The current version of the fabled Ron Champion book is edition 2. Can someone confirm its overall contents please - does it cover IRS and what donor parts please.

Have seen somewhere here, although now can't find it in search mode, that edition 3 is out soon (next spring-ish) - anyone know when and what new inclusions?

No it doesn`t cover IRS but i`m sure i heard that the new book does. Might be wrong but so many people have done IRS to their chassis so i`m sure someone will help.
Cheers
Sting

Edition 2 doesn't go into IRS. It does cover racing versions (modifications, safety etc) but I haven't seen the first edition so cant really advise if its worth purchasing if you have the first one.

Charlie

I only have book one, and flicking through book two seems more of the same but with coulour pictures.

The book is a 'get off your ass and do it' kinda inspiration. If you are looking for exact mechanno or airfix type procedures you will be disapointed.

Building a locost takes time and application of your own ideas and asking a lot on lists like this.

The other route is to buy a 'complete' kit like a RH2b or take a middle route like buying a MK Indy.


My car is so adapted from the basic design its RARE I ever refer to the book.

One written by a mate of Rons is also interesting - its called :

Car builders manual

by Haynes

and by Lionel BAxter.

Its similar style to rons book but goes into more depth but not related to any specific kit car.


atb


steve

I am also looking for information on IRS

found a bit on yahoo group locost

anyone in or around Lincolonshire building an IRS locost I could come and have a look at?

Any help appreciated
Craig

having done my own irs i am of the opinion that as these cars seem to handle pretty well with a live axle, its a lot of work to do IRS.

In two years, I still have not seen anyone on the net with drawings for an IRS locost.


Go IRS and have fun,and put months on your build. If you get it wrong you could have a worse car, if you get it right, perhaps its lots better. In that same two years I have not heard anyone convert their locost from live to IRS cos it handled crap. In fact no one has mentioned crap handling.


atb


steve

Thanks guys, I'm not after a snap together kit - far from it. But lots of posts (eg on the 'best chassis for a newbie' long runnig thread) refer to a 'book chassis' as if there are specific dimensions. If so what's it to fit, donor parts wise.

If its more generic that's fine as I want to go a bit non standard anyway. Despite the luego and Mk looking good I still want to have a go at making my own.

In terms of steel alone, how much does a chassis cost. ie if I bollox it up how much will it cost!

The BOOK is designed mostly around the rear wheel drive escort, using some Cortina parts.

Geoff,

To try and answer you specific questions:-

The "Book" gives detailed drawings and dimensions for you to build your own chassis. You will however discover a few errors with dimensions. These are easily overcome. You will also see chassis photos in the book that contradict the drawings but by spending a little time studying the pics and drawings all is easily overcome.

Cost depends upon what you pay for your steel box. I think £70 is typical.

As Steve says book 2 is a colour version of book 1 with a little more detail added but I think worth the extra.

There is no IRS info in either book. We know that it will appear in book 3. A pal of mine (Derek Manders) is writing a chapter for that book (covering Tonneaus and Hoods) and he hasn't started yet! Expect the book Summer rather than Spring.

As Steve has said an IRS chassis, from scratch, without detail drawings, is going to be much more difficult than a live axle but I suppose the advantage is the ready availability of Sierra parts v the scarcity of Escort/Cortina parts. I also presume that you IRS builders have also got wider cars?

Isn't there a Tiger Avon book with good IRS chassis drawings?

Thanks everyone - I'm going to get the book anyway, for Christmas. It's from my daughter and it's a secret so shhh! Think I can afford the next edition, £15 in the whole build process will undoubtedly turn into a mere triviality compared with all the other minor hurdles - I know cos I've already built a Robin Hood.

I wish we had all this help and advice though - I don't think I'd even seen the internet back then.

Now then, about mig welders .....