Thanks! That's a good point, it just depends in which direction the design will go in. I need to do a full chassis, so my first thought was the chassis was going to be one piece, but maybe I can reconsider that.
Rear subframe for Tesla Model 3 RDU
I'm starting to work on the chassis for my swap project. I initially thought I was going to use the entire Model 3 rear subframe, but I didn't end up going that route for various reasons.
In the hot rod world, there are a few manufacturers that build chassis using some Corvette suspension geometry, so I decided to attempt the same.
I managed to get access to a C7 Z06 corvette on a lift, so I 3D scanned the whole suspension setup, front and back (pictured rear).
![Wheel Motor vehicle Automotive lighting Automotive tire Tire]()
My goals here would be to use the spindle, upper and lower control arms and toe adjustment link from the Corvette in a package that mounts the Tesla Model 3 Rear Drive Unit. I'm also hoping to make the drive unit removable from the bottom somehow.
I might use a different brake setup, but there are lots of options for Corvettes.
I'm just starting on this, so I am very much open to ideas and critique. I'll post some progress when I make any.
In the hot rod world, there are a few manufacturers that build chassis using some Corvette suspension geometry, so I decided to attempt the same.
I managed to get access to a C7 Z06 corvette on a lift, so I 3D scanned the whole suspension setup, front and back (pictured rear).
My goals here would be to use the spindle, upper and lower control arms and toe adjustment link from the Corvette in a package that mounts the Tesla Model 3 Rear Drive Unit. I'm also hoping to make the drive unit removable from the bottom somehow.
I might use a different brake setup, but there are lots of options for Corvettes.
I'm just starting on this, so I am very much open to ideas and critique. I'll post some progress when I make any.
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So after an initial test fit, it looks like the suspension pieces and the motor will sorta fit together in a package that will fit the car.
Next step was to buy the C7 pieces so I can get some detailed 3D scans, so they can be reverse engineered accurately. Interestingly enough, the lower A arm was on national backorder, so I wasted some time trying to track down a new one, and eventually buying an entire assembly off eBay. Pictured here, 3D scans of the knuckle, upper and lower A arms. I also have the rear stabilizer bar, the dust shield and the wheel bearing which I scanned together as an assembly.
![Bicycle part Auto part Bicycle drivetrain part Font Metal]()
![Bicycle part Auto part Bicycle drivetrain part Metal Composite material]()
![Bicycle part Tool Bicycle drivetrain part Auto part Metal]()
Next step was to buy the C7 pieces so I can get some detailed 3D scans, so they can be reverse engineered accurately. Interestingly enough, the lower A arm was on national backorder, so I wasted some time trying to track down a new one, and eventually buying an entire assembly off eBay. Pictured here, 3D scans of the knuckle, upper and lower A arms. I also have the rear stabilizer bar, the dust shield and the wheel bearing which I scanned together as an assembly.
1949 Cadillac 60 Special, I have a build thread for it as well!
Build thread, 1949 Cadillac
Hello all! Another member here suggested I should post a build thread here! I bought this car about a year ago, for the purpose of converting it to an EV. It's a 1949 Cadillac 60 Special. It was "running and driving" when I bought it, at least good enough to pull it out of the shop and line it...
www.diyelectriccar.com
And here's some initial drawings with some of the geometry "correct", that is with the track width of the car the same as the original car. All the suspension pick up points are where they need to go, the motor is in place smack in the middle of the subframe and aligned with the wheel bearing holes. There's still room for some changes there, needs to have some bracing added, probably some impact shield in the bottom front, provisions for sway bar, etc... But the concept is there and I think it will work!
![Wheel Tire Automotive tire Tread Synthetic rubber]()
![Auto part Rectangle Font Circle Fashion accessory]()
![Tire Wheel Vehicle Car Automotive lighting]()
Any feedback is appreciated!
Any feedback is appreciated!
The rear subframe is almost complete. Not many changes from last time, except for a removable top brace that gets bolted in place. Motor has to come out through the top, hence the bolt-on design.
![Wheel Tire Automotive tire Motor vehicle Tread]()
![Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Motor vehicle]()
Here's a quick gif of the suspension flex, the two sides are mirrored right now:
![Tire Wheel Motor vehicle Automotive tire Tread]()
One interesting thing I noticed in the C7 Corvette suspension design is that under compression, there is quite a bit of "toe-in gain". I think this is basically a static rear steer mechanism, the rear wheel that is under load will "turn" when the car tilts to the outside of a turn in the same direction as the front wheel.
This is a top view of the subframe with the suspension flexed quite a bit, maybe a bit past where the bump stops would be, just to visually exaggerate the effect. At ride height, there is a very very small amount of toe-in.
![Font Rectangle Auto part Machine Gas]()
The very last piece that is missing is a rear sway bar, I think I'll probably use a splined sway bar kit, I found a few suppliers for it.
Next post here will probably be some metal parts cut and welded! I think this piece will work out just fine!
Here's a quick gif of the suspension flex, the two sides are mirrored right now:
One interesting thing I noticed in the C7 Corvette suspension design is that under compression, there is quite a bit of "toe-in gain". I think this is basically a static rear steer mechanism, the rear wheel that is under load will "turn" when the car tilts to the outside of a turn in the same direction as the front wheel.
This is a top view of the subframe with the suspension flexed quite a bit, maybe a bit past where the bump stops would be, just to visually exaggerate the effect. At ride height, there is a very very small amount of toe-in.
The very last piece that is missing is a rear sway bar, I think I'll probably use a splined sway bar kit, I found a few suppliers for it.
Next post here will probably be some metal parts cut and welded! I think this piece will work out just fine!
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