Susanajones
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| posted on 29/9/24 at 03:31 PM |
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Newbie looking for help and advice
My dad has a locost which he bought as a kit and then built (I think). He was a mechanic for BWM and then Mini for over 30 years. We aren't
sure why but he had taken the gearbox out of the car and then he passed away in 2018. The car has been sat in the garage since then. My nephew who
isn't mechanically minded would like to get the car back on the road. We don't know if it starts as at the moment as we can't find the
key. Is it best to get more of a kit car specialist to look at it or would a local mechanic be able to do most of the work? It may need a new
engine, gearbox, wishbones(?) and general service - brakes etc, etc. The bodywork is generally good. The car is Oxfordshire based. Thanks! Susan
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JoelP
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| posted on 29/9/24 at 06:57 PM |
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Evening, and welcome in.
It's always nice bringing an old car back to life. Things you'll want to do first is identify components such as engine, axles etc. We can
absolutely help with that. You can upload photos via the archive. You also need to find the v5 for the car, as that will help with details such as
what chassis, age etc.
Regarding getting it running, probably most mechanics could, but you might be best finding someone who actually enjoys older engines. Assume the fuel
in it will be knackered, so it'll need cleaning out, plus new battery etc.
Good luck! Hopefully someone local-ish can help more.
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ReMan
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| posted on 29/9/24 at 10:11 PM |
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Welcome.
Whilst it may be an easy task, from your brief run down it could also run into £thousands.
I'd advise strong caution before you start spending money on it, but there are many good people on here and locally local to you for a brief look
over by someone who understands the wider picture and legalities around them as much as just diving in and trying to "get it going" would be
a good start.
I hope tis also helps
www.plusnine.co.uk
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scudderfish
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 05:54 AM |
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Did he finish it, get it registered correctly, and get it on the road?
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JAG
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 07:13 AM |
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Welcome Susan
We can offer better advice if you have a few pictures you could share 
Justin
Who is this super hero? Sarge? ...No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? ...No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? ...Could be!
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Susanajones
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 12:30 PM |
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Thanks, the car was running, registered and on the road. I've uploaded a few details / photos. The engine has been manually turned and it went
round. In the process of getting a new battery.
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nick205
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 01:15 PM |
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Hi Susan and welcome to Locostbuilders,
If the gearbox was taken out it may have been:
1. To replace the clutch (between engine and gearbox).
2. To rebuild (or replace) the gearbox.
As others have said, a local mechanic / garage may be able to assist in getting the car back together and roadworthy.
Equally a local Locostbuilders member may be able to assist.
However you go about it, make sure you and your nephew have the budget available. There will be costs associated with parts and labour.
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JAG
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 01:53 PM |
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First glance at the pictures tells me this is a "Locust" which was kinda the Locost predecessor. More information here:
https://www.locust.org.uk/about/about.htm
It was constructed slightly differently. The main differences are;
1) Ford Cortina front suspension
2) Ladder Chassis, made from square section Steel tubes and a Wooden body tub and fibreglass panels for the nose and wings etc...
It should still be a Live Axle rear suspension/axle and it clearly has a Ford X-Flow engine probably with a Type 9 Ford Gearbox.
It doesn't make much difference to the jobs you're talking about but worth bearing in mind.
[Edited on 30/9/24 by JAG]
Justin
Who is this super hero? Sarge? ...No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? ...No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? ...Could be!
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tegwin
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 03:27 PM |
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Looks like a fun little project.
If you were local id offer to help.
As others have said, it won't be a cost free activity to get it back on the road - labour at garages is particularly steep - think in the order
of £1000 + to go over it and put back together - more if big bits are missing or broken.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Would the last person who leaves the country please switch off the lights and close the door!
www.verticalhorizonsmedia.tv
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gremlin1234
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| posted on 30/9/24 at 06:53 PM |
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looks to be a t&j locust, ford based running gear, probably plywood side panels, original locust design was a paper plan car. by john
cowperthwight who designed moss cars and the midge as well
ford mechanicals are easy, the rest is just made up as you go along...
nice to see a proper vin for it, and associated numberplate.
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