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Ascot Roadster |
Frame Construction |
The Ascot frame is a platform perimeter design. Using this technique, all of the chassis components are mounted at or above the frame lower surface. This yields a very low center of gravity and protects all vital suspension and engine components, when a low ride height is set.
The frame is constructed from rectangular steel tubing. Due to the small size, frame flex in torsion is extremely low by street car standards.
The prototype frame was constructed on a surface table, checked for alignment, then mounted on a purpose built table, called a prototype table, for further development. The prototype table holds the frame at the desired frame ride height and is adjustable. The table also has matching level surfaces for all four wheels with fixtures to hold the suspension at the proper level, as though the tires and wheels were installed. The frame never leaves the development table until it is completed and ready for testing.
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Frame construction table. Wings are precision, flat surfaces set at the wheelbase of the chassis. Center section of the table is held level and slides forward to allow access to chassis bottom. |
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Early stages of developing the purpose designed construction table. Here the frame is held at the proper height by blocks. |
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Table with mounted frame. Note the adjustable height fixtures on the sides, holding the frame at the desired height. Moveable fixtures can also be seen holding the front and rear suspension at the desired ride height. A small weight can be seen hanging from the right front table platform. This is connected to 0.10 music wire and is pulled to establish a straight across the platform for measurements. It is also used front to rear. |
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