GB Interest: Z4M Custom Front Aero + GB updates

[Beedub]

very tempted by this but not sure the roadster can pull this off as well as the coupe.

put me tentative!

[inTgr8r]

Thanks, list updated

[inTgr8r]

CTMP4me here's that underside pic showing the undertray.

Please ignore the fasteners & finish of the prototype splitter.
Fasteners were temporary for this pic & I had been doing some surface testing on the underside.

[ZMCoupe]

I'm in!

[inTgr8r]

Thanks guys.... looks like we have the numbers to get this going.

At this point there are a number of things that I will move ahead with before I post up the 'official GB'.

• I have contacted Zpost Admin and it looks like I need to be a forum sponsor to run this GB. That is underway now
• I'll start making up my templates etc.
• I'll firm up the other costs for packaging & shipping

In the interim, keep using this thread and continue indicate interest and ask any questions until the official GB is posted.



Thanks

[Beedub]

ian will their need to be holes drilled that aren't already their?? or does this use existing mount points?

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Beedub

ian will their need to be holes drilled that aren't already their?? or does this use existing mount points?

The side pieces use existing holes + double sided tape.
The center splitter requires 3 holes on the underside of the center cross piece. (similar to the APR)

The existing holes are too far back to provide enough support.

[comics69]

Do you have an idea about the release of the part ? The track season is soon

Cheers!

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by comics69

Do you have an idea about the release of the part ? The track season is soon

Cheers!

Not sure yet, but plans are to proceed as quickly as possible.
I want to be done before start of my track season as well.

[comics69]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Not sure yet, but plans are to proceed as quickly as possible.
I want to be done before start of my track season as well.

That's pretty cool...

My First Real event is at the end of April, do you think if (maybe) it will be ok ?

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by comics69

That's pretty cool...

My First Real event is at the end of April, do you think if (maybe) it will be ok ?

same for me.
If all goes well

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Beedub

ian will their need to be holes drilled that aren't already their?? or does this use existing mount points?

Just to clarify exactly where the 3 new holes are located, here are a couple more pics.


In order to get proper support the splitter needs to be fastened through the inner support structure of the center cross member.


In this you can see where the new hole is roughly mid-point on the painted underside.
The hole at the back edge is existing, and that would supply very little support for the downforce on the center splitter.

[inTgr8r]

Just a quick update.

Arrangements have been made with Zpost to run the GB for one month.

The "official GB" sign up thread will be posted up by tomorrow.

....stay tuned

[inTgr8r]

Official GB has been posted.

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthre...5#post21351925

[inTgr8r]

Just a quick update on things so far.....
The GB thread is supposed to be closed off, so I'll post updates etc in this thread.

There has been a lot of development time making templates, jigs & running test blocks.
...and then refinement & retesting.
This stage is critical to making things as smooth as possible in the layup and finishing stage.

I'm happy to say that this stage is wrapping up in the next few days.


Here are a few sample pics of what goes into the templates, jigs & testing.

[Steeler]

Impressive Ian.
I was heavy into model railways when I was younger and used the Hotwire to make model mountains, bridges etc.
Very labour intensive

[inTgr8r]

Well, I've finally moved beyond all the test fitting and fine tuning of the templates & jigs.
I've run a ton of foam through the jigs to get things as finely tuned as possible.
I have a small mountain of foam in the shop now.

Here is the final test pieces on the car.
With this final test all the curves & lines are matching up nicely.
This was also testing clearance tolerances and allowances for the added dimension of the f/g epoxy layups.




& onto the actual production pieces.
This is step 3 of the center section foam shaping where the front concave curve is added.





This is either a multi-segment airfoil;
.....or the center section pieces finished and ready for layups.
Here they have had their end bevel cuts added and they have been blocked out and final sanded.
They just need the fastener support material added and they're read for layup.


(the one against the wall was the final fitment test piece)


I'm already on to the side pieces, should have another update early next week.




.

[3002 tii]

Man I would switch to a M bumper for this kit alone

[inTgr8r]

Production on the side pieces;

The sides are made with 2 separate pieces due to the complicated curves on multiple planes.
They are then joined before the layup stage.

Here are all the blanks for the sides after cutting out with the basic template.




And further along in production.

The left side pieces are partially complete showing the compound curve on the inside mating surface.

The lower side pieces for the right side of the car have been finished ready for final shaping/sanding.
To get to this stage, there are 5 separate procedures to go through, each with they're own templates & jigs.

[inTgr8r]

Another quick update.....

From the above^ update, all the lower side pieces are complete and they worked out really well.

The wheel well arch pieces weren't quite as cooperative .....lol
These are a tricky pieces with multiple bends and twists.
they were going OK but I wasn't completely satisfied with the consistency with my templates.
so.... I revamped them and the results were great.

In this pic I have run the 1st piece though the 1st stage with new jig.
You can see from the piece that's standing the intricacies of the fender's curves that have to be replicated.
There is the main arc (pointing straight towards you);
There is the main curve that fits against the fender;
And you can see how that same curve has a twist to it as it rises to the tip.



------------
In this 2nd pic the outside curve is completed which has similar properties to the stage 1 above.
what made this more fun was that I no longer had any flat plane to work from.



With this, all the foam core construction is complete.
I'm now assembling these side pieces and doing final fitment and sanding ready for layups.

[Vanne]

Awesomeness!! Makes me go way back to shaping surfboards in my youth. This looks top notch Ian. A1 craftsmanship.

[inTgr8r]

a few more update pics.....

From the last update, I decided to work one kit all the way through to finish to find any minor tweeks required in the process.

These pics are the foam parts completed and final fitted to the car, ready for layups.






This kit is now almost complete through the layups stage as well.
I need to grab a few more pics & will post shortly.