Any updates on how the bodies will be made?

[D2W]

Dave, can you give us any updates/insights into how the bodies will be made to eliminate the need to paint. I assume you are getting really close to mfg the first body so whats the plan? Multiple panels/new technology, inquiring minds want to know:)

[Dave Smith]

Let me have Jim or Jesper address this in more detail. The important point being that we could always make conventional 'glass parts but they would require paint and that would break the target #2 of completing the build for less than $15K. The plan is to have a combination of cnc derived tools that make panels more akin to production cars (hood, fender 1/4 panels, etc). We have already made some good thermoformed parts out of plastic and the world of coatings is vast (hundreds of colors with alot of flexibility on orders). Still, I am going to hedge my bets and do both technologies so that it doesnt slow down the beta program/product launch if there are snafus in the new process.

[crash]

You're going to do thermo formed bodies?

That's FREAKIN GREAT!!!

I've been saying for DECADES now that I didn't understand why more body parts of cars were not made from plastics.

On the other hand, I don't understand how you are going to do it economically on such a small scale.

The 818 has always been interesting to me, but this tidbit has got my full attention. Can't wait to see how it actually is done.

[Benji]

Will you be applying the technologies you've learned from the 818 to your existing cars such as the Type 65?

[olpro]

Crash, settle down. He didn't say that.

[Niburu]

also, Saturns had plastic body panels for quite awhile

[D2W]

Thanks Dave can't wait for more info from Jim and Jesper.

P.S. Don't forget that a lot of us are just as interested in other parts of the design such as chassis and manufacturing methods.

[Benji]

also, Saturns had plastic body panels for quite awhile

A surprising amount of cars do, more than people realise.

[PhyrraM]

........ Don't forget that a lot of us are just as interested in other parts of the design such as chassis and manufacturing methods.


+1, all the styling talk turn mostly stale a few months ago.