New build- donor advice please

[Meenrod]

Hello All,

I am new to the Locost ethos, having just bought the book and caught the bug about a month ago.

This will be my first build, and the most significant mechanical undertaking I have ever attempted, plus I'm on a tight budget- so I want to keep it simple.

What is the general opinion of 'best' donor vehicle to start a simple first time build with? The book suggests a Sierra, but these seem to be rising in price and getting harder to find. The MX-5 is also suggested, but does this bring with it any added complications over the Sierra? What is the view of a BMW 3 series?

Thank you in anticipation of answering the above- I'm sure there will be lots more questions to come!

Cheers,
Meenrod

[vmax1974]

Welcome

Lots of new builders are going mx5 route take a look at saturn sportscars website he got a build guide on there for the mx5 donor you use it with the book and if you have any problems you can give him a ring or contact him on here spud69

Hope this helps make your mind up

Dave

[twinturbo]

Sierra's are on the up value wise, parts are getting expensive (well they are if your a long term die hard sierra owner!).

The MX5 is ideal, cheap, and now a fully supported platform. the next version of the book is going to use MX5 parts.

The e30/e36 BMW has been used as a donor, but there's nothing of the shelf. Shame as they can be had for less than an MX5.

TT

[Meenrod]

Thanks both. I had a good look at the Saturn website Dave, thanks for the tip. I'm now considering whether starting with a pre fabricated chassic might be a better idea, given that I've never welded before. But then again, that's £850 of a pretty small budget!

Either way, I think I'm set on an MX-5 now. Seems like a good option- plentiful and cheap, plus pretty bullet proof mechanicals.

[rdodger]

Vodou and Talon will be doing a kit too.

http://www.vodouautokits.co.uk/

[twinturbo]

When considering prebuilt vs flatpack vs self cut.

Take everything into account,

Build table costs
Welding tools and consumeables
Cutting tools and consumables
Safety wear
Time
Electricity
Achievability
etc..

TT

[Meenrod]

That's a very good point. Given the importance of the chassis in defining the entire build, I'm veering towards a fully built chassis.

[robo]

Originally Posted by twinturbo

When considering prebuilt vs flatpack vs self cut.

Take everything into account,

Build table costs
Welding tools and consumeables
Cutting tools and consumables
Safety wear
Time
Electricity
Achievability
etc..

TT

I think the time element of the home built chassis is the biggest drawback. Time is the hardest thing to source, better spent on the spanners!

Me thinks

Bob

[rdodger]

How many hours does it take a competent welder to assemble the chassis?

[robo]

I employ a coded welder here and I wont let him build our 3 chassis . Its the set up time and the learning curve that is expensive. Also speak to a few of the chassis builders some are using erw as to cds tube.

Bob