Hi everyone,
right, I have always loved the look of the Lotus 7, but I would never be able to afford a Westfield or a Caterham. Also I'm not really into modified Corsas and Fiestas, but want something fun, I did start restoring an old Reliant Scimitar, which was great, but was getting really expensive and the chassis was mainly rust, and so I just decided to strip it all and sell it for spares. Plus my current car a K plate Astra saloon, can't really deliver fun in any way shape or form. As I am an apprentice mechanic (only about 4 months until I'm qualified!) I don't earn an amazing amount of money, so I've decided to build my own Haynes 7 or should I call it the Locost 7 as thats what people seem to call it, well the name is fairly unimportant. I'm fine with welding (mig) and as there is a lot of fabrication work that I have to do in my job, sourcing materials shouldn't be a problem. Anyway my main point, after all that fairly pointless waffle above is, are there any tips or helpful pointers that you guys could give me before I start? especially good donor cars for the engine and gearbox that you have found, well anything really would be really nice to know. Also size wise, how cramped are they? I'm six foot seven, I can fit into most things, at work they give me Bedford rascals to work on as they think it's really funny watching me drive it, But I can, so if it's got more room than a rascal I'm ok, I know it's a van and a totally different driving position, but it's tiny, well more realistic is a mini I can drive one of those without too much hassle
Anyway any info would be much appreciated.
Ollie

possibly wait for the new book to come out....using sierra as a donor.

anyonw know when its due out?

get yourself a good set of tools, (or an understanding boss). and if in doubt ask on here everyone is happy to help.

measure twice and cut once.

however much time you plan. double it!

and best of luck!!!!

Welcome Oli.
Stay on here to learn what other people have done and bounce ideas and problems around.
1st off.You'd be better off following the book.New or old,Most of the old books faults are now covered.I belive the new'un is good.If you start trying to good down a new untried route,it'll take a long time while you try and work out what has already been worked out by 100's of others.
I'm going to try a BMW 3 for number 3.
Gotta finish 2 1st.
Good luck

just re-read your post...6' 7"
im 6' 4", i couldnt fit in a v8 Dax..i tried.

ergo i decided to build mine based on the mcsorley 442 with irs rear end

I reckon you are the type of bloke to actually think outside the box and come up with alternative solutions!
Throwing shed loads of dosh is not what its all about.

Hi were do you live ? if we can help just call out some one on here will live near you im sure
Jacko

Before you start read all you can about the options. Basically a locost is anything you want it to be. Asd you are so tall I think you should find someone who is close and see if you can fit comfortably, if not it istime to look at the drawings and see what you need to change. Depending on engine choice and the size of your feet you may be able to extend the driver's foot well enough to make you comfortable, the driving position needs to be pretty flat or you knees will be tangled in the steering wheel! Also look at photos of original Lotus 7s they have no seat to speak of so your back is right against the rear bulkhead with a cushion under your legs, I am doing this in mine for a number of reasons partly the limited width on the drivers side as I am using a Capri axle.

After many crazy plans i eventually settled on a more or less book build using a Pinto, I didn't get a single donor just collected bits and pieces from scrappies, people on the list and elsewhere. So far I have been at it for 13 months and hopeful of being mobile in the summer!

Caber

"I just decided to strip it all and sell it for spares"

If that means you have not yet sold the bits then its an ideal donor, make the frame to book, just adjust the wishbones to allow for the scimiter front uprights, the rest is all good albeit a bit heavy.

I knew someone with a 3ltr dutton, went bloody fast !

Regards Mark