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LeGrand Mk 18 : Progress on Uprights Jul 30, 2009

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We’ve got new uprights on the way for our vintage LeGrand. They’re being machined out of billet aluminum by Doug Learned Sr. and Doug Learned Jr. at Fast Forward Racing Components. The lathe work is already complete, and the pieces will be machined further on a four-axis mill this week.

We’re hoping to have the car back together for an event on August 16th. Plus, we’ve got less than six weeks to go before the Solo National Championships and a lot to get accomplished in that time. Thanks to the new differential, axles and engine along with some aerodynamic tweaks, sorting the car will be a major step.

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Comments

Nashco:

I guess I missed it….what was wrong with the old uprights?
Jul 31, 2009 11:34 p.m.

Per Schroeder:

The outer axles/cvs were from a Honda Z600 with a 25mm axle shaft diameter and a 30mm OD on the bearing. The hub design was more appropriate for a lawn mower than a race car. So, we wanted to upgrade to stronger/larger stuff–not enough meat on the upright to machine it out for larger bearings. It's getting watercooled VW bearings/cvs. Some racers have been able to machine them out without having issues with 33 year old magnesium—I decided not to risk it—and that would also mean that future LeGrand restorers would have a replacement piece 'off the shelf' from Fast Forward.
Aug 1, 2009 4:01 a.m.

iceracer:

watercooled VW bearings/cvs ?
Aug 7, 2009 10:12 a.m.

Per Schroeder:

Yep. It already has the VW 90mm inner CVs, now it will have outers/bearings/hubs to match.
Aug 7, 2009 11:02 a.m.

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We’re hoping to have the car back together for an event on August 16th.