Time for an update on ERA 289 FIA 2136:
The chassis was in the jig about a week ago and it was just about complete, below are (2) photos that John (from ERA) took ... thanks John!
And yes ... there is not one, but two different roll bar configurations ... a first of it's kind for this type of car from ERA.
Like a lot of guys, I debated the one hoop or two hoops conundrum, and with the forward brace on the FIA car, two hoops is hard to do, since the gas tank sits right up behind the seats with no room for a reward facing brace.
So ... I thought what about having the standard FIA single hoop & forward brace, but also add into the frame one more mounting point for a full width roll bar. I provided Peter with a basic sketch and the master fabricators at ERA came up with an elegant solution to my special request.
In effect, my car will have (2) roll bar configurations, the single hoop setup ... OR ... a full width roll bar setup. There will be a 'hole' in the body, which will be filled with a removable plug. If for some reason, myself or future owner only wants the single hoop configuration, the 'hole' can be covered over and painted.
The look of the single hoop is much cleaner, as the full width roll bar is somewhat awkward looking at first glance. It is reminiscent of what was done in some of the early racing cars ... as an example, see page 73 in Trevor's ' Cobra - The First 40 Years ' book, CSX2153 has a full width roll bar with a forward brace.
Most of the time, the car will probably be setup with the single hoop, but should the occasion arise where I want the full width setup, I have got that option.
Back to the build ... the chassis should be off to powder coat, and once it's done, it will be back at ERA to have the body bonded onto the chassis. From there it's out to CCC for paint, then back to ERA for assembly into a roller.
Still making choices on some of the big items, like the motor builder, transmission, wheels and exactly which shade of blue to choose ... I have some time and it's fun weighing all of the options.
Leaning towards (but subject to change of course
):
- 302 from a reputable builder
- TKO 600 with 0.82 OD
- Pin Drive FIA wheels
- A shade of blue ranging from Guardsman to Indigo
As always ... comments and suggestions are welcome.
- Tim
Standard FIA Single Roll Hoop
Full Width Roll Hoop
