I’m very slowly building a McSorley 7+4 which is designed to use a full width Sierra rear drive train.

I have always intended to use a DeDion rear end and have built the chassis accordingly.

Originally I was managing a small fabrication company so material and facilities weren’t a problem so I was going to build a Rorty design DeDion.

Having been made redundant and got out of Engineering altogether making this would now be more difficult and costly. In addition I understand there are a few design issues which would need correcting so all this is rather putting me off.

The alternatives seem to be (I really don’t want to cut the chassis about to go independent suspension).

1) Stick with the Rorty design, sort out the required changes, get the various plates plasma or laser cut and then get someone better at welding to build it up.
2) Buy a GTS DeDion. This would be by far the easiest but, although I don’t know much about it, there have always been comments about delivery and quality of GTS items
3) Design and build something along the lines of the Caterham DeDion but with trailing arms and a Panard rod rather than “A” frame since this has a straight tube which could make things easier once I get the plates manufactured.

Just to make it more difficult money is very tight so I also need a “LoCost” solution.

Any comments / suggestions?

John.

Nothing wrong with the GTS De Dion rear axle, I am biased because I think Darren's kit is excellent - but there is a downside.

You may have seen the negative stuff on here regarding delivery times etc.

Personally I have never had any issues with GTS they have always delivered what I ordered and within my expected time scales, unfortunately others have not been that fortunate.

Darren has moved Workshops recently and I think he is back in production again.

Seeing as your in Maidstone you can always pick it up, negating any worries on quality and delivery times....

Another alternative is a Cortina or Volvo live axle --- minimum change to chassis and you still have te option of de Dion at a later date.

Personally I'd go with Rorty's design and fix any issues.

Much as I liked the quality of the products I got from GTS, I did have to wait 6months for bodywork and sooooo many other people have had issues getting their stuff at all that it's just not worth the risk IMO! Having said that about the bodywork, it was 6 years ago and things may have improved!

Maybe!

Cheers,
James

Having had good service from GTS, I would go with Darren. I should go and see him, possibly leave a deposit and balance on collection. worked for me