Newbie in Devon

[bentovey]

Hi all, just starting to get parts together for a new build. Can anyone tell me if handyandy or anybody else is producing a flat pack kit for the roadster using an mx5 donor ?
I’m stripping the car now and would like to use as many of its parts as possible
Many thanks in advance

[PorkChop]

No one does a flat pack (or a chassis) any more now that Talon has stopped trading.

Andy hasn't done flat packs for at least 5/6 years...

[tkpm]

Welcome to forum, where abouts in Devon are you?

Terry

[bentovey]

Hi Terry, thanks for the welcome
Im in Newton Poppleford where are you?
Ben

[bentovey]

So if building the chassis from scratch is the only option, are there plans available for a Mazda MX5 with extra width (like the McSorley 442e but specifically for the Mazda irs) not that I’m big I’d prefer more room in the cockpit (better seat options)

[Ianr]

You could try Martin Batho at http://bathoscars.simpl.com/shop.html He does a lot of parts for the Haynes Roadster and may well do what you want.
Speaking from experience his products are excellent

[bentovey]

So I’ve decided to make my own chassis, I’m going with the Haynes chassis wit the Saturn amendments to take the mx5 engine, gearbox and suspension components.
Is this a popular route?
Is there anything I should be aware of before I begin?
Build table is first on th to do list

[Numplumb]

Hi welcome to the forum.
When I built my chassis to the Saturn plans for MX5 I found afterwards that the tunnel which you have to widen at the rear for the diff doesn't really need to be done on the passenger side also the front of the diff really needs some thought as to how you stop it trying to come up on acceleration, I personally made a bracket that went onto the diff in place of the Mazda ppf and used two suspension brackets and poly bushes on the frame, got this idea from the American site a few years back.
When it comes to body panels IMO Equinox make the best.
Regards Mick.

[bentovey]

Thanks mick I’ve just been planning the very same thing re diff support.
I’m going to build a Haynes based chassis with +50mm along the full width and a Saturn rear end. I’ll draw it all out on the build table and position the diff and axles on top to see if I’ve enough space

[Numplumb]

If you build it +50 I think you will have quite a few problems.
1) any fibreglass body parts will need to be altered.
2) Suspension wishbones will need to be altered.
3) drive shafts will be short.
4) the mx5 front steering is a problem with the track rod ends touching the wheels.
Just to name a few.
Phil from Talon made lower wishbones with a bend in them to get over it.
I think it might be better to look at making the tunnel section smaller.
Regards Mick.