LocostUSA.com

I didn't do a build log mainly because I came across this site well into the build and my photographic skills are nil, as I will demonstrate. Bought a partially completed frame and went from there. It's been a long,fun trip and I have reached the point where I think it's complete enough to post it here.

It's a +4 utilizing the Miata rear subframe turned 180 degrees to keep the wheelbase from getting too long. Still in too tight to the cockpit but didn't feel like cutting the frame that drastically. Flipping the subframe didn't change the suspension geometry. Just had to reroute the e brake cable and move the sway bar. Still used all the stock Mazda control arms. Cantilevered pushrod rear using Yamaha pivots. Cheap and needle bearings. Front is Kinetic control arms hooked to the Miata uprights. Shocks and springs are Yamaha R1 units from eBay. Working good for my uses and really Locost!

Drive train is mostly Toyota with a 20V Silvertop, an early Corolla T50 trans and a Celica GTS pumpkin. All Miata brakes. Porsche 914 seats with the headrests trimmed off, Porsche Boxster roll hoops, front fenders from Fenders n More. rears are Jack's as is the nose cone. Body panels are .040 3003 aluminum.

Had to widen the nose cone. This was before Jack offerted the 4" strip. Having that would have really helped that project. Get one if you're going to widen your nose cone.

The trans was pulled from a Corolla that was about a 1980. The engine was probably a 3TC and that might have contributed to the problem of finding a clutch slave cylinder that would fit. Finally fitted a Saab 900 hydraulic internal throw out bearing. Had to make an adaptor and it works fine. Tough to bleed.

I painted it with Rustoleum rattle cans that turned out surprisingly good. Far from what a decent pro could do but it is a Locoast after all. I was never wild about the color. It was OK but bland. After 2 years I decided to wrap it. Photos don't do the vinyl justice. The color is vibrant, brilliant, and deep. It really dazzles in the sun.

Here's is how it looks now.

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Larry in Seattle

Next up 'How I managed to get most of the wrap on with a minimum of wrinkles'.
But not tonight.

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Larry in Seattle

Larry-
Congratulations on the completion. It looks like a well put together Locost. The interior is almost too elaborate to fit the definition of a Locost. A really nice job with the red trim. The deep blue wrap came out great.

Again, congratulations and happy motoring.

Cheers,
Roy

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Build log http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16510

Thanks Roy. It's been a great trip!
As usual the pics don't show the complete story. The vinyl is amazing but it does look like it's a first attempt. I could get better but I don't think I'll be trying again any time soon.

Glad you liked the interior. That took longer than the vinyl.

Cheers

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Larry in Seattle

Nice! Really good looking. As you know, I'm waiting to hear your technique. It sure came out lookin' good!

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JD, father of Quinn, Son of a... Build Log
Quinn the Slotus:Ford 302 Powered, Mallock-Inspired, Tube Frame, Hillclimb Special
"Gonzo and friends: Last night must have been quite a night. Camelot moments, mechanical marvels, Rustoleum launches, flying squirrels, fru-fru tea cuppers, V8 envy, Ensure catch cans -- and it wasn't even a full moon." -- SeattleTom

Finally.

Looks great, inside and out. Congratulations

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

Like JD said

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Perry

'If man built it, man can fix it'
"No one ever told me I couldn't do it."
"If you can't build it safe, don't build it."

Perry's Locost Super Che7enette Build
Perry's TBird Based 5.0L Super 7 L.S.O
Perry's S10 Super 7 The 3rd
Perry's 4th Build The Topolino 500 (Little Mouse) Altered
Perry's 5th Build the Super Slant 6 Super 7
Perry's Final Build the 1929 Mercedes Gazelle

Larry,
That has come a long way for sure. It looks fantastic.
Paul

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Parts left out cost nothing and cause no problems!!

@Roy, Thanks again for your kind comments. Your build log and many posts played a part in pushing this to a near end.

@JD, Glad it's up to Team Slotus standards and I thank you for your comments. I'm working on a wrap post that will be up soon. In the meantime watch all the CK Wraps videos you can stand and keep the shiny side up.

@Chuck. Your fine Locost was among the inspirations for me to get this thing done. Thanks for noting the interior. Didn't copy your fender mounts but did photograph them lots. If the spat thing didn't work that was the next option.

@Perry. Kind words from a man that has built as much as you carry a lot of weight for me. Many thanks and I'll get to that wrapping post long before you need it. Hopefully.

@Paul. Yes it's come a long way since you saw it. It runs fine thanks to your MS help and nothing comes off in your hands anymore. If you have a minute or 2 next time you're in the area I would like to atone for my incompetence during your last visit. I know my way around town much better now.

There has been some interest in how I accomplished the wrap. I'll cover that in a separate post but I will say here, I watched a lot of YouTube videos on the subject and even had some advice from one of the techs at Vvivid. And Perry, I did the nose cone in 4 pieces. I'll tell y'all about soon.

Cheers,

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Larry in Seattle

Great build! As once having had a 914, I really like your seat choice! Was thinking along the same lines. With the tracks from the 914, it is easy to accommodate different drivers. My partial build came with alum race seats. But they are such a tight fit, I don't think they will be able to be adjustable.

I noticed your roll bar. Is that from a BMW? Really nice.

Thom

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Thom

Hi Thom,

When just beginning the build I went to one of the Midwest Locost Gatherings and compared a variety of cars. At first I measured the cockpit width then checked the seats. Most of the seats I found were too confining for my comfort except the Birkin and it had 914 seats. It was the narrowest of all the cars but the most comfortable so my choice was made. That was about 10 years ago and before restoring 914s became a thing. They were incredibly reasonable. Great condition except for the seat cushion and replacements were available. Didn't like the looks of the headrest so it came off.

The roll hoops are from a Boxster, narrowed about 6" and covered with the same red vinyl as all the rest.

Thankls for the kind comments!

Cheers

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Larry in Seattle

Sounds great Larry.
I have experience covering model airplanes and am wondering if some of the same rules apply.
Cover from the bottom up, cover from the rear to the front.

_________________
Perry

'If man built it, man can fix it'
"No one ever told me I couldn't do it."
"If you can't build it safe, don't build it."

Perry's Locost Super Che7enette Build
Perry's TBird Based 5.0L Super 7 L.S.O
Perry's S10 Super 7 The 3rd
Perry's 4th Build The Topolino 500 (Little Mouse) Altered
Perry's 5th Build the Super Slant 6 Super 7
Perry's Final Build the 1929 Mercedes Gazelle

Very nice build, glad to see it! David

Thanks David! Always admired your build. Still running Webers?

Cheers!

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Larry in Seattle

I am, 15 miles to the gallon!!!!!!!