Lopez
East Midlands
Posts: 867
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Oct 31, 2011 19:04:00 GMT
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internet mates are just that..internet mates.....and humans being humans etc.... There's the rub. There are a bunch of guys off here who ceased to be 'internet mates' a while back, I'd class them as close friends now even though some of us are a good few hours' drive apart. I had a bunch of "internet mates" who, around 8 years ago, decided we had a fair old bit in common and that after meeting up a few times we would stay friends. That never changed, and I've been to at least 3 of their weddings! There comes a point where internet mates just become mates. It doesn't happen with everyone, but it's the same as in "real life" acquaintances suddenly become real mates. It's human nature.
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Oct 31, 2011 19:29:13 GMT
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A52 and this forum are one and the same to me, while one without the other could function, but would only be a shadow of what they are together! The club stand at RRG this year was amazing, well done to all who contributed ;D My one token photo for the thread: -- Project X was before my time here, and I've always wanted to know what the running gear and wheel sizes were? Was there ever a build thread, I've spent hours reading the A52 thread, and saw many many awesome things, but nothing of Project X? The reason I ask is I have an awesome idea for a similar project using one of these fiberglass tot rod bodies you see on eBay. But won't be your traditional tot-rod
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1990 BMW 318iS, 1971 Range Rover V8
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ToolsnTrack
Posted a lot
Homebrew Raconteur
Posts: 4,121
Club RR Member Number: 134
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Oct 31, 2011 19:47:20 GMT
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Oct 31, 2011 19:49:35 GMT
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Yep, don't think I worded some of tha reply very well.... I too have met several people through internet forums that have gone on to be great friends..CR500Dom and Jane from here being two of them... ;D but I've met alot more that you soon realise are never gonna be genuine friends....Christ I sound like a misery! ;D...I'll hunt out some pics to post instead ;D ;D
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ILIKELURKINGME
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Oct 31, 2011 19:56:15 GMT
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X was a secret project (hence the X) which was unveiled at the Gathering. The idea was that there would be a full build thread posted after the event, but that hasn't happened (possibly due to post-build burnout - it got very manic in the last fortnight).
The power source is a 125? 4-stroke scooter engine, complete with original loom etc. The output from the twist-n-go autobox is then geared down using two chains and a jackshaft to give a ~15mph top speed, despite the massive tyres.
The rear axle, rear suspension, front swing arms and steeting swivels, and the basis of the chassis are from an off-road go-kart type thing. There are fabricated spacers/hubs for the big wheels. The steering is a Hillman Imp rack, with a 90 degree reduction gear and a 1:1 reversing gear (so it turns the right way). The front shocks are modified Delica items IIRC, the rear came with the chassis.
The chassis was much modified (widening the track, lenghtening, engine mounts, making front shock towers, etc.) to suit the dimensions of the bodyshell, and the suspension geometry was also altered - possibly not for the best...
There is a HUGE amount of work in the chassis and running gear - many hundreds of man hours, many by very skilled special builders/hot rodders/etc. If you do attempt such a project, don't underestimate the work involved - and if you can buy it, don't build it...
Afraid I can't tell you what size the tyres are - 'cos I don't know.
EDIT: What can I say about A52 that hasn't been said already? It's awesome.
BTW, I suspect that one of the reasons for it's success is that it is Bruce's space - and Bruce is the only person with keys. Doing a full unit share requires complete trust in the other people involved if they are paying rent and have keys - I suspect that a lackof trust is one reason why shares often doesn't work.
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Last Edit: Nov 1, 2011 1:11:49 GMT by jrevillug
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Oct 31, 2011 20:03:24 GMT
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It worked well at A52 because Bruce didn't push things. It all evolved with time. I don't think even Bruce expected it to kick off the way it has!
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1997 TVR Chimaera 2009 Westfield Megabusa
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Oct 31, 2011 20:56:33 GMT
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Meetic aera52 where are you buying your enkei baja (or in this style)? i want this on my Bimmer!
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retromods.forumactif.com/"la Française" oldschoolers community my cars: -83' Toyota Celica 1600st -81' Bmw e21 320/6 -81' Talbot Horizon 1,5 -87' Ford Escort mk4 wagon
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Oct 31, 2011 21:03:29 GMT
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Cheers jrevillug, just the info I was looking for! I'd always assumed it was quad bike based, just from the look of it I suppose! Mine is still in the early-planning stages - I'm still trying to decide on whether I want it to be go kart based/style, or built for off-road, but I'm pretty set on the later. That'll help choose the drivetrain and wheels, and that'll influence the chassis design. I'm currently messing around with some tube-frame models in CAD to look at my options It's meant as a geeky project to let my inner engineer run wild, without need for a huge budget or strict timeline (Famous last words )
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1990 BMW 318iS, 1971 Range Rover V8
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I'm not sure that you could ever make a successful meeting point if you consciously tried to attempt another Area52. Everything about the place is so unique, from the fact it sits in the middle of Bristol but you could happily drive past it 100 times without knowing through to the neighbours that share the space and yard outside. I think where it is in the world has also helped make Area52 what it is, there must be something in the water to have so many like-minded and similarly inspired people in such a relatively small radius, I'm not sure elsewhere in the UK you would find such a motley crew of people borderlining genius and craziness.
But, anyone who has even spent more than a few minutes in his company will agree there is only one Bruce. I've personally never met someone with such a massive amount of enthusiasm, ingenuity and work ethic in one human sized package. It's down to his vision and sheer hard work that has made the place what it is, the snug alone is testament to that let alone the seeming conveyor belt of project cars and future ideas that come from his mind.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that while places like this could definitely work (I would personally be interested in an East Midlands meet) I don't chapters of Area52 would be the greatest idea. I would rather see a meet evolve and develop around the regulars with their personalities molding the place and what comes out if it, it would just lead to a more authentic and enjoyable experience for anyone that visited in my opinion.
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dugong
Posted a lot
One Of Us Will Live To Rue The Day We Met Each Other (Wire : 2008)
Posts: 3,292
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I've been to Area 52, it was interesting. Not sure I had the right skill set to be of use though.
Closer to home I have use of a fairly large unit - but I don't tell many people where it is because of the bad experiences suffered by the bloke I share it with, whom I trust implicitly.
We'd never get anything like A52 going up here because of our aforementioned paranoia and a desire for the exact location to remain unknown to the majority of people.
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Coo
Part of things
Posts: 30
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Another major factor to make any unt work is time and committment.
I share a unit with two others and we are rarely there all at the same time - doing stuff yourself, you may aswell do on your driveway (apart from better working space)
It kind of works, but could be better, I could learn a lot from them.
Times when there are two of us working on the same car, it's great, get more done.
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