Team Napa

From left to right:
Trevor Quass, Jake Liimatta, Matt Bronk, Javier Alavez, Uzi Amezquita, Ryan Delwiche

Team Napa Semester Update 1/20/2009
Our front end is nearing completion after waiting a few weeks for the right-side spindle and the brake discs. We need to file the spindles to fit our new bearings and fabricate tie rods to the rack-and-pinion.

We also had to wait on the sheet metal that will make up the seat. We should have the metal in a few days; then we can plasma-cut it into shape. Our battery box, made of polycarbonate, will go underneath the seat, which will lift forward on hinges to access the box. As soon as the seat is done we can find the proper positioning for the throttle and brake pedals and the steering wheel.

Our final gear ratios are calculated and the custom motor plates line up the Etek motors properly. All that waits to be done for the drivetrain is wire the motors to the motor controller and position the gears on the jackshaft and axle. Geared down to 9:1 in low, the dual Eteks should produce near 450ftlbs at the rear wheels.

The rack-and-pinion. We need to connect it to the spindles with tie rods.

Javier installs the left-side spindle.

Uzi gets ready to install our new rotors.

The left wheel is installed and ready to roll.

Trevor and Matt align the right rear wheel.

The motor controller is positioned directly behind the driver.

We’re still missing one sprocket, but the rest are ready to be installed.

Tightening down the Etek motor.

November 18, 2008 Update             
Since October, we have accomplished a lot. As you will see from the pictures below we have just about finished the chassis and are starting to install the front and back axle. We also got our floor measured out and ordered. Soon we will begin the pedals and seat. The car should be on rubber by Christmas.

Left bearing assembly

Chassis with the roll bar support

The completed chassis with the roll bars

Matt Bronk and Trevor Quass working on getting the seat traced out.

Matt Bronk putting the front axle on the chassis

Ryan Delwiche touching up the front axle so its ready to put it on

Jake Liimatta adjusting the engine supports

Jake Liimatta welding the engine support to the chassis

October Update