Redesigning's difficulties beyond restoration: continuation in Part 2
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The team responsible for restoring the Toyopet Racer, Toyota's first racing car, faced a unique challenge when it came to the vehicle's brake system. Maintaining original specifications, such as rear-wheel brakes, was a deliberate choice to preserve authenticity and historical accuracy.
Challenges in such restorations typically include finding period-correct brake components that fit the original design, ensuring the braking system remains safe and functional, and addressing potential wear and degradation of existing brake parts.
In the case of the Toyopet Racer, the drum brakes borrowed for the restoration were too small and could not ensure sufficient braking power without modification. The team, led by Sugimoto, worked tirelessly to find appropriate parts and replicate original mechanical operations without introducing modern alterations.
To guarantee adequate braking power, the pressure transmitted to the wheel cylinders was increased by increasing the brake pedal ratio. A clutch master cylinder was used to boost the hydraulic pressure on the brakes, but even with that, more power was needed.
The team, with assistance from Toyota's oyaji and others outside the company, was able to procure and produce parts. However, mounting the finished suspension and brake parts onto the frame proved challenging due to dimensional errors and slight deformities.
Ding, in charge of designing the sole brakes for the rear wheels, worked towards the required braking force and a comfortable feel. He recognised the importance of communicating with different departments inside the company and outside suppliers.
Shinya Omura, a specialist, joined the team to help identify materials and select alternatives for the suspension parts. The team tasked with designing and fabricating the suspension aimed to achieve a similar look, ride height, vehicle stance, and feel to the original Toyopet Racer.
The body team was asked to modify the pedal ratio to achieve the desired result in terms of power and feel. The project team debated extensively about the brake specifications for the Toyopet Racer, but ultimately decided to adhere to the original design, with only rear-wheel brakes.
The vehicle's performance was used to estimate the braking distance, while run-off areas and speed limits were set for the test course. The trial runs could only be conducted by those who understood the Toyopet Racer's unique braking setup and had familiarized themselves with the manual outlining how to respond in the event of an emergency.
The Toyopet Racer, with its restored brake system, is now on display at the Fuji Motorsports Museum, a testament to the team's dedication to preserving historical accuracy while ensuring operational safety and reliability. Sugimoto, the team leader, learned the importance of having a concrete objective and continuing to find ways to get things done instead of giving up.
In the restoration process, the team needed to source appropriate parts for the Toyopet Racer's braking system, ensuring the industry's finance and automotive sectors were key in procuring the necessary components. With the vehicle now displayed at the Fuji Motorsports Museum, transportation is a crucial aspect to maintain its historical accuracy and display it for public appreciation.
