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| Spitfire based Locost frame/steering mod. http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=19096 |
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| Author: | RichardSIA [ October 16, 2017, 9:03 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Spitfire based Locost frame/steering mod. |
I have a couple of GT6 frames and Spitfire drivetrains laying around I want to use for builds. The primitive IRS and poor ackerman seem ripe for a simple Locost solution. Split the frame lengthwise to widen the track slightly and improve the steering at the same time. Seems simpler than shortening the rack. Three or four link rear using a TR7 axle so the wheel bolt pattern remains the same. Original Lotus handled very well with a live axle, probably safer than a swing axle. I need to look up the TR7 track and compare it to what is needed at the front but I see no obvious problems here. In some states this may still allow the finished build to be titled as a Triumph! |
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| Author: | ngpmike [ October 16, 2017, 11:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Spitfire based Locost frame/steering mod. |
Just did a little checking, and it looks like the track width was 55.5", front and rear. I found a few odd figures, but they didn't vary by more than a few tenths of an inch. 55.5 looks like a good ballpark figure! |
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| Author: | RichardSIA [ October 17, 2017, 1:11 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Spitfire based Locost frame/steering mod. |
Spitfire is 49" front. Now I need to find where I had my note on how much the steering needed to be shortened to correct the ackerman issue. Then just widen the frame that amount. Off the top of my head I'm thinking it was about 4"? Marcos 1600 used Spit suspension and a 51" track, so maybe the correction is only 2"? But then I find these! Lotus Elan 2+2 was 54" Lotus Europa Front 53.5" Really need to find my notes! 
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| Author: | cs3tcr [ October 17, 2017, 10:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Spitfire based Locost frame/steering mod. |
Both the Europa and Plus 2 had tie rod extensions, so they were effectively widened. But, shortening a Spitfire rack is very easy, just cut the "dumb" end, build up a little bit of the rack with weld, turn a new thread onto it and bore the end slightly for the inner tie rod end nylon cup. |
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| Author: | RichardSIA [ October 17, 2017, 11:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Spitfire based Locost frame/steering mod. |
I am also interested in getting the front track closer to the 55" TR7 rear track. |
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