Hello all. I'm François.

Looking to share my locost build and get some feed back as well. There's a shortage of like minded folk who share the passion of the build where I'm from.

I started the build from the book chassis plans modified to a -3 narrower from scuttle to seat to accommodate the narrow donor. Majority of the build is highly improvisational and using recycled parts and materials mostly as they are free and my budget is time.

So. Here goes.

I've utilized several donors. All are Suzuki.
First donor is Suzuki carry. Got the 5.1:1 live axle and front control arms and links. Also chopped the mounts for the bottom arm links to weld onto the frame. Made the suspension arms with two sets of carry suspension parts.

Next donor Suzuki swift. Used steering rack, wiring harness, cluster, engine & steering column, front spindles (modified)and brakes including lines and brake booster master cylinder combination, pedal box.

Donor 3 was a Suzuki samurai I had scrapping. Gearbox and driveshaft and clutch assembly. 3.7:1 Differential for spares. Rear leaf spring assembly.

Donor 4 a Suzuki sidekick. Rear springs. Shock absorbers front and rear.

I can arc weld. .

All welds done with 7018 electrodes.

Pictures to come soon. I've documented almost every step so far. Still have paneling and brakes and harness to wire up but making progress. One year into the build.

that sounds like a great journey, I am looking forward to the pictures

Welcome to the forum.
I want to see suzuki...
Regards
AA

keep up the good work

Here's a link to a few of the stages of the build so far. Making improvements to design as it progresses.

album

Front suspension is transverse leaf. Engine is a 1.6l Suzuki swift engine.

Not using a G13B?

I recall that when I visited Barbados in 92 that Suzuki was a very popular brand.
Good luck with the build

Suzuki bits were good enough for the Caterham 160! For that matter, they're good enough for me; that's what I'm using for my build, though it's the 1-liter normally-aspirated engine instead of the 660cc turbo.

quote:

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Originally posted by G13BLocost
Not using a G13B?

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Been busy last few months. But got in some work. Here's what I've been able to do since last.

Revisited scuttle and bonnet. Repaneled with 0.5 mm galvanized steel sheet. Finished sides and bonnet.

Front shocks now motorcycle coilovers.

Changed steering rack mount position.

Swapped in a 3 cylinder Suzuki G10 1000cc engine due to space constraints. Got a turbo though.

Engine harness functional. Engine starts.

Started cardboard mockup for nosecone and fenders.

Altered rollcage cross members.

Installed gas tank from Suzuki carry van.

Things still to complete:

Floor panels and foot well.
Brake lines.
Nose cone.
Adjustable panhard bar for rear.
Rebuild brake master cylinder.
Fabricate manifold for three 34mm flat slide bike carbs.
Coolant hoses.
Radiator mounts.

Will update the link to photo album once I organize the photos.

Almost completed. Project starts and is driving.

Built custom manifold and modded three evinrude outboard motor 48mm carbs as ITBs. Carbs from an evinrude 250hp v6 2 stroke adapted and modded to run on the triple..

Paneling completed.

Paint is on.

Nose cone buck completed: just have to cast mould for lightweight fiberglass part.

Front coilover setup revisited and beefier coil overs from an ava motorcycle used.

Rear disk brakes setup installed using swift calipers and rotors and suzuki carry caliper mount bracket.

pictures here

[Edited on 4/7/20 by Frankythefearless]