While waist deep and often baffled by the issues surrounding the development of the McBearen there were many occasions when I found relief from the pressure to complete that project by exploring the accomplishments of others who had accepted the challenge of producing a unique vehicle of their own. Some of these were full-blown builds like the one I was involved in while others were creative journeys produced on bits of paper using pencils, pens, inks and markers in addition to the occasional PhotoShop rendering thrown in for good measure. Within these 2-dimensional forms of automotive adventures I witnessed the work of an extraordinary designer who’s designs quickly emerged from among the many. His technique, talent and seemingly unlimited imagination for creating original designs captured my attention and gave me many moments of pleasure. I knew that if the time ever came for me to begin anew, I would seek his permission to create, in full scale, one of his designs… and I did.

Last June, I blindly e-mailed Italo to request permission to produce a variation of one of his original designs and without hesitation he replied and agreed to work with me on the particulars. The Italo Bruin is a bit different from Italo’s original drawing due to the fact that I wanted a mid-engine, different hot air management (radiator exhaust), longer wheelbase and in general a mid-sized vehicle rather than the sub-compact the original drawing depicted. The challenge was to incorporate these changes without losing its’ obvious Italian heritage, two-tone (dark charcoal/burnt red) color scheme, polished stainless steel roll-bar accent and mesh appointed rear panel combined with a serious under bite grill opening that to me suggested speed without moving an inch. Further, the body panels consist of smooth flowing curves, unlike the relatively sharp planes of the McBearen, all of which are ideal for wheeling the aluminum panels something I’m looking forward to after first go-around.

The Italo Bruin will have BIG POWER capability due to the never installed, 1971 351 Cleveland Cobra Jet crate motor a friends grandfather bought new (but never used) from Ford nearly 40-years ago.

Currently (contrary to the recommendations of a couple detractors) I am planning to fabricate an aluminum monocoque tub for the substructure from the mid-engine firewall forward with an independent and detachable tubular space frame rear section. The result should be an extremely light but stout structure to support the lightweight body. The extreme cab-forward position of the enclosed cockpit will have more creature comforts than were incorporated into the stripped-down quasi-replica [McBearen] but will, I hope, possess the same agility as my first custom design build.
Although a lot of design work has already gone into the project there is still a lot to be done before any fabrication can begin. As with the earlier project I am planning to keep a running journal on MetalMeet however, the speed of the build will be less aggressive due to less availability of free-time, health issues and family obligations.

I hope you like the Italo Bruin.

Dick Bear

PS. Please, throw projectiles no larger than a quarter using hands that have built something of your own …

are u sure thats to scale? I cant see the guy standing next to it getting in its so small

I for one think it will be exquisite.

I wish you the best of luck and am really looking forward to seeing what those crafty hands of yours can wring out of sheets of aluminum.

You made a wise choice in going with Italo. He is so very talented.

Dick, I for one am very glad to see you back with a new project and wish you every success!

I'm sure the hard part in this process method is making the design work in the real world and still look as good as the original concept drawings. It's always too tempting for designers to draw wheels that are too big and a glass house which is too small (in general that is not referring to Italo's design specifically).

Thanks Steve and Doug

Italo seems to be one of those exceptions to the rule as far as understanding what can and what may not be able to be built. He was very accommodating and open to suggestions while always protecting his visuals, as he should.

Whippy... Granted, it will be small (100" wheelbase) and on days my arthritis is active I may have to watch it sit in the shop but here is that same simulated 6" tall figure sitting quite comfortably within the vehicle. I doubt whether I'll receive offers from any pro football or basketball players unless it is for their wife or daughter.

Dick Bear

[Edited on 15/1/08 by Dick Bear]
Rescued attachment 123.jpg

The proportions look good to me Dick - quite similar to my own car in fact. I think your choice of engine might be a bit of a squeeze though - I am planning on the 4.2 Audi V8 for my next build and my engine bay is going to have to be stretched by 150mm to accomodate that!

You can always drop the floor a little to get a little more headroom and a 'laid back' seat will help too.

I am very interested in seeing any other angle views you may have - I am not too sure about the upper bodyline where the door meets the rear section but it might just be that view. Also, what style of door are you planning? Gullwing or scissor?

I will be glued to this thread from now on

Nice one... Ive seen his sketches all over the net and most of them look good.


I have an Ultima GTR. The wheelbase is 100.7".

The cabin is tight, and quite far forward.

Ive got an LS2 and a G50 in it, there's little room to the firewall.


Ive drooooled over your aluminium fab work..... I am in the planning stages of a scratch build, have bought an English wheel kit and had a little play with it.... I plan on learning to use it properly on the new build.


If you need any geometry off an Ultima, let me know.

The car looks fantastic, Dick. I have been following Italo's work around the web for sometime and he definitely has some talent! I look forward to seeing this project progress!

Looks good to my eyes.

Veery Preety

lluuuurvvely

The dogs - where can we see more of Ital's work?

Mostly on Pistonheads

Thanks guys for the kind comments......

I accepted to work on this very exhiting project, because of the amazing metalshaping skills shown on the Mcbearen by Dick.

I admire Dick greatly, for what his hands can do with a sheet of metal, and gladly accepted to collaborate with him on this project.

I'm in the process of sending Dick final renderings of the new sportscar, so he will be able to show them here in the coming weeks.....

Cheers guys

Italo

[Edited on 16/1/08 by FUORISERIE]

Raz... Interesting that you asked about the doors. I had just finished P'shoping an illustration to see what different types of doors would look like (see attachment). And, you may be right about the 351 Cleveland but until I get all the bits together I won't know for sure. I'm hoping it will work and all the info I've collected indicates that it will but stacking up the components will ultimately be the proof to the pudding. If I find its futile there are many combinations that will work but the sinfulness of having that collector's V8 directly behind me is just too irresistible not to try.

I'm not sure what you mean about the "upper body line where it meets the rear section..." Is there an issue I haven't notice?

Crafty... thanks for the offer of the Ultima's geometry. For the last several months while Italo and I were making adjustments to the design I have measured every production sports car I found parked in malls and at dealerships. It seems that the 100" range is about right for what I'm trying to accomplish.

While I had the door raised I took some time to explore some interior appointments realizing that what is designed today may be a far cry from what is finally installed or fabricated. For now anyway the canvass is unspoiled so it's fun to see what could be. If I've figure right I should have a 4-5 inch (forward/backward) seat adjustment depending on what items I can legitimately eliminate from the front of the engine (fan, belts and pulleys etc). It all becomes a game of inches at this point as most of you have experienced.

Dick Bear
Rescued attachment Sm Lambo.jpg

Dick,

I was more referring to dimensions of suspension, engine+trans etc etc.

If you need anything let me know.

With photos scaled to same wheelbase, the seats are indeed far enough forward to fit a V8... more room than the Ultima.

Has the same atmosphere as Bugatti Veyron.

Bruin means in Dutch brown...

One item of note. Ok actually 2. sorry

Headlamps. Before you go any further please decide on your headlamps, then measure them from behind and determine if they will fit where they are pictured.

Wheels. Looking at your scaled comparison to the Ultima I have to assume the ultima is running on 18's? Even if they are 17's - Does that mean you will be running 24's? If not, then size those wheels down to the appropriate scale to see where you really stand.

Those are my quarters/// from a guy who has really truly been there.

Steve, Crafty was kind enough to do that scale attachment. I'm not sure I totally agree with the technique used for the reason you point out (tire size) but as I said before the proof for whether the 351c will work is in having everything on hand. I know it works on paper but ....

Bruin is originally Dutch meaning brown and had something to do with a small brown bear in a childs story. I've always been told it means "a small bear" which I thought appropriate for the small size of the car and, of course, my last name.

Dick Bear

quote:

---

Originally posted by sgraber
One item of note. Ok actually 2. sorry

Headlamps. Before you go any further please decide on your headlamps, then measure them from behind and determine if they will fit where they are pictured.

Wheels. Looking at your scaled comparison to the Ultima I have to assume the ultima is running on 18's? Even if they are 17's - Does that mean you will be running 24's? If not, then size those wheels down to the appropriate scale to see where you really stand.

Those are my quarters/// from a guy who has really truly been there.

---

Please note also that 17" wheels measure about 18" in sight. Since 17" apparantly is about the inner part of the wheel.

I put bruintje beer as an overlay over the Ultima.


Bruintje Beer

[Edited on 16/1/08 by ettore bugatti]

Dick, Looking at the overlay I still think that the engine bay will have to be stretched slightly for your chosen powerplant - is that engine in your drawing to scale?

Also, the Ultima is really quite cramped in the cabin area (makes mine look enormous anyway) but the Bruin looks as though it's even smaller. I had lots of sleepless nights trying to make the most of my cabin space, trying 4 different designs of seat (eventually choosing the Ultima version) and I dropped the seat pan by 50mm to gain another scrap of headroom. It's only JUST right for me now. I had also forgot that solid doors have a finite thickness which intrudes further into the cabin area than I had realised. Hinges, catches, gas struts etc all demand space so watch out for some surprises later.

One last point, I agree with Steve's comment about ensuring you have sufficient room for the headlights when the steering is on full lock & bump - I had to radically remodel my front section buck at the last minute for this reason which was rather frustrating.

Just another quarter (or 12.76p this side of the pond) gently tossed into the hat


[Edited on 16-1-08 by RazMan]

quote:

---

Originally posted by RazMan
Dick, Looking at the overlay I still think that the engine bay will have to be stretched slightly for your chosen powerplant - is that engine in your drawing to scale?

---

Regarding vertically opening doors:
One problem I notice with aftermarket LSD kits are that the doors look wierd because of the vertical doorcut most cars have. Try to make the forward doorcut curve more. I think this is what makes those doors work on Lamborghinis.



[Edited on 16/1/08 by goin2fast52]

Hey guys thanks for all the suggestions and your pointing out (from experiences) of several precautions along the way. Fortunately the build is still in the 2-D mode with the details of fabrication still ahead.

Raze the engine was to scale. With an audi transaxle the unit comes in at around 51 inches front to back. I have a Passat/Audi trany coming to the shop later this week and am hoping that I will be able to reduce the OA length to around 48 inches if what I've been told is true.

The lamo door illustration was an excersize in midnite bordem that has promise both aesthetically and functionally however there's been nothing specifically designed for the perimeter door shape. Thanks for the heads up however, those seemingly insignificant particulars are important and appreciated.

Head-lite fixtures are on the top of my to do list as I had the same issues several have mentioned while building the McBearen. I'm resourcing fixtures from your source, Steve.

With Daytona (08 NASCAR season start) just a few weeks away I've been, and am currently, smashed with sponsorship activity work and although my time is taken with that my mind is on the Bruin.

Thanks for your interest and thoughts!

Dick Bear

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dick Bear

The lamo door illustration was an excersize in midnite bordem that has promise both aesthetically and functionally however there's been nothing specifically designed for the perimeter door shape.

---

Dick

Congrats on finishing your McBearen build and best of luck with the new project.

Just curious on the construction technique for your build. Welded or riveted?

Also Id like to offer some positive constructive feedback on your choice of chassis type. By all means I do not believe an aluminum tub is beyond the capabilities of the average locoster with the right tools and materials. Im more than confident that your craftsmanship and attention to detail is well above whats required to build a tub. But I think that a tub is not the best choice due to styling of your car. Your probably aware, but tubs rely on large and high boxed sills for rigidity. With scissor doors in combination of a shallow floor, I think that a backbone chassis would offer better performance for your design. Im all for a riveted aluminum backbone.

Andrew

I think a continuous folded aluminum chassis/pan with a large central box for main structure and smaller outer boxed sills to clear your door design would do the trick. The tubular steel front and rear sub-assemblies should bolt onto something substantial, so you should create cnc machined front and rear firewalls and have them TIG welded to each end of the folded pan. Then accept the tubular front and rear assemblies with strong bolts through the firewalls. The tubular sections act as crumple zones.

Just a thought.

Steve and Andrew I think we are all looking at the same solutions to the issues relating to lower door sills and a combination of tube and tub. I have planned to hyper- structure the center (backbone) of the tub as that will be primary to the structure. The door sills will be as high as possible to augment the center.

The aluminum panels forming the tub will be fastened using a combination of weld and adhesive/rivets. I was planning on a "CNC" rear fire wall just as Steve described with the rear tube structure bolted to the firewall. I hadn't considered the front firewall option because I felt that I could incorporate the suspension connect points transversely within the tub system using extrusions (square tubes) for each point of connection. The radiator support will probably be steel bolted to the front of the tub and that frontal tubular system will provide the "crunch" zone for the front.

I hope this explains better my thoughts for the tub/frame combination. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

On another note. I just got the Passat transaxle in today and the overall length of the unit is only 24- inches. Adding that to the "fanless" engine length of 23-inches results in an overall length of just 47-inches. Of course I will have to fabricate the adaptor plate and that will add an inch or two but the 47 - 49" OA is playing perfectly into my plans at this point. I plan to lay it all out in a scaled drawing this weekend to see how these primary components come together.

Dick Bear