Miata project-3rd attempt!

First attempt. I was going to build a space frame for the stock Miata parts to bolt into. I was keeping the stock wheelbase. I found a simple but cool 50's looking body being made in England. I ordered the body and was going to use it to skin the frame. When it arrived I was very disappointed in the quality. (And not happy with the service) I decided not to use the body as I didn't want my creation to be associated with or used to promote the sales of it.

Second attempted. I stripped a Miata tub down as much as possible and attempted to form a 50's looking body for it. But, the Miata's hard points limited what I was able to do. In the end I couldn't get a look that I was happy with.

Third try. I have gone back to building a space frame. I decided on a 95 inch wheelbase as I like to sit as low as possible and have long legs. I've found that I prefer more rear weight in my cars. I am moving the engine rearward by 12 inches from the stock location. I'm shooting for 54% rear weight.

I purchased a Devin inspired late 50's body. I am starting with it and modifying it fit the frame and my taste. I'm using a Porsche 356 Speedster windshield. I think that it fits the car well and it's DOT legal.

The frame is under construction. It is not done. It will be well triangulated. It will be skinned with .40 thick, T6-6061 aluminum. The body will be a light weight shell and consist of 3 sections. The cockpit, and front and rear clips that will tilt for full access.

The side frame rails are 19.5 inches tall. At ride height they are 24 inches high. I'm not having doors as the height is low enough to easily step over. I like having the side impact protection and I like the ease of construction. The stressed trans tunnel is 13.5 inches high. The occupant compartments are spacious and comfortable.

I'm doing this in my spare time and is for fun. I hope to have the frame completed in the next couple of weeks. The body will take over the winter.

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You don't give up easily, do you? Keep us up to date!

MOAR!!

excellent!

Nice! I love that fiberglass.

You should definitely put a copy of your build log on locostusa.com. The amount of scratch-building knowledge (especially for the type of car you're building) on that forum is unparalleled. Plenty of folks there have used Miata donors, too.

Making some progress. I was going to use the Miata's pedal assembly. But, the Miata's cowl is very tall to allow for the hanging pedals. I couldn't make the frame look the way I wanted so I am using floor mounted race pedals and master cylinders. I like the looks of cars that taper from the rear to the front.

I decided to ditch the stock shocks and springs. The rates wouldn't be right for the lighter car anyway. I'm using small body, adjustable racing shocks and coil overs. This will allow for a much cleaner look and simpler fabrication.

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looks like a neat project. keep up the good work.

jmc14 wrote:

Good job, mate. Looks awesome!

I've been on vacation for the past month. And, my 8 year old Grandson is visiting me for the summer as well. We've been playing golf and going fishing every day. But, I was able to do a little work on my project recently. I think that I am going to make a simple aluminum skinned body for it so that I can drive it sooner. I'm working on the roll bar for that application Still not done, but getting closer. Over the winter I plan to finish up the fiberglass body for it.

I ended up using the collapsible part of the Miata steering shaft and fitted it to a race style steering shaft. I'm using a racing style quick release steering hub.

I ended up moving the engine rearward by 13.8 inches. The wheelbase is 5.8 inches longer than a stock Miata and then I moved the engine back by another 8 inches. I cut the center out of the torque arm and fabricated a new center that is 8 inches shorter. The new center bolts in.

I'm 6'2" with long legs and weigh 230lbs. I made the cockpit and foot box space very generous. I can sit on the floor with a seat that I make and have my legs extended straight out. I am using floor pedals.

The frame is still in progress. The roll bar has to be finished as well as the safety cage for the fuel tank. And other details as well.

Having fun.

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