Author Topic: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett  (Read 28304 times)

RhysN

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Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« on: 09 May 19, 09:24 am »
Here I go again! This one is going to be somewhat different, as my background of racing other things now means I'm "scratching the itch" in a different way.
The Napier is not intended to be as much a racer as some being built, and is a real Edwardian where the seat base will be above the chassis rails.
Yes, I know the centre of gravity will be high, there are times when I am going to go "green laning". Engine will be near stock.
The "bonnet" and tail structure, as proven by the Stevenson concept will be the major structure, with chassis rails serving as only something to attach bits.
Actual build starts today.
Inspiration below
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

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StefanN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #1 on: 09 May 19, 11:01 am »
That'll be a great addition to the GB "fleet".  You'll have to have the hat and goggles too.

Chris Brown

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #2 on: 09 May 19, 11:38 am »
Great looking car Rhys, look forward to following the build. From the karts that were at Stretton, we don't seem to following the Americans in building as low as possible, more in keeping with the inspiration car. Mine's only as low as it is because that's how the original was, not from any wish to gain a racing advantage (not that I did either, I was the slowest one there).
« Last Edit: 19 Jun 19, 08:24 am by Chris Brown »

TheGiantTribble

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #3 on: 09 May 19, 11:46 am »
Lovely looking car.
Good luck with the build.

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #4 on: 09 May 19, 01:15 pm »
Great looking car Rhys, look forward to following the build. From the karts that were at Stretton, we don't seem to following the Americans in building as low as possible, more in keeping with the inspiratoin car. Mine's only as low as it is because that's how the original was, not from any wish to gain a racing advantage (not that I did either, I was the slowest one there).

Got them, and the gauntlets :) I'm not sure that Stretton would accept them though.
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #5 on: 02 Jun 19, 06:51 pm »
Believe it or not, progress is being made! Front axle was created today, bulkheads for the firewall and behind the radiator are cut and ready for paint.
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #6 on: 03 Jun 19, 01:19 pm »
I went and collected my 75/25/1.5 tube an hour or so back. I had forgotten how heavy this stuff is!
There will be quite a bit left over, so if anybody has a need..
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #7 on: 16 Jun 19, 09:19 pm »
Frame is now all cut ready for all the welding. I still need to make the front "horns" to mount the spring front ends.
Body half made, axle cleaned up ready for mounting, new front stub system with adjustable castor ready to mount, body now only needs cladding and the seat box made, and the seat rear done. You never know, I might make Stretton!
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #8 on: 15 Jul 19, 07:01 pm »
Seat fabricated.
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #9 on: 22 Jul 19, 12:11 pm »
These are the frame "horns" which mount the front of the springs. Stupid detail that has taken way too much time!
Also a pic of one of the versions where a similar but different front horn shows.
« Last Edit: 22 Jul 19, 12:17 pm by RhysN »
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #10 on: 19 Nov 19, 12:19 am »
Thanks to Adrian who I went to help put his amazing build (hint to Adrian to post some  about it) on it's wheels for the first time, I now have a chassis ready to start bolting bits to.
Still a lot to do, motor cradle, and sort out a steering box as this will have the "upright" look.
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #11 on: 23 Nov 19, 06:34 pm »
Has anyone a piece of honeycomb material for the dummy radiator, approx 300 mm by 350 mm. By tomorrow it should be on it's wheels with the body almost ready for paint. Motor cradle will need a bit of investigating. Photos tomorrow evening.
I'm still searching the steering box options though.
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

RhysN

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #12 on: 24 Nov 19, 05:38 pm »
Without pictures it's all lies Chris said on that "other forum" once. Yes, that's where the drive unit will live.
« Last Edit: 24 Nov 19, 05:41 pm by RhysN »
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

Chris Brown

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #13 on: 24 Nov 19, 07:47 pm »
Looking great Rhys, more space in the back end than most.

TheGiantTribble

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Re: Napier 1903 Gordon Bennett
« Reply #14 on: 24 Nov 19, 10:43 pm »
I'm a liking this.