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Chassis build / purchase options
mattyboy - 12/7/06 at 11:29 AM

Hi All !

Time has come for me to have a new project and am looking to start building a locost. Aside from building the chassis myself, are there people out there who sell them off the shelf ?

Your advise would be much appreciated !

All the best


Hellfire - 12/7/06 at 12:11 PM

Locost derived chassis kit suppliers - in no particular order

MK Sportscars
MNR
Mac#1
GTS
Luego

I'm sure there are a few others too.

Phil



[Edited on 12-7-06 by Hellfire]


Hellfire - 12/7/06 at 12:15 PM

Here's a link to a few Websites

MK Sportscars

MNRacing

MAC1 Motorsports

GTS Tuning

[Edited on 12-7-06 by Hellfire]


mattyboy - 12/7/06 at 01:15 PM

Thanks !

I think i may go for building my own chassis looking at cost (big factor for me).

I am aware that there are some errors in Ron Chapmans book - any real humdingers ?

Thanks all


Confused but excited. - 12/7/06 at 01:17 PM

LOADS ! Hence the "Confused".
Look through the chassis and other sections on this forum. I learned a great deal.

[Edited on 12/7/06 by Confused but excited.]


mattyboy - 12/7/06 at 01:30 PM

Will be sure to check it out !

Thanks All


mattyboy - 12/7/06 at 01:46 PM

Just found the McSorley website with the errors taken out !

Got my starter for 10 !


Hellfire - 12/7/06 at 02:44 PM

If you have the necessary skills, equipment, resources, time and patience to build your own chassis, then that would probably be the cheapest and indeed, most satisfying route to go down. In terms of cost, if you are missing any of the aforementioned, it may well be easier and cheaper to buy a chassis from one of the known manufacturers.

Chances are, you will be using bodywork and other bits from one of these manufacturers, so buying a chassis could well save you a few headaches in the future.

Not wanting to put you off building your own chassis by any means but the savings you are hoping for may not be that great.

Phil


andyharding - 12/7/06 at 02:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Hellfire
Here's a link to a few Websites

MK Sportscars

MNRacing

MAC1 Motorsports

GTS Tuning

[Edited on 12-7-06 by Hellfire]


Care to add this info to a page on carbuilders.info Hellfire?


mattyboy - 12/7/06 at 03:19 PM

Still in a state of 2 minds over the chassis - wise words Hellfire

Cost of Steel / cutting / clamps / welding sundries / time in garage / faling out with missues = buy a chassis


02GF74 - 12/7/06 at 03:24 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mattyboy

I am aware that there are some errors in Ron Chapmans book - any real humdingers ?

Thanks all


yes, it will cost considerably more than £ 250


Hellfire - 12/7/06 at 05:07 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mattyboy
Still in a state of 2 minds over the chassis - wise words Hellfire

Cost of Steel / cutting / clamps / welding sundries / time in garage / faling out with missues = buy a chassis


Now I've got your attention, lets talk about engines. Ever thought about bike power......................................


big_wasa - 12/7/06 at 08:07 PM

As hellfire says making your own chassis is very satisfying. But having made two chassis now I wouldn’t say that it was massively cheaper. Mine stands me at about £300 and 6 months hard work but that does include a well braced roll bar.

If I do another 7 it will be a kit. But I am loving the experience.


mattyboy - 13/7/06 at 07:16 AM

Fair play to you big-un !

Engines eh ! Now thats the next challange ! Looking around on here there are arguments that the DOHC is better than the pinto and vice-versa. I dont want this car to be a slouch and would like at least a sub 5 second to 60 car - is this possible without going bonkers on the engine for either a pinto or DOHC ?

Quite attracted to the 1.8 zetec lump.


Problem i may encounter is retaining a vehicle reg as i would prefer an non Q.


mattyboy - 13/7/06 at 07:32 AM

Hey - That locost GTS kit looks nice ....

.... i know its away form the "true" home build - but it seems sensible money for all the bits ...


John Bonnett - 13/7/06 at 12:33 PM

My advice too, would be to buy an off the shelf chassis if you are not already tooled up to build one. They are reasonably priced and would cost less than your outlay on tools and equipment, not to mention the steel. Also, it wil give you a flying start into your build.

John


DIY Si - 13/7/06 at 04:22 PM

Having gotten half way through building a chassis, I would advise buying one. Whilst making one is a really good learning experiance for all the effort involved and the large amounts of time it's probably not worth it overall. Also, you'll only get to the end and want to build another better one with all the knowledge you've just acquired. Well, I do anyway.


big_wasa - 13/7/06 at 08:00 PM

Second what Si said. Thats why this is my second chassis( well third actually). as you learn more, good just aint good enough