there was a problem. I made a new one, pretty much the same way only this time I gave it more of a bend. When I made the "tunnel" I made it with one piece instead of two (although it ended up breaking twice, see pic #2) and I tapered it, making it a bit smaller in the back. I had to slice the front of it this time at an angle to fit properly against the back of the scoop. I made it with two layers of foam so I would have more material to sculpt the final shape. This version still needs some changes, but it's much better then the first one.
7/27/04
Made improvements to the shape of the scoop. I'm happy with the way this looks now.
7/29/04
Made the cutouts for the side mechanics area. I removed the top fender piece so add framework for the sides. I realized that the sides did not taper in enough towards the back, so the new framing will fix that and Ill trim the top piece after I replace it. I added framework for the upper and lower sections of the sides and then screwed the foam in place. Eventually, I will attach each piece with expanding foam & screws and then remove the screws when the foam has cured.
7/30/04
Tonight, I started to glue everything in place with the expanding foam. I laid the top fender piece back in place and trimmed the excess. I like this new shape much better. I'm staring to think that the area above the front tires is too tall. I may trim it down an inch or so before I replace the top piece.
