Lightyear MX5 NA/NB Fastback

lightyear · Postby **lightyear** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 6:07 am

This would be the easy way. Buy rear hatch glass hinges and bolt them on.

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ausbuoy · Postby **ausbuoy** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 7:05 am

Good going Ligheinstein!:)
PM noted and interest 'expressed'.

plohl · Postby **plohl** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 9:32 am

Is the easy way cheaper?

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Steampunk · Postby **Steampunk** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 10:25 am

Major kudos for your innovation and effort.

forcedfive · Postby **forcedfive** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 8:13 pm

I am interested also Lightyear.

lightyear · Postby **lightyear** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 6:19 am

I filled in the inner frame with foam. It has been glued in, now I can shape it, and then start to get the final finish before prepping it for moulding.

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lightyear · Postby **lightyear** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 6:25 am

plohl wrote:Is the easy way cheaper?

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Cheaper in time, but not in costs of materials. I am trying to keep the final costs as low as possible, so buying hinges for $150 isn't an option.

plohl · Postby **plohl** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 6:37 am

Ouch. Much more expensive than I thought.

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Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 8:55 am

Seriously impressed with this concept Lightyear! :wink:

I certainly wasn't expecting it to have a functional boot which will make this an option for a daily driver / non-track car....

joshuam · Postby **joshuam** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 12:10 pm

Yeah, I don't have a garage that I can just lift a hard top on and off in, so if I put on a hard top it would be for X months of the year, and these look cool and should have better side visibility with those quarter windows.

Interested to see what the final price comes out as

lightyear · Postby **lightyear** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 12:32 pm

I originally had the intention to make it a track/race piece. But now I am making it practical enough to use everyday. But it will still be lightweight with racing in mind. Just easier to use, and betterer..

cookie · Postby **cookie** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 1:10 am

150 for a pair of quality hinges which are easy to install seems worth it to me than another elaborate design to save $50. Means it's easier to track down a replacement if it's just an off the shelf part too. My 0.02c. I'd be interested in one if it's around 2k.

lightyear · Postby **lightyear** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 6:38 am

It's not just the money, I would like to have the hinges hidden as much as possible. For looks mainly. And if I are a tradional hinge, they both need to line up square so as not to bind. That means making a flat boss for them to sit level on. So they will end up looking fairly chunky.
A rose joint is the best option, or ball and socket. But going with a rose joint at this stage now.

I shaped the inner frame foam pieces, and brushed on a coat of resin to make them solid.. Now to fill and sand, and sand, and fill, and sand....

luzinit · Postby **luzinit** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 9:55 am

Keep up the good work mate! Would love to rock one of these on my daily NB.

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davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 2:54 pm

Thanks so much for loan of vented bonnet. Other changes may have contributed but no overheating. None. Zilch. Nada. Not a sausage. General engine bay temps lower after a session. Just need decent driver now.