No Driveshaft Loop!

[scannon]

Skip, the tubes will not protect you. This is what can happen when the driveshaft lets go

 

Mazda,

 

What car is that in the picture?

[MHKflyer52]

Skip, the tubes will not protect you. This is what can happen when the driveshaft lets go

 

http://www.gt40s.com/images/jensenfailure/failure4.JPG

 

Part of the problem is our square tubes are very thin gauge. The other problem is that when the driveshaft comes apart, the tunnel allows too much room for the driveshaft to whip around.

 

I think it's alright to not have one, but definitely don't think that the tubes will be adequate in protecting you.

 

Have to agree with that. That is why I boxed my trans tunnel in steel as seen in the attached link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MHKflyer52/ALotus7Replica#5076692536184139314

 

Put a drive shaft guard in your car as it is a lot cheaper than a hip replacement....

[supersportsp]

I was looking for some wheels the other day and stumbled across this Caterham for sale listing for a Caterham that is run in NASA. http://www.lotusowners.com/ForSale/PDCat/index.htm

 

"Competition Hamlin propshaft safety loop (NASA-approved)."

 

http://www.nasasevens.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=263&g2_serialNumber=2

 

http://www.nasasevens.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=267&g2_serialNumber=2

 

http://www.nasasevens.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=270&g2_serialNumber=2

Edited March 29, 2010 by supersportsp

[MightyMike]

My driveshaft loop and new console are finished and I will post pics when I return from vacation.

[scannon]

Where can I buy this Hamlin propshaft safety loop? I googled it six ways from breakfast and the only actual hit was the Caterham for sale ad above.

 

Would one loop on the front end of the shaft be sufficient or should there be one on each end?

[solder_guy]

I boxed my Rotus tunnel with steel plate also ..

 

Rob

[rnr]

Where can I buy this Hamlin propshaft safety loop? I googled it six ways from breakfast and the only actual hit was the Caterham for sale ad above.

 

Seeing that the original car is from California its possible that they meant the Hamlin Fabrication race shop in Infineon. I couldn't find a website but you could give them a call: http://www.infineonraceway.com/raceway/industrial_park/

[supersportsp]

Skip, don't know how to get this. I hadn't really thought about it the need for one until I read this post. Now, I am thinking about the need for one.

 

Seems like an easy to install and simple solution. I imagine someone could fab one up pretty easily based on these photos and the dimensions of the tunnel.

[scannon]

I put in a call to Hamlin Fabrication (707-935-6825) to see if they are the manufacturers of the loop. I'll post back after I hear from them.

 

Edit: I got a call back from someone Hamlin referred my name to. He has them for Birkins only. I called Hamlin back and talked to Roger Hamlin. He thinks the one in the above pictures was probably a prototype. The production run he made for the Birkins was several years ago and was a flame cut plate rather than the U-bolt type. It requires two holes be drilled in the frame members. He said he may do a production run for Caterhams if there were at least 12 of us willing to pay around $150 each. Anyone else interested? It will be a plate type, not a U-bolt like the one above.

Edited March 29, 2010 by scannon

[athens7]

I'm absolutely a prospect for the one we can't get! I like the install; neat and clean with no holes. Perhaps I can find someone locally to do this based on the pictures.

[MHKflyer52]

I'm absolutely a prospect for the one we can't get! I like the install; neat and clean with no holes. Perhaps I can find someone locally to do this based on the pictures.

 

athens,

 

Their is a jepeg of a hoop that can be made to work that way and is easy to make in this link to the thread http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4707&page=2 .

If you need to change the dimensions to fit your car that is also easy to do.

Send me an e-mail and I will send you a PDF of it that you can use to make it.

Hope this helps.

[athens7]

Martin-

Thanks for the offer. One of the appeals of the u-bolt is that the driveshaft doesn't have to come out. I have a local fabricator looking into this; I'll post any build options, if anyone is interested.

[MichaelD]

All post '98 Caterhams have a framed in tunnel. They and do not require another hoop to meet SCCA D Mod regs.

[supersportsp]

Martin-

Thanks for the offer. One of the appeals of the u-bolt is that the driveshaft doesn't have to come out. I have a local fabricator looking into this; I'll post any build options, if anyone is interested.

 

I agree. The easy of installation of the one in the photos I posted were a huge selling point to me. Plus, it would be very easy to get out of the way if you did need to pull the drive shaft etc.

 

JohnCH suggested I just buy a carbon fiber driveshaft and be done with it.

[super7guy]

Hi,

 

When I was looking for drive shaft hoops to meet the D mod rule, I found that the Jegs/Summit loop was a very good starting point and the price was right; around $12 for a 5" loop, 2" wide of 1/4" material. (YPMV)

 

Of course, you could probably lift the car with this hoop. The trick was to find a way to attach it to the Caterham frame.

 

Wayne

[bsimon]

Just a couple of thoughts here...

 

I pretty much have ruled out plate type propshaft loops for the Caterham. It requires engine or diff removal to install. Although a plate type loop could be engineered to perform the function adequately, it's rarely mentioned in sanctioning body rule books. You may need a special ruling from the scrutes to compete in some events.

 

Typical loop requirements for various racing sanctions are very similar. 1/4" X 2" mild steel strap, 7/8"OD X .065 wall mild DOM tubing, or 1"X 2" rectangular tubing. Food for thought, the 7/8" tubing option would be ~25% the weight of the 1/4" strap.

[athens7]

McMaster-Carr have a number of u-bolts available, with work load limits up to 5000 lbs. (and more). How about one of M-C's bolts with plates similar to the ones in the relevant pictures?

[MightyMike]

Got my driveshaft loop and driveshaft cover fabricated. All I need to do now is get it powdercoated and a couple of boots made. It turned out real nice and photos do not show the craftsmanship the project deserves.

 

I decided to put in a cubby that I had intended to use in my Miata. The shifter lever came out of my Elise.

 

http://i41.tinypic.com/25su7hv.jpg

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/2mxl8no.jpg

[MHKflyer52]

The little storage unit is a good idea and looks correct.

 

Nice job.

[KiwiBirkin]

They did a great job of that Mightymike im a sheetmetal worker by trade and im impressed.