Repairing my nose
David Jenkins - 14/6/12 at 02:45 PM
As I reported elsewhere, I had a bit of a mishap
yesterday. I now need to fix my Locost's nose.
To start with, here are a couple of pictures:
The GRP is broken in several places, but 'hanging together', so I think that it can be repaired - obviously it will need filling, finishing
and painting but I think it should be possible.
I am massively UNIMPRESSED with the quality of the GRP shown in the second picture - the gel coat has never been attached to the main part of the GRP,
for about 12" back and 8" across. I've been lucky that it hasn't broken earlier.
I don't want to replace the whole thing as it's tough to find a new "original Locost" nose and, even if I could, I'd have
massive problems getting it to fit to the chassis, and to get other bits like the bonnet to fit to it.
At the very worst I could fix it up well enough to make a buck for a new GRP mould - but I'd rather not, if possible.
So - now I'm looking for some useful hints & tips so that I can plan my repair! Anyone got some good reading material, or can pass on some
useful advice?
redeye - 14/6/12 at 03:03 PM
Just incase you decide its too much like hard work to fix
locost kit car ron champion +other 7 types | eBay
Although this listing has ended at the moment, the guy makes these himself so will likely have one sitting about, he can do other colours too.
Ive also heard that the quality isnt bad either.
Im planning to buy a new bonnet, scuttle and wings from him soon.
Hope this helps
Patrick
Steve Hignett - 14/6/12 at 03:03 PM
Just buy a new nosecone.
Sorry - I know it's not what you wanted to hear - but you will look back and regret it if you don't follow my drunken advice!
MakeEverything - 14/6/12 at 03:07 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Hignett
drunken advice!
at this time of the aftertnoon?? 
David Jenkins - 14/6/12 at 03:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Steve Hignett
Just buy a new nosecone.
Sorry - I know it's not what you wanted to hear - but you will look back and regret it if you don't follow my drunken advice!
It's the mucking about with other stuff that bothers me - the current one only just clears the engine and air filter, so if a new one was lower
then I'd be in all sorts of bother. I'd also hate to have to remake a bonnet!
[Edited on 14/6/12 by David Jenkins]
MakeEverything - 14/6/12 at 03:08 PM
David, ive gor a used nosecone in a bit better condition than that you can have for £30. Pictures in my gallery.
ETA: Pics.
Nosecone 1
Nosecone 2
[Edited on 14-6-12 by MakeEverything]
Mr Whippy - 14/6/12 at 03:26 PM
I wouldn't bother fixing it, just replace, cheap throw away panel
David Jenkins - 14/6/12 at 03:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by redeye
Just incase you decide its too much like hard work to fix
locost kit car ron champion +other 7 types | eBay
Thanks Patrick - I've sent him a message asking for a couple of critical dimensions.
That would probably be the best option, especially if he can do a colour that's close to what I've got at the moment (it doesn't have
to be exact, as there's aluminium between it and the next bit of yellow!)
twybrow - 14/6/12 at 05:06 PM
Agree with above - I spent many a year repairing GRP. The time and materials will exceed the cost of replacement IMHO.
