Hi all,

Looking for some basic advice, I'm planning on a building a locost type car in the tradition of the book, i.e. i want to build the chassis myself!!. However how van i do this and still use some manufactured parts like bodywork, suspension etc in the knowledge they will fit??

My basis outline spec at the mo is: indpendent rear suspension, 2.0 pinto power, no windcreen. Are plans available anywhere for a home built chassis for this spec???

Any advice would be most welcome.

Ta

Born

Buy the new " book" when it comes out. That will suit your needs.

David

If you build to the book most of the bodywork from the major suppliers on this site will fit.

There are some FAQ on my website (link below) which may help you to being with.

If you know which parts you want to use for your suspension, i would suggest buying them before you attach the brackets to the chassis! You can then also use them as part of your jig.

Welcome to the site, i hope you enjoy your stay

David

Apologies for being a bit dim, but what "new book" are you reffering to? and any date for publishing?


Born

The problem with making your own chassis is you have to do the bodywork yourself too except the nosecone, wings, and probably the scuttle (they all share a common size). i'm making my own chassis and bodywork and i'm really looking forward to start with the fibreglass. so dont get discouraged, its more rewarding to know you've built the entire car from scratch.
you shouldn't have a problem with donor parts as the chassis is designed for almost any engine/box combo. the catch, though, is you have to measure, re-measure, and then measure again to make sure all your dimensions are ok for engine and g'box position, height, etc. and the diff just slots in the rear bulkhead...

common plans for a homebuilt chassis are the McSorley plans, which give dimensions for the book locost, a wide locost and a wider and taller locost. take your pick
http://www.mcsorley.net/locost

you will still need the book for reference and some missing parts not in the Mcsorley plans.

btw welcome!

Robertst, many thanks, i've been to McSorley site but was a bit put off as he is based in States.

Are you using one of his plans as a basis?


Born

quote:

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Originally posted by Born2race0
Apologies for being a bit dim, but what "new book" are you reffering to? and any date for publishing?


Born

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quote:

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Originally posted by Born2race0
Robertst, many thanks, i've been to McSorley site but was a bit put off as he is based in States.

Are you using one of his plans as a basis?


Born

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Yeah, ive got the origonal book. My main concern is i want independant rear suspension, anyone know if a unit is available to mate direct with chassis?

G

as has been said, wait for the new book, it incorporates the Sierra as the Donor vehicle.....if i am right that is.

im building a +442 modified, with irs rear, i plan to use MK wishbones and hub carriers for the IRS.

I made mine, the only bit of purchased bodywork was the nosecone because I could not be bothered for £50.

Skinning with ali is easy enough, arches in fibre glass a a bigger challenge and devising indi rear suspension was interesting.

If you can weld, measure and cut with a hacksaw it really is not that bad.

Regards Mark

[Edited on 19/2/07 by mark chandler]

Mark,

Sounds like i should keep in touch!!

Born

Hi Born


If I were just beginning my build, knowing what I know now, (thanks to this site)
and I intended to make the chassis and buy the bodywork, then I would buy the
bodywork first, and make the chassis to suit.

Paul G

You can buy a set of nose, bonnet and scuttle (and probably a back panel) to suit a Locost set of chassis plans... so don't worry about the bodywork!

The McSorley plans are 100% fine to use, even if Jim is US based.

Cheers,
James