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| Perry's Locost Super Che7enette build http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=12234 |
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| Author: | horchoha [ April 21, 2011, 12:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Perry's Locost Super Che7enette build |
Hi Everyone Name is Perry, from Holden, Alberta, Canada. I was looking for a project after completing a 5 year build project late last summer when a co worker told me about the Locost car that could be scratch built from plans. That evening I researched the Locost and I was hooked! I am an automotive mechanic by trade although I have been out of the auto industry since 1988. I work on stationary Natural Gas compressor engines ranging from 600 to 3000 HP from '88 to present. Back to the Locost--I live in the country and am fortunate enough to have a fully equipped shop(which took years by the way) which includes arc welder, mig gas welder, 8" swing lathe, 48" metal brake, air comp, gas axe, pnuematic shears and nibblers, full tool box, blah blah blah, you know the story. Back to the Locost--My intention is to use a donor car in it's entirerty, steering rack and column, spindles, brakes and proportioning valve, pedals, engine, trans, drive shft, rad, diff, wiring harness, instruments, seats?, rims, windsheild wipers, heater, blah blah blah, you know the story. I am using this philosophy becuase I want to be able to take 1 donor and build the 7 around it, use it for a fairweather cruiser, and becuase nobody said I can't. I realize there will be challenges, but after my last build there is no challenge that can't be overcome(and Spiced Rum helps too). Back to the Locost--So I picked up a 83 Chevette and am in the process of stripping it down, blah blah blah. I will be going with McSorleys' 7+442. So the first hurdle is the Chevette track width-too narrow for the 7+442, I figure I will be using 1 1/2" billet wheel spacers which will bring the track into workable dimensions. So back to the Locost--timeline--I am giving myself a realistic build time of 5 years or less. One must realise that the last 10% of the build takes 90% of the time, and I plan to be a 10%'er. $$$$$??--I figure the build should come in under $10,000 |
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| Author: | GonzoRacer [ April 21, 2011, 8:22 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Quote: (and Spiced Rum helps too) Welcome to the group, Perry! Quote: Back to the Locost-- Hell, I thought we wuz talkin' about rum??? Good luck with your build, do keep us posted on progress and don't forget the pictures!  JD Kemp PS- "Captain and Coffee" is the only way to face Disney World. Trust me... |
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| Author: | mookie [ April 21, 2011, 10:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Hey, small world, my Mom was born in Holden. But I think the population was around 38 when that happened.... Welcome to the board! Chevette isn't a bad choice for an all-in-one donor, especially if you're not looking for a track burner. But I can't comment on the rear track width. My Celica rear fits perfect in my book frame and I have to think a Chevette wouldn't be as wide. I could be wrong, but they look awfully small. |
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| Author: | KLRB [ April 21, 2011, 11:09 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Welcome aboard, good to see another Albertan. The Chevette steering rack should work well; this is what the Stalker uses and is a good track car. This said I do not know how the 7+442 compares to the Stalker in width. Stewart |
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| Author: | photoman [ April 21, 2011, 4:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Welcome. Holden, Alberta. Is that where they make the cars for Australia? |
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| Author: | raceral [ April 21, 2011, 7:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Welcome, even though I was born in BC I grew up in the Peace River area, so I guess part of me is always going to be Albertan. Al |
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| Author: | xr4Bill [ April 21, 2011, 7:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Hi Perry and welcome, from Calgary, Alberta. Nice plane by the way. Bill. |
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| Author: | horchoha [ April 21, 2011, 11:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: New to LocostUSA |
Thanks guys. Removed the trans tonight. Did some rough measurements from the front of the bell housing to the stick shift - 23.5". If the bell housing is at or ahead of the firewall, this looks like the stick might be a bit of a reach from the seat and close to the dash. Nothing a tranny stretcher won't fix. |
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| Author: | horchoha [ April 22, 2011, 9:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
Finished dismantling the Chevette today. Pulled the carcass out of the shop and put it in the back junk pile. Next project will be to fabricate the build table. Oh yeah, thought of a name for the build. |
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| Author: | RacerDan [ April 22, 2011, 9:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
Welcome Perry. I'm also using a Chevette steering rack. You have to take 4" out of it but it's not a big deal. I'm pretty sure the Stalker uses Chevette spindles and from what I uderstand they are relatively light. |
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| Author: | SkinnyG [ April 22, 2011, 10:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
The Stalker uses S10 spindles. I, however, am using Chevette spindles and they are very light. The Chevette rack is pretty slow, though, but it would be fine for a street car. |
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| Author: | zetec7 [ April 25, 2011, 12:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
I used a Chevette rack (shortened, around 4", also, IIRC) too. Since I'm using Pinto front uprights, though, which have shorter steering arms than the Chevette, the steering is actually pretty quick. Wonder if you could shorten the Chevette arms a tad...? |
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| Author: | horchoha [ April 25, 2011, 9:54 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
As I've said previously, I want to use as much as the Chevette as possible. My intention is to build a cruiser, so stock steering performance should not be an issue for me. |
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| Author: | horchoha [ May 1, 2011, 7:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
Here is the results of my efforts this morning and afternoon. Legs are adjustable. 4 x 8 MDF top. Hope to get my 1" tubing this coming week. |
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| Author: | zetec7 [ May 1, 2011, 10:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Locost Super Chevonette build |
We found it useful to bore a bunch of holes in our top - we were able to pass clamps through that way - very useful for clamping tubes to the table to restrict heat warpage, which is an important thing to watch for in building the frame. We also covered our table in galvanized sheet metal...that way we minimized fires in the shop while welding 
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