Hi everyone
I'm new to this Locost scene and as well new to the kit car scene; I only came across the idea of building a locost 2 weeks ago! Anyway I been doing a lot of research before my build start date first thing next year and now debating whether to build my own chassis or buy one. I am having professional tuition on welding so I reckon I can build my own chassis but really depends on the law/cost. I checked out both options and have a few questions:

• I have been told because of some recent new law from the SVA, you can’t build your own chassis unless from a qualify builder/welder. Is this true? What’s the law and process regarding amateur built chassis?
• There are so many seven replica chassis manufacturers out there I really don’t know what the differences are. I assume some chassis are better suited for different donor car parts than others. Anyone explain to me about the major chassis out there and there specs/price?
• I’m thinking of having an IRS unlike the book design so I assume the mk2 escort rear axle is out of the question, but which donor car(s) have independent axle and diff I can use instead?
• How long did it take to build your Locost? I like to get in SVAed by the end of July so 7months but even with 3 other guys help I think I’m being too optimistic!

Thanks in advance everyone for any help you can offer.

Hi, welcome to the forum!

As for your questions, here goes:

1) I haven't heard of that law myself, but the best thing would be to check VOSA (or is it DVLA? can't remember...). They will be able to tell you for sure

2) I think the majority of chassis' are really pretty similar, with the odd minor difference. Everyone will have a different opinion on which is best, i built an MK car and was impressed with the standard of welding and construction. I have also visited mac1 a couple of times and their kit looks impressive too, and customer service is excellent. I suggest talking to (and visiting if possible) a few manufacturers, and asking plenty of questions.

If you decide to make your own chassis be aware that there are some mistakes in Ron Champion's book, a lot of people use the McSorley plans which correct these errors.

3) The most popular donor car is the Ford Sierra due to the fact that they are readily available and cheap, but people build cars based on all sorts of cars. Personally I would suggest keeping your first build as simple as possible, you can always make another one afterwards!

4) My car took me just over a year to build, although I was away at university for a fair amount of this time. If I did another one I could definitely build it much faster because I'd know what I was doing this time round! Be aware that if you plan to make your own chassis and body panels this could drastically increase the time it takes. Then again, you can save yourself a fair bit of money this way, so it's up to you to weigh up the pros and cons

Hope that helps, I'm sure others will have plenty of suggestions. Good luck with the build whatever you decide!

Pete

[Edited on 15/12/04 by scoobyis2cool]

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but this topic looks like the best topic for me to post questions, too.

Before building the chassis, especially when following the book/McSorley, should I get the engine first?

I'm thinking of getting a Toyota 4AGE with T50 transmission, and of course, that's different from the book. Therefore, should I get the engine/tranny first before even building the chassis? (to be sure of measurements/fitting?)

My advice is, don't rush!! You mention your "build start date first thing next year"... that's two weeks away. This is a recipe for disaster, rushing into a project of this magnitude. This is the time you need to be going very slow, doing your research, and getting all the questions out of the way. Jumping in is going to cause endless problems.

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Originally posted by Alfalfameister
Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but this topic looks like the best topic for me to post questions, too.

Before building the chassis, especially when following the book/McSorley, should I get the engine first?

I'm thinking of getting a Toyota 4AGE with T50 transmission, and of course, that's different from the book. Therefore, should I get the engine/tranny first before even building the chassis? (to be sure of measurements/fitting?)

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Cheaper to buy a chassis ---- most these days use Sierra based suspension either IRS or de Dion.
If starting again I would use a de Dion kit from GTS, this can also be fitted to a book style chassis without undue hassle.

If you went with the Mcsorley chassis you shouldnt have any problems as Pete says the book is full of errors as most of us here have found out to our cost ,time wise that is.

I'd definately get your engine/tranny first It'll save you so much hassle later.

As for buying your chassis I suppose it depends on you,whether you want to say I built the lot myself or I put it all together at the end of your build.

If it was me again I'd have built the chassis and bought the suspension bits.

The good thing nowadays is theres this forum where youll get a wealth of knowledge/help from blokes who've been there .
Cheers,
Bob

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Originally posted by kb58
I'd vote "Yes" unless someone here can tell you they've used that engine and it'll fit not problem.

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Cheaper to buy a chassis ---- most these days use Sierra based suspension either IRS or de Dion.

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I'd definately get your engine/tranny first It'll save you so much hassle later

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The good thing nowadays is theres this forum where youll get a wealth of knowledge/help from blokes who've been there

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I have a 4AGE and a T50 and it will fit in a book chassis, but ... to fit the motor, transmission and rear end from the same donor (mid-80's Corolla) the transmission tunnel will need modifications specifically to clear the bellhousing and the pinion.

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I think Building or Buying a chassis comes down to a few things

1) are you confident enough in your welding to sit in it while going the wrong (legally) side of a ton?

2) do you have the tools, welder, etc, etc.

3) cost differences all told.

4) do you want to start from the start, or half way through

5) do you want to get the thing made any time soon?


For me, coming from being a pushbike mechanic for a few years, i had a reasonable amount of tools, but nothing big, no powertools, welder, etc. etc.

so i bought an mk indy starter kit, a few tools and muddled along, buying the tools i needed along the way. I'm now at the point where i own all the tools i'd've needed to build a chassis.

it's probably cost me more, but this way i know i have a chassis that's up to the job, and that i have someone to blame if it isn't.

Was looking at Indy (MK Engineering) or the GTS, and some others, really. But those aren't options for me because I'm in Manila, Philippines.

Shipping rates would kill me...

MK Ship to the far east for about £250 from memory, not that bad I think.

Call them

cheers

chris

quote:

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Originally posted by Nightkid
I have been told because of some recent new law from the SVA, you can’t build your own chassis unless from a qualify builder/welder. Is this true? What’s the law and process regarding amateur built chassis?

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if thats 5 usd minimum wage, the shipping cost is 90 days salary!!!!!!!!!!




atb

steve

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Originally posted by chrisg
Was looking at Indy (MK Engineering) or the GTS, and some others, really. But those aren't options for me because I'm in Manila, Philippines.

Shipping rates would kill me...

MK Ship to the far east for about £250 from memory, not that bad I think.

Call them

cheers

chris

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sorry as this post really is to chrisg thanks for taking the trouble to find out and post about the law on home made chassis i was just about to throw my teddy out the pram cheers mate martin

Cheers everyone for your advice. I was gonna call up DVLA tomorrow myself just to be on the safe side. Has anyone bought a robin hood chassis? was talking with a couple of lads at work and one of them is convinced you can purchase a chassis only from robin hood for about £200 + VAT. What do you think? Since it is my first build i was gonna follow the book to be on the safe side. I know i can get all the parts in the book except the engine is a 1300cc from a local breaker yard, its just the chassis i need to source or build.

Robin Hood are generally regarded to be a bit shoody. From what I've heard their parts rarely fit first time, and their chassis is a bit of a beast too - built out of VERY big steel tubing.

Pete

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if thats 5 usd minimum wage, the shipping cost is 90 days salary!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally posted by Alfalfameister
Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but this topic looks like the best topic for me to post questions, too.

Before building the chassis, especially when following the book/McSorley, should I get the engine first?

I'm thinking of getting a Toyota 4AGE with T50 transmission, and of course, that's different from the book. Therefore, should I get the engine/tranny first before even building the chassis? (to be sure of measurements/fitting?)

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There are a couple "issues" with the Mazda rotary to be aware of. As small as they are they are very heavy. The "crankshaft" comes out of the engine practically in the center, not at the bottom like most engines. This means the engine and tranny must sit high to give you ground clearance. It also means the transmission tunnel will probably have to be raised to make room. The exhaust is very, very, hot, and very, very, loud. It is a pain in the ass to deal with a rotary's exhaust system. And finally they get relatively crappy gas mileage for what they are. If none of this is an issue with you, great, otherwise I suggest a Japanese 4-cylinder engine.

[Edited on 12/16/04 by kb58]

They all rotted away years ago over here but if there are any left they would be a good proposition for a first build. Something like the old 120Y would give you an axle and rear wheel drive gearbox and engine and a propshaft you could modify.