Dick Bear
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 04:16 AM |
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Dick Bear's Italo Bruin
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 …
www.marketpointproductions.com
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 04:27 AM |
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are u sure thats to scale? I cant see the guy standing next to it getting in its so small
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
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sgraber
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 04:34 AM |
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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.
Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/
"Quickness through lightness"
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Doug68
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 04:57 AM |
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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).
Doug. 1TG
Sports Car Builders WA
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Dick Bear
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 05:34 AM |
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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
www.marketpointproductions.com
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RazMan
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 08:38 AM |
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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 
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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crafty
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 09:18 AM |
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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.
Ultima GTR - 600hp Magnacharged LS2
MNR Vortx - Supercharged R1
Porsche 356 - midmounted Audi V8
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Dom9
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 09:38 AM |
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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!
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iank
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 11:27 AM |
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Looks good to my eyes.
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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roverttt
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 05:20 PM |
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Veery Preety
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cloudy
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 07:11 PM |
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lluuuurvvely
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Puk
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 09:08 PM |
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The dogs - where can we see more of Ital's work?
Before you judge a guy, walk a mile in his shoes. Then when you judge him, you're a mile a way and you've nicked his shoes.
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RazMan
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| posted on 15/1/08 at 10:07 PM |
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Mostly on Pistonheads 
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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FUORISERIE
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 09:18 AM |
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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]
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Dick Bear
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 09:34 AM |
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Italo Bruin build
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
www.marketpointproductions.com
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crafty
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 09:40 AM |
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Dick,
I was more referring to dimensions of suspension, engine+trans etc etc.
If you need anything let me know.
Ultima GTR - 600hp Magnacharged LS2
MNR Vortx - Supercharged R1
Porsche 356 - midmounted Audi V8
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crafty
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 09:50 AM |
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With photos scaled to same wheelbase, the seats are indeed far enough forward to fit a V8... more room than the Ultima.
 
Ultima GTR - 600hp Magnacharged LS2
MNR Vortx - Supercharged R1
Porsche 356 - midmounted Audi V8
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ettore bugatti
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 01:56 PM |
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Has the same atmosphere as Bugatti Veyron.
Bruin means in Dutch brown...
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sgraber
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 03:15 PM |
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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 Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/
"Quickness through lightness"
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Dick Bear
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 03:53 PM |
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Those are some BIG wheels
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
www.marketpointproductions.com
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Delinquent
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 04:00 PM |
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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.
Yep, they were my two concerns as well, and the wheels an obvious problem with simply scaling up a design. Comparing the overall height / wheel size
etc to my design (same wheelbase as ultima) I think there is going to be some serious remodeling needed - the wheels are > 30% bigger in the sketch
than they would really be - which is going to drastically alter the appearance - I've had to radically rework my bodywork just going down 5% in
size!
[Edited on 16/1/08 by Delinquent]
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ettore bugatti
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 06:10 PM |
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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]
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RazMan
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 07:53 PM |
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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]
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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Delinquent
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 07:59 PM |
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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?
Another minor thought on those lines... what gearbox are you thinking of using?
A very squat rear end can lead to a few problems with choice there, worth getting the tape out if you have a decision.
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goin2fast52
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| posted on 16/1/08 at 11:12 PM |
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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]
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