Hi all,

Take a look at this:-

Locost ”buddy” system

I would like to suggest that the large amount of talent and experience of the Locostbuilders site could be put to better use.

Most people who begin to build a Locost would benefit from an experienced eye being cast over their work, with relation to safety issues and to help with interpreting the book.

As it stands, the SVA test does not cover the standard of welding or things like the proper flaring of brake pipes, things which, if not done properly could fail causing serious injury or death.

Of course this would be made available via the Locostbuilders site, perhaps with the help of a new section, where builders can ask if someone local to them could be their “buddy” with arrangements being made by telephone or E-mail.

People who would be suitable as buddies would be, for example, Welders (professional or experienced amateurs), mechanics and people who have completed their projects. I don’t think any test or qualifications would be required, most people know their own capabilities, if they think they could do it, then they probably could.

This would be totally voluntary of course, but I think it would be one way to improve the “image” of the Locost with any doubters, and anything that makes it easier and improves safety can’t be a bad thing.

Your input would be appreciated

Cheers

Chris

This is a great idea. There must be many people who start to build a locost type vehicle and who give up through sheer frustration when they can not get simple, clear, easy to understand advice or help.
Although I have just started my locost (5 weeks ago) I have extensive experience in building other types of cars and would be happy to volunteer as a "buddy" to anyone who might need this type of support.

As long as my 'buddy' isn't 'the most boring man in the world', all you yorks lot know who I mean, then I'm all for it.

Its a brilliant idea,and is already working for me.
I have found having some help very beneficial,its just costing me a fortune in tea bags

Did I miss something or is bob in an alternate reality?

Sorry i lost the plot there.

The build buddy is a great idea though

Absolutely bril Chris. Also helps if as suggested in a previous posting if people filled in a bit more of there local detail so that you don't get people responding to urgent pleas from the other side of this small planet.
Some of us arent actually building yet (ok but im gona start soon) but I am a time served motor tech (& mot tester, he says quietly). So while ive not got the build skills Ive got mechanic abilities & sympathy.

Just keep the tea cups full.

Anyone building a car with a proper engine install, gis a shout ???

no like a fair few on here, complete car on road, all done in a non heated cold wet garage, made a few mistakes along the way, just ask...........if i can't help i know a man that can.......but never give up, the 1st drive will make it all worth it....

chris.

i might be missing something.

I have read your post several times and I cant find any wise quips or wee takes in it.

It seems like a sensible serious suggestion.

Have you been drinking?



atb

steve

Are you sure Steve?

Did you put your F i n g e r u n d e r t h e w o r d s ? I must be slipping,


Any how I've mailed ChrisW about this and I think a simple section would work best

i.e Builder posts - someone close to their location responds on here, and then they take it to email or telephone

Would that be ok? Saves having a database of Buddies or anything like that.

I'll let you know what ChrisW says

Cheers

Chris

[Edited on 12/8/02 by chrisg]

Hey Steve
not much chance of another Sherman tank being replicated in northampton

I want to be alanB's build buddy if only for cheap hols in the sun

you could well be right!

I may never be able to catch you in my car, but heaven help you if it hits you!

My guestimates are its likely to weigh somewhere around 750 - 800 kgs. Not excatly a superlite R but I still recon good for slightly less than 7 secs to 60, - I would be well pleased!

I think i am in a situation a bit like AlanB's - our cars are not really locosts at all, but its so lonely out there when you just prop 'the book' in a dark corner somewhere and do something fairly different.


atb

Steve


PS

Ivan in chernobyl (or was it chechnya) will probably be logging on soon - I will put your name forward if thats ok






[Edited on 8/12/02 by stephen_gusterson]

quote:

---

Originally posted by stephen_gusterson



Ivan in chernobyl (or was it chechnya) will probably be logging on soon - I will put your name forward if thats ok





He's probably a family member anyway,so thats fine by me.
You never know he might even be building a T38

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Alan B - 9/12/02 at 03:44 AM

quote:

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Originally posted by bob
......I want to be alanB's build buddy if only for cheap hols in the sun

---

No problem Bob, drop in anytime...the kettle will be on

Seriously, anyone visiting FL really is very welcome to drop in talk cars and grab a beer

Steve, even though our builds are not "book" locosts I think we are true to the philosophy........i.e. cheapskates, building our own cars at home.. Therefore, there is still lot we can share (and learn too, I guess)

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bob - 9/12/02 at 08:06 AM

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan B

quote:

---

Originally posted by bob
......I want to be alanB's build buddy if only for cheap hols in the sun

---

No problem Bob, drop in anytime...the kettle will be on

Seriously, anyone visiting FL really is very welcome to drop in talk cars and grab a beer

Thanks alan,you never know i may take you up on that.

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theconrodkid - 9/12/02 at 06:50 PM

well Alan im doing nowt over chrismouse ps can i bring my dog?

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Alan B - 9/12/02 at 08:45 PM

Hmm...better ask the US Customs that one

Ok by me though....

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stephen_gusterson - 9/12/02 at 09:24 PM

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan B

quote:

---

Originally posted by bob
......I want to be alanB's build buddy if only for cheap hols in the sun

---

No problem Bob, drop in anytime...the kettle will be on

Seriously, anyone visiting FL really is very welcome to drop in talk cars and grab a beer

Steve, even though our builds are not "book" locosts I think we are true to the philosophy........i.e. cheapskates, building our own cars at home.. Therefore, there is still lot we can share (and learn too, I guess)

---

Agreed on all that, except the low cost bit. I write down all my hours, but not the cost. Too scary. 3,000 quid has gone somewhere.....


atb

steve

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chrisg - 9/12/02 at 09:45 PM

Welding wire mostly, by the looks of it!

Cheers

Chris

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stephen_gusterson - 9/12/02 at 09:57 PM

how do you mean? I have usually continuously welded. Light isnt my main consideration.
Safety is.


atb


Steve


PS - two reels so far. So thats only 2980 to track down. When you consider that shocks are 300, and my seats were 300, and the donor was nearly 300, theres a grand for a start.


Now, the cost of the small bottles of gas, thats something else



[Edited on 9/12/02 by stephen_gusterson]

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Viper - 9/12/02 at 10:07 PM

small bottles of gas ..........oh dear......why do people buy those poxy things......

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stephen_gusterson - 9/12/02 at 10:16 PM

quote:

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Originally posted by Viper
small bottles of gas ..........oh dear......why do people buy those poxy things......

---

cos

there is the hassle of having to rent the big bottles, and the ease of just buying the small ones off the shelf.

A lot of home hobbyists probably dont do something as big as build a locost chassis - its stuff like small chassis repairs when you only use one at a time.

Its like printer cartridges - where the money gets made.

When you buy your 12th or so canister, you have time to reconsider.

As a MK lad, Viper, you should know Motorserve.

They do larger ones - perhaps 2 - 3 times as large - as the little cylinders - and they have the same thread as the small ones. I think tho they might just be CO2 - not sure if they stocked an argon mix.

These look like a good middle of the road alternative. However, most of my welding was completed in some time back.

atb


Steve



[Edited on 9/12/02 by stephen_gusterson]

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Viper - 9/12/02 at 10:37 PM

well there is no way i would shell out on those thing when i mid size bottle is so cheap, the refill on a full size bottle of mix is about 25 quid and thats a lot of chassis.

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chrisg - 20/12/02 at 07:10 PM

did you get my mail on the (original)subject of this thread?

Cheers

Chris

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scutter - 11/2/03 at 08:22 PM

Just thought that I'd bring this back to the surface. See if there'd been any further developments.

PS just past the £2900 mark with not much more to go(hopefully)

Dan.

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Viper - 11/2/03 at 09:37 PM

What happened to this thread? it started of as a good idea and has totaly vanished,, or have i had to much to drink tonight?

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bob - 11/2/03 at 09:42 PM

Tim
Still a good idea and still working,the meets are going well too.

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chrisg - 11/2/03 at 10:53 PM

Still waiting for ChrisW's reply, I know he's a busy boy tho!

We need one of the shandy drinkers to corner him in person!!!

Cheers

Chris

PS anyone in South Yorks or there abouts is welcome to mail me if you need any help. A thick skin maybe required!

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Metal Hippy™ - 11/2/03 at 11:34 PM

What about North Notts?

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chrisg - 11/2/03 at 11:39 PM

No Hippies

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Metal Hippy™ - 12/2/03 at 12:54 AM

Arse

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auzziejim - 12/2/03 at 11:36 AM

i am most definatly going to need help once i get started! Im in Lincolnshire if anybody is near! at the moment though Im just stripping my donor car (well Trying)

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bob - 12/2/03 at 03:38 PM

Seems to be a few builders in lincolnshire,i was near sleaford saturday having a look at the property

[Edited on 12/2/03 by bob]

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auzziejim - 12/2/03 at 10:10 PM

im about 10 miles from sleaford!

i know why there are lots of builders from lincolnshire - its gods own county (well so they say)

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DEAN C. - 12/2/03 at 10:45 PM

Sorry to wee you off but I think Bob is only looking in Linc's to be near us Yorkies!
I'nt it true Bob?
We've got a flat cap 'n' whippet ready for our onery Yorkie!
Dean..........

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bob - 12/2/03 at 10:55 PM

quote:

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Originally posted by DEAN C.
Sorry to wee you off but I think Bob is only looking in Linc's to be near us Yorkies!
I'nt it true Bob?
We've got a flat cap 'n' whippet ready for our onery Yorkie!
Dean..........

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Yep there is that possibility dean. I was in ruskington jim if that helps,quite a nice place but the two chinese takeaways and a stream full of ducks was a bit worrying(well for the ducks anyhow)

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auzziejim - 13/2/03 at 11:09 AM

the 2 chinese takeaways are very good i reccomend them highly!

Ruskington is a nice place though! im just down the road from there

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