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Trying to replace front plastic bushings
trialsman - 16/1/20 at 05:07 PM

I'm trying to replace the control arm bushings on my English made Locost. The outside diameter of the metal tube they are in is 1.35" (34.29mm) X 1.2" (30.48mm) long and that includes paint. The bushings are red plastic and two piece with a larger flange on the outside of each right and left. I'm trying to find out what the bushings are before I disassemble then. Any suggestions? Are they Spitfire bushings? I'll try to post pictures later if that will help. Russ

gremlin1234 - 16/1/20 at 08:03 PM

they don't sound like triumph spitfire bushes,
do yours have a central metal tube ?
a picture would really help ;-)

rusty nuts - 17/1/20 at 08:28 AM

Have a look at the Superflex website the kitcardirect and the rally design websites. It may be a common locost bush kit?

Mr Whippy - 17/1/20 at 01:00 PM

you need to push them out and measure them, could have come from anywhere but at least if you know the sizes you can move forward

English made... that probably accounts for at least 75% of all lotus 7 clones, can you tell if it's home made or a kit manufacturer?



[Edited on 17/1/20 by Mr Whippy]

trialsman - 17/1/20 at 02:24 PM

It appears to be a homemade, I assume, but it is an awfully well made one. There is an alum. plate in the engine compartment that has what I assume is a VIN. It says "R SIERRA LD" and an 11 digit serial number that starts with "BBAFUB.....". There may be a letter or number in front of the first "B".

40inches - 17/1/20 at 02:56 PM

This site has dimensions, there are others in the catalogue. Rally Design

gremlin1234 - 17/1/20 at 03:38 PM

quote:
Originally posted by trialsman
It appears to be a homemade, I assume, but it is an awfully well made one. There is an alum. plate in the engine compartment that has what I assume is a VIN. It says "R SIERRA LD" and an 11 digit serial number that starts with "BBAFUB.....". There may be a letter or number in front of the first "B".
a very quick search on that number brought up this very intersting (well certainly for you) thread


https://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/7/viewthread.php?tid=85695

oh, I find it was your own thread from 12 years ago

[Edited on 17/1/20 by gremlin1234]

MikeRJ - 18/1/20 at 09:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
a very quick search on that number brought up this very intersting (well certainly for you) thread


The OP started that thread

rusty nuts - 18/1/20 at 10:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by MikeRJ
quote:
Originally posted by gremlin1234
a very quick search on that number brought up this very intersting (well certainly for you) thread


The OP started that thread


Oh I find it was your own thread from 12 years ago . Think that gives you a clue?

obfripper - 18/1/20 at 11:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by trialsman
It appears to be a homemade, I assume, but it is an awfully well made one. There is an alum. plate in the engine compartment that has what I assume is a VIN. It says "R SIERRA LD" and an 11 digit serial number that starts with "BBAFUB.....". There may be a letter or number in front of the first "B".


The chassis number is from the donor vehicle, BB- Gt Britain, Halewood produced, AF- Escort 4 door, UB produced Sept '78, the rest of the chassis number will be the same as the original escort engine number.

Dave

trialsman - 19/1/20 at 12:41 AM

Wow, that's good info to know. Any idea what the other number is? ARFDMJ E###

obfripper - 19/1/20 at 10:55 AM

Looks like some of the build plate numbers (would have originally been on the slam panel on the opposite side to the vin plate).
The A is escort, R is rhd , F is 4 door saloon, D is base model, M is manual, J is 1300cc, the rest i'm not sure on, but are likely to be trim and options.


Dave

obfripper - 19/1/20 at 11:10 AM

Just to add, the SIERRA is the original colour(a fawn beige, and the colour of the build plate if original) , R should indicate Recaro seats but may mean something different on a base model, LD i''m not sure but should be external trim options.

Dave