hi guys
i just read one of the new posts about comparisons between the locost and haynes roadser
i built a locost about 10 years ago now and then sold it and got into bikes unfortunatly my bike decided to bite me so iv decided 4 wheels might be safer from now on
so i thought id build another locost so i set about getting all the bits together but
im now thinking i might be better off with a haynes due to this extra 2 inches width people are talking about
is the added width in the footwell area if so thats great cause my hip kind of goes in the wrong direction so i need all the space i can get really
also with the roadster i heard you have to chop the driveshafts to shorten them is this true as that puts me off a little
i thought its best to ask before i get the chop saw out to the box section ive got in

No chopping drive shafts at all, simply change the wheel offsets or at worse the dimensions of the wish bones. I was at 2m wide on sierra components and wide wheels. If you are wanting a wide car, why do you want to narrow the axle?

The original book shows chopped driveshaft however 98% of current builders are using the revised wishbones which doesn't require driveshaft chop. 3GE sell them to these dimensions.

Mike

at least the drive shafts arnt a problem thats good the reason i was building the narrow one is purely because i didnt realise the roadster was wider i know about the +4 mc sorley but it looks like ur stuck when it comes to donors and bodywork for that one and theres not that much build info in the uk
im guessing the easiest way would be to sell the cortina hubs escort axle and wishbones i have and go sierra then

Depending on which book you get for building the Haynes Roadster, if 1st edition then just add 10 mm to the rear wishbone lengths, but 2nd edition "may" have been corrected. HTH Ray

Yes, the 2nd edition is 99.9% correct, eh Chris , the driveshafts don't need to be altered.

Regards

John

Yes, if you buy the book and it says "reprinted 2007 or 2008" All the errors have been corrected and the wishbone drawings have been altered to suit standard length Sierra driveshaft. If you have a first edition book there's a pdf on the Haynes forum (see link below) which details the amendments.

but

I've missed one dimension.

On page 65

Bugger

For "465" read "475", if this troubles you, please let me know and I'll write you a personal letter of appology*

Cheers

Chris

* or tell you to p*ss off, depending on the prevailing mood

Shame you could'nt have got down to exeter at the weekend, I saw the roadster chassis in the flesh, very tidy piece of kit, you could do a lot worse

Where's me soapbox.....

It could do with a few extra diagonals in vital places, and then it would be a useable, strong, and safe chassis.

Cheers,
Syd.

Email me your suggestions Syd and I add them to the chassis section on the Haynes forum.

Cheers

Chris

if it's only size you're interested in (ooeeer missus!) then have you thought about the McSorley +4 or +442?

I'm 6' 4" and that's what I went for. I guess it really depends on whether you can source the necessary bits for the RC-type build.

Just my input FWIW.

JB

now im completely undecided i guess the ultimate would be the +4 to acomodate my mad leg lol but im really sceptical about this as theres not alot of build info and finding a donor could be really tricky
basically i have cortina hubs with brakes an escort axle and all the wishbones so if i can use some of that in either a +4 or a roadster then thats great i have already come to terms with the fact most of the bits ive bought will now be obsolete so im just wondering do i sell the lot and go sierra or mix and match what do you guys think

I'm not sure if you would be able to build a plus 4 with the escort axle, it's a question of what will fit between the wheels.

If it was me I would find a Sierra donor and build a Haynes roadster, without modification. You'll be able to sell the other bits, especially the cortina hubs

John

quote:

---

Originally posted by mr henderson
I'm not sure if you would be able to build a plus 4 with the escort axle, it's a question of what will fit between the wheels.

If it was me I would find a Sierra donor and build a Haynes roadster, without modification. You'll be able to sell the other bits, especially the cortina hubs

John

---

Hi.

I came to the conclusion that the +4 would be the best rout for me.
The extra width can be added where ever to suit your needs


I have a wide engine that lays over at 45deg, and a wide g/box. I wanted to mount it as far back as I could for better weight distribution.

The Sierra diff and drive shafts fit nicely and 'Tina uprights with an Escort rack are better with a +4 (with 2" track rod extensions)

I always intended using an ally back panel and making the scuttle, bonnet, etc so this wasn't a problem.

IMHO, it's nice to make something a little bit different, and for me it's what a Locost is all about.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Paul G