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]

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

[Talonmotorsport]

If it's all laid out pre cut your looking at around 6-8 hours to do the job properly.

[rdodger]

If it's all laid out pre cut your looking at around 6-8 hours to do the job properly.

6-8 for you to assemble and fully weld?

I guess that makes it 18-24 at least for a novice then?