Haynes Single Seater Project - SSC and Chris Gibbs

[spud69]

Good evening fellow builders,

I'm sure that most of are aware that the Chris Gibb's latest project "Build Your Own Single Seater on a Budget", the next generation from the Haynes Roadster project, has been very quiet for the previous 18 months. This has primarily been due to the health of Chris and not being in a position to continue / advance the project. Firstly though, on a personal note, I and am sure plenty of others wish Chris a good recovery through these hard times. Having met with Chris on many occasions we have a lot of respect for Chris and for the work he has done for the Roadster and other projects, we do owe him a lot.

So on with the Single Seater, I am finally in a position to announce the fact that Saturn are about to enter a formal agreement with Haynes to take over the Single Seater build from Chris to complete the car, IVA it and completion the manuscript for the build guide / book. The work will follow Chris's design using the bodywork completed by Saturn with the copyright and design remaining with Chris - which it certainly should be. Saturn will be credited with completion of the car and manual. Work will begin by the end of next week with a timescale agreed with Haynes to be able to have the book published and on the shelves by early next year. Saturn will then be able to offer for sale build components / bodywork as required to other builders following the publication of the book. Let's just hope we can do Chris proud with the completion of his beloved project, I'm sure it will be so.

Following the completion of the single seater project we are also entering talks with Haynes to provide a complete re-write of the Roadster manual to provide a new design and manual based on a new roadster style car based on the Mx-5 as donor car. This will not be a direct copy of the Sierra Roadster but something a little different based on Mx5 as donor. Realistically this is a while down the line but will be an exciting project. This has been the main reason why Saturn's own build guide for the Mx-5 donor was delayed by a few months as we needed to agree the way forward with both the Single Seater and Mx-5 projects.

Hard work ahead but it should all be well worth it............Andrew

[Jimmyd]

Firstly sorry to hear of Chris's ill health.

Secondly I don't think the continuation of the project could be better hands, go Spud.


J

[mark]

Well done Andy, im sure you will do a good job and haynes obviously think the same or you wouldnt have the project

You are going to be mega busy over the next few months.....................................

You know where i am when you start having a nervous breakdown and need a hand :D

[TSM Locost]

May i be one of the first to congratulate you on taking on the completion of the dream Chris had. Next time you speak with Chris please wish him well on behalf of all on this forum.

Good luck Andrew.

[leroybrown911]

First of all I am sorry to hear of Chris' ill health, never had the pleasure myself but if he is as friendly as the rest of the guys on here then I am sure he is a gent!

However it is great news that the single seater is now going to continue to a point where we can all get the opportunity to build another great car (if I ever finish this one!)

It is also good to here Saturn growing as a company, as we will get great customer support and the help we need to keep the self build philosiphy going!

[HandyAndy]

Well done Andy, thats great news for the Single Seater project and a revised "Roadster Mx5 " build book.
Like others have said...its great that Saturn Sports Cars is taking these projects forward in conjunction with Haynes themselves, well done and congratulations to you and Saturn Sports Cars.

Likewise as others have said....Wishing Chris a speedy return to health, I,m sure we all wish him well, its with thanks to Chris that we,re here on this forum enjoying building our cars....get well soon Chris.

Cheers
andy

[K4KEV]

Needless to say, we all wish Chris the best with regards to his health and I,m sure he could not have put his single seater project in better hands than Saturn
You will just have to pull the other nine fingers out now Andy:eek: :eek: I'll fetch some spinach down next time I'm around:D

[carlknight1982]

Id just like to add my voice to those wishing Chris all the best and the same to Andy and Saturn. Im sure it will all work out for the best.

[vmax1974]

Wow thats great news spud interesting times ahead hard work and great ethics saying off

[monsterob]

again not met chris personally but really apreciate his work. wish him a speedy recovery.

and congrats to u spud it was a massive step to move into the market and establish yourself as a business. and steps like this need alot of hard work but with your brilliant customer service , satisfaction and new developments you wont go wrong.

:D

[twinturbo]

Best wishes to Chris and family as others have said.

I have known about the Single/MX5 news for a couple of months and it's fantastic :) I can't wait to see the result and will probably buy the book regardless of the fact I will not be building a single seater LOL...

Busy Busy times ahead, but Saturn have come such a massive way in the last 22 Months!!!!!:eek:

TT

[deezee]

This sounds like things are going very well for Saturn. Been looking forward to that single seater book for a while. It's great that you'll be updating the book for the mx5 donor, to get it completed.

[David_17]

At last it's out in the open!. :D

Good luck with it Spud, as Mark's said, if you're ever in need of a hand, i'm here too. ;)

[Davey]

Best wishes to Chris for a speedy recovery and big congrats to Saturn for taking the next huge step forward for the marque. I might well be interested in building a single seater at some point.

D.

[Enoch]

I would like to echo what everybody else has already said. Get well soon Chris and "good on yer" Andy for taking up the challenge.
Knowing the passion and quality that abounds at Saturn I think this is the best possible outcome in the circumstances.
It's a shame Chris could not complete it due to his unforeseen circumstances but I am 100% certain that Andy will do him proud. I look forward to buying the book, I may even be tempted to build one. Don't tell the Missus though:D
I enjoyed my other build immensely, even though I did not see it through the registration process.
I wish you all the very best with it, the project is in very safe hands.
Dave.

[spud69]

I would like to echo what everybody else has already said. Get well soon Chris and "good on yer" Andy for taking up the challenge.
Knowing the passion and quality that abounds at Saturn I think this is the best possible outcome in the circumstances.
It's a shame Chris could not complete it due to his unforeseen circumstances but I am 100% certain that Andy will do him proud. I look forward to buying the book, I may even be tempted to build one. Don't tell the Missus though:D
I enjoyed my other build immensely, even though I did not see it through the registration process.
I wish you all the very best with it, the project is in very safe hands.
Dave.

It's really good for the support and feedback, really appreciated.....;) It makes something we love doing (and many others) all worthwhile. And if anyone is passing you know the kettle is always on and are most welcome.

Dave it's good to hear from you again, forum is not quite the same without your friendly banter. Had a phone call from the builder that bought your kit a few weeks ago and he seems quite chuffed with everything, except one of our aeroscreens wouldn't fit on your home made scuttle......:cool:

Many Thanks Again and let hope we can do Chris proud........Andrew

[will_08]

Best wishes to Chris and the single seater couldnt be in better hands!

[spud69]

Forgot to say Dave, you're currently on 666 posts and you AIN'T no Beast.....:D You need to add another post somewhere.

[big_wasa]

Great news and I look forward to the book and maybe starting a new project.

[flyerncle]

Ditto all the above and nice one Andy,all worth the wait !!!!;)

[Enoch]

It's really good for the support and feedback, really appreciated.....;) It makes something we love doing (and many others) all worthwhile. And if anyone is passing you know the kettle is always on and are most welcome.

Dave it's good to hear from you again, forum is not quite the same without your friendly banter. Had a phone call from the builder that bought your kit a few weeks ago and he seems quite chuffed with everything, except one of our aeroscreens wouldn't fit on your home made scuttle......:cool:

Many Thanks Again and let hope we can do Chris proud........Andrew

Blimey - have I made that many posts? 667 now:D
everyone knows that 666 is the number of the beast
but did you know 668 is the number of the beast's next door neighboour? His other neighbour is 664.
999 is the number of his Australian cousin.
333 is the number of the beast's half brother.
I thought you should know:D

[les g]

AHHH!!
thats better normal service is resumed
missed you!! your ramblings always made me smile :D
cheers les g
PS. spud what a good news week you,re having
all the very best and good luck

[robo]

Come on spud lets have a sneaky look at the drawing of the proposed new car.

Bob;)

[spud69]

Thanks Les, yes it has been a good couple of weeks. Still waiting for that first phone call / placement so still don't exactly what we are letting ourselves in for yet.......:eek: But sure it will all be worth it, best lock away my car keys and toys though just in case.

Sorry Robo, not allowed to but cant stop anyone brew and chat if they happen to be passing......;)

Have a good day....Andrew

[vmax1974]

What donor is the single seater going to be

[spud69]

Sorry Max........:p

[trick-kit]

What donor is the single seater going to be


Having made all the suspension and supplied pretty much everything except the box section for the chassis I can tell you it doesn't use one donor, the rear suspension uses the Sierra diff but removed from it's casing so it can be converted to chain drive, the front suspension is all new and uses inboard shocks and parts from the Focus, steering rack is courtesy of the cinquecento. The chassis itself is box section just like the Roadster that you're all familiar with.

The last time I spoke with Chris, there wasn't actually too much left to do, so shouldn't take too long.

TK

[mark]

Having made all the suspension and supplied pretty much everything except the box section for the chassis I can tell you it doesn't use one donor, the rear suspension uses the Sierra diff but removed from it's casing so it can be converted to chain drive, the front suspension is all new and uses inboard shocks and parts from the Focus, steering rack is courtesy of the cinquecento. The chassis itself is box section just like the Roadster that you're all familiar with.

The last time I spoke with Chris, there wasn't actually too much left to do, so shouldn't take too long.

TK

You did a great job of the wishbones too, very nice

There is still a fair old ammount of work to get the car to where it should be though

[spud69]

Having made all the suspension and supplied pretty much everything except the box section for the chassis I can tell you it doesn't use one donor, the rear suspension uses the Sierra diff but removed from it's casing so it can be converted to chain drive, the front suspension is all new and uses inboard shocks and parts from the Focus, steering rack is courtesy of the cinquecento. The chassis itself is box section just like the Roadster that you're all familiar with.

The last time I spoke with Chris, there wasn't actually too much left to do, so shouldn't take too long.

TK
Yes you're right John, 3GE where commissioned to supply various parts and very nice they are to, many thanks. It has come to the crunch stage though where the Single Seater has to be progressed and complete before it becomes too late and i'm very pleased that we can do that for Haynes on Chris's behalf. There is still a lot of work to be done though and a 3 month deadline does not leave a lot of time.

SSC now has an extra full time person on board, primarily, to assist with the grp work and various other bits. It's also good to say that now we have Handy Andy back on the scene he will be back to cutting and putting together the chassis packs for the Sierra and Mx5 based chassis. Both will be supplied under the name of Saturn but again will free me up more to concentrate on the Single Seater and Mx5 project. I have also revisited the price of the chassis packs and reduced the price of the Mx5 based packs even though they also include the relevant plates to go with the chassis, think it was a bit much at first compared to the sierra based packs.

All the Best.....Andrew

[twinturbo]

Glad to see your expanding, good too that HA is cutting kits ;)

Next step must be to get the customer facilities upgraded.. Just need to find a good plumber !

TT

[spud69]

Glad to see your expanding, good too that HA is cutting kits ;)

Next step must be to get the customer facilities upgraded.. Just need to find a good plumber !

TT

Till i can find a good plumber Rob think i shall upgrade the facilities to a nice dual flush / self cleaning one (or just lock the door and put a bucket out the back for the plebs)........:rolleyes:

Cheers...Andrew

[spud69]

Well the signed agreement has finally come through this morning from Haynes so the completion of Chris's Single Seater build can now officially get started, there is a lot of work to do in 3 months but cant wait to get stuck in.

Thanks for all the feedback and support / offers of help and lets hope we can give Chris the build he deserves.

Many Thanks.....Andrew

[MarkB]

Well get offline then and get twirling them there spaniards as we are busting to see the finished car:D

[Bonzo]

That's great news Andrew

Here's wishing that the single seater turns out to be all that Chris hoped it would be & then some :) :cool:

Eagerly awaiting publication of the book.

No pressure on you but I expect to see it IVA'd by the end of the month :eek: :D

[ceebmoj]

Any updates?

[spud69]

Any updates?

Hi Ceebmoj,

I shouldn't but i cant resist it but i have put some pics up on my Flickr site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saturnsportscars/sets/72157627657443099/

It shows noel in the car, i dont fit yet, from its first test session last week. We have had to do a lot of work since then, even more than we had first thought. But it is getting another build ready for a full test on Saturday. It will then be fully stripped again and powder coated then its final build and complete the guide manual. Still on target for the end of November.

AndyH

[K4KEV]

That looks and sounds W I C K E D :cool: :cool: :cool: .....roll on November...will have to come down an av ano look see
K4

[ceebmoj]

looks amasing, I have been looking forward to the book for a long while i'm glad that it is moving forward again

[ayjay]

Love it --I want one:)

[Johno]

Congratulations Andy,
Bet your'e chuffed to bits.......:D
Just remember if you need any inspiration during the long hours to come there are 5 guys here building "Saturn Roadsters" to your design...makes those sleepness nights worth it.......:)
Appreciate all the help you have given us along with everybody else on the forum who's posts I have read.

Keep up the good work...

Johno

[auto7]

I'm in agreement with comments made on the locost forum.

[Janne E]

Love it, it´s looking real good:D

Maybe next winter (hope my wife not reading this):D

Janne

[spud69]

Thank you for the comments, i made some pics available when maybe i shouldn't of for a prototype car that was on the road for the first time. A lot of work has been made since then and i just hope it is all worth the work and effort that is going in to it. We shall find out months to come by, and on Saturday morning for a few nice people that are coming over.

I love this self build concept let's hope it continues......:)

AndyH

[spud69]

I'm in agreement with comments made on the locost forum.

What comments are these Mark???? Or whoever you are today

[shh120m]

Had a right laugh today, the single seater drives great after andys hard work getting the suspension and track width sorted. Seating/steering position is spot on now.Its all coming together nicely and the hard work is showing for itself. Best test drive had to be Handyandys bit of destructive testing (sorry mate couldnt resist;))

Nathan

[vmax1974]

Had a right laugh today, the single seater drives great after andys hard work getting the suspension and track width sorted. Seating/steering position is spot on now.Its all coming together nicely and the hard work is showing for itself. Best test drive had to be Handyandys bit of destructive testing (sorry mate couldnt resist;))

Nathan

Oh no has handy broke it

[Janne E]

Please tell me moore about Handys testdrive :D :D

Janne

[shh120m]

nah, just a little mishap with my dodgy temporary gear lever. It did take me a minute to make mind

[Trophy Blue]

I glad all the dynamics are sorted, you have to do something about the front, it looks like a lidless wheely bin has been glued to the front, I know it is a pre production prototype, but releasing images with the real front end would have been better publicity.

[MarkB]

What comments are these Mark???? Or whoever you are today

I do hope this isn't aimed at me?

[Balidey]

I'll be buying the book.
I really hope I will get the time, money and motivation to build one.

But... and I'm going to be put on the unpopular list with this.... the styling of it is a bit, err, well ugly is too harsh, but its far from pretty. It looks OK, but not what it could have been.
Almost all the racing cars of the 60's era are stunning and that is obviously where this car gets its inspiration, but to be brutally honest, I think I'll try and make my own bodywork to wrap over it.

And my post above is not meant to get a response, its just my own personal opinion. We can all have them, we all like different things. But from other comments made, I am not alone in my thinking.

[vmax1974]

I'll be buying the book.
I really hope I will get the time, money and motivation to build one.

But... and I'm going to be put on the unpopular list with this.... the styling of it is a bit, err, well ugly is too harsh, but its far from pretty. It looks OK, but not what it could have been.
Almost all the racing cars of the 60's era are stunning and that is obviously where this car gets its inspiration, but to be brutally honest, I think I'll try and make my own bodywork to wrap over it.

And my post above is not meant to get a response, its just my own personal opinion. We can all have them, we all like different things. But from other comments made, I am not alone in my thinking.

Everyone is entitled to there opinion I quite like the way its styled but Think about this when you have built the single seater and got it on the road when your supercar baiting with I huge grin on your face and turning heads will you really care that if your not sure about the styling will you really care surely you will be getting great bang for your buck

Just my thoughts

[MarkB]

Looks are everything when it's a car that isn't allowed on a track.

[vmax1974]

Looks are everything when it's a car that isn't allowed on a track.

Really the people I talked too at croft and cadwell are of the opinion that if its allowed on the road and it meets noise regulations then it will be ok on the track so where you get the idea that it wont be allowed From I dont know but it seems you have been misinformed sorry to break the news to you but it seems your source doesn't know what there talking about

[shh120m]

Its a real shame that the possitive posts and good feeling on this forum are being let down by the constant sniping by mr mark bean and his many aliases. I dont know what your gripe is, and personaly i dont care, but could you take it somewhere else? Im sure im not the only one whos fed up...

[TSM Locost]

Nathan + 1 not just mr mark bean, there are others :(

Pasted from the top of this forum page:

Haynes Roadster Forums
Centred around Build Your Own Sportscar by Chris Gibbs this forum will be the place to come to exchange ideas, information and get advice.

Looking to the future without the bitching.

PS Anybody found out how Chris Gibbs is at the Moment.

IF YOUR READING THIS CHRIS, ALL THE BEST AND GET WELL SOON. :)

[Bonzo]

What evidence do you have that suggests Mark has aliases on this forum? Not every body who does'nt pat Andy on the back is MarkB? I'm sure he has more constructive things to do before Exeter show than snipe at Andy and the design of the single seater. There are people within the haynes and locost scene that have engineering and car building experience that don't all sing the prises of Andy at SSC due to their own dealings and opinions on what they have seen, so please don't assume that it's just one member with a bee in his bonnet . It's all well and good that the back slapping and prise is given to those that produce parts for those that can't or would rather buy but please consider that people who are qualified and experienced in their field do tend to call a spade a spade. There is a back storey to this that will not be made public but does explain alot. If you want to know the why's and what for's I'd talk to the people involved and make your own mind up.

Well done Tallon

This is yet another good thread completely ruined :(

All for the benefit of self promotion & that of your new found business associates :rolleyes:

[wylliezx9r]

Well done Tallon

This is yet another good thread completely ruined :(

All for the benefit of self promotion & that of your new found business associates :rolleyes:

Totally agree, if there is a disagreement between you and "anyone else" why not pick up the phone and talk like an adult instead of washing your dirty laundry in public. Trying to degrade peoples services/products on a public forum which is supposed to benefit those who are trying to build a bloody kit car is becoming bloody boring :mad:

[flyerncle]

Well said Ronnie,the car is a first build and not finished so why not keep the sniping out of the forum and return to building cars.

Its fairly obvious who is who and the post's are obvious as well and it does not matter who's finger is in what pie so long as the outcome pleases the owner,a plea,if you cant post anything constructive or helpfull dont post.

[flyerncle]

Would you advertise a catholic curch in the Jewish Cronicle ?:rolleyes:

[Janne E]

Well said Ronnie!!!!

Janne

[MarkB]

Single seaters are only allowed on track days with other single seaters, they don't qualify for the kit car series as they are classed as open wheeled cars.

It's the reason we opted to drop making ours before it went too far because we saw it as mainly a track based car rather than a road car.

If folk have a problem with me then please come to Exeter as I love nowt better than face to face talking. I might be a short arse but I do love a " heated chat"

The internet makes folk very brave!!!!

[flyerncle]

Is it a single seater in the strict sense of the breed Mark,there may be a place in sports and saloon's as in the Northern sports series as there are different classes and things like Jade Trackstars run around in saloon bodywork and run low 1.20's around Croft.

[robo]

Would you advertise a catholic curch in the Jewish Cronicle ?:rolleyes:
Brilliant:) :)

That car would be allowed at any run what ya brung day, any hill climb and sprint, drag strip and who knows it may end up so popular in numbers that a single make series my kick off.

Thats just for starters, I think its kin great.

Bob

[flyerncle]

Time will tell.....................

It's a passion for some.

[vmax1974]

Personally I would be well up for some wheel to wheel closeness again thats when track driving gets really fun

[les g]

well what a pile of shite bubbling up again
the definition of FORUM is a public space for "DEBATE"
and or discussion board
would you lot stop being a bunch of knobs.....

if Spud puts up a picture of his latest project then it is up for debate..
from a debate you will get various opinions..
accept that!!!!!!!!
Spud is an adult who publishes his business and work on this forum..
there fore he invites debate ....
just because somebody has a negative opinion of what is published they should not get flamed on here.
As somebody who likes spuds work should not be called a Handyandy back slapper

For my two penny worth!!!!!!!
Spud you crack-on its your canoe ! paddle it just the way you like..
its your business and your decision to promote it how ever you want to..

myself i,ll reserve comment until i see the finished result..
but a self build road legal s/seater car has me well interested
cheers les g

[Jalle]

Any releasedate for the book??

/Jalle

[vmax1974]

Any releasedate for the book??

/Jalle

Think its sometime in may but am sure spud will confirm

[spud69]

Any releasedate for the book??

/Jalle

I've got a publishing deadline to meet here for Haynes Jalle then if all is well it is due to be on the shelves for May.

Regards....AndyH

[fredster660]

Hi, is there any more news on the progress, can't wait to get the book.
thanks in advance

[spud69]

Still the same progress, all on schedule and should be out as planned.

AndyH

[bertie_bas205]

Andy,

Is that the reason ye cant "buy it now" but can pre order???






Bertie

[Not Anumber]

Is there any update on Chris Gibbs; health, is he well enough to be involved in the publication ?

[davidimurray]

Just seen a review of this in Track Driver magazine. For those of you who can't wait or have money to burn you can always buy one of these - http://www.f1-67.com/

[MarkB]

That is a serious bit of kit with a serious price tag to match

[Ricky]

hi guys how you doing i just wanted to find out will this single seater be also a do it your self thing by a book or is it the car that you can by completed :o

[shh120m]

It'll be along the same lines as the 'build your own', but of course there will be plenty of suppliers, me included interested in supplying everything from wishbones to full chassis kits

[Ricky]

thats cool but im in south africa so ill have to source all the parts here:)

[Ricky]

hi does anyone know when the book is coming out or is it out yet :)

[ceebmoj]

hi,

this was recently posted over at LCB. I'm interested to find out what happens with the project as well. Hope spud is ok

http://locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/50/viewthread.php?tid=166352

[K4KEV]

Bob ...Your mates have got some bluddy nice vehicles and by the looks some hefty price tags luuuurvin the lotus.;) :D

[Bonzo]

Cor blimey Bob

That is one horny set of photos. :)

Now that is what I call a single seater. :cool:

Going to have to clear some of the dirty photos from my Pc so as I can save those images. :D :D

[Dualist]

Great photos Rob, but go back and get more :D

[Davey]

That's not the Lotus that got stuffed into the bales at Goodwood's infamous Molecombe corner at this years Festival of Speed is it Rob?

D.