Dave Bivens Mirage Build

On to what I call the rear bulkhead, I couldn't get good alignment/consistent panel gaps between the rear bulkhead and the rear hatch so I added another mounting point to help get the spacing right.

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Moving on to working out a rear latch, my first thought was to use the VW style latch, I've seen them on other cars, but I just could never get satisfied with alignment, the engagement angle was just really rough, looked good thought...
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So on the second try I went with the same latches that are used on the Ultima kit car, looking close you can see the application in these pics,
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So on my build it went like this, handles the misalignment of the striker swinging down through an angle much better,
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Looks like you're taking care of all those annoying issues with the bodywork for these cars. Unfortunately, there is a lot of them.

Yep. I found the Bear Claw latches work very well, and yes, if you don't consider the angle of the hinge point in positioning of the latch, you can set yourself up for some problems. I also use the small Bear Claw "Trunk" latch for the side (entrance) doors. Very small and with some creativity, can be released from outside the car.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by davebivens

Hey Bobby, I'd like to see some pics of that, I figure I sit so low down in the car between the frame rails and my head is pretty close to the rear bulkhead loop that I have some protection, but who am I kidding, it's a fiberglass kit car not a 2020 Camry. I did add a beefy structure to support the steering column.

If I find any pics of the windshield roll bar before I cut it out I'll post it for you.

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Dave, here is a picture of my chassis. As you can see, it is much different but it may give you some ideas that are useful.

Regards, Neil

Also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFu8QfUVHlU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WryYoeIF70&t=2s

Hey Terry, yea no kidding on all the body mechanical stuff, I way underestimated the time and effort for all that stuff! and I too used a set a small bearclaws for my lower doors, upper door latches have been the real pain trying to figure out, have thought through and mocked up about a half dozen ways but have settled on using some small spring pin latches.

Neil, the Manta 2 pics are super helpful (since it's the road car), thanks for sharing.

Welcome Dave, your fab work is very good and I like the way you solve issues and design and fab mechanisms in. Your additions look like they belong in the Manta Design.


You will have a great looking car.

Thank you to everyone for sharing here!

I am tempted to make the rear hatch open forward, hinged up at the roof.
That idea will have to wait till later.