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Hello everyone! I am 16 and going to build a Locost. I am already kinda tall for my age at 6'1".
I've never in my life seen a Lotus 7 in person, much less sat in one, so I'm not sure how I'd fit in the standard size. And I really don't wanna go through all the work and time of building an awesome vehicle, and then it's too small to be comfortable, or just too small period.
Soooo what are your experiences? Would I be fine in a standard size? Also I'm thinking it would be easier to fit the engine and components in a larger frame.
Someone did say on the Grassroots forum that the McSorley frames are heavier, so it cuts into acceleration, and they are not as rigid. Are either of those real problems, or are they not noticeable? Also I'm thinking, with the larger frame could you maybe fit a bigger engine?
Any input or general advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

Colin Chapman was not a tall fellow, so see what others did in the build threads here. That'll likely get you answers faster than waiting for responses. Also, height aside, your waistline will be as important - if not more so - than height. Sit in a chair and measure across your lap for how wide a driver's seat is needed. That alone may answer your question because if you require a 18" wide (inside dimension) seat, that's likely wider than an original Seven. The original Seven is a very small car, and the Plus versions accommodate those of more "stout" dimensions.

Thanks for the response!
I will check out other's builds.
I'm 6'1" and 130lbs so as of right now waistline is not an issue lol.
Thank you!

Johnny, where are you located? perhaps there is someone near you that will let you sit in their 7 to try it on for size. I'm 5-5 and a book build is perfect for me. Any taller and there could be a problem. You might look at a variation of the 442 chassis that is longer but not as wide. But a standard 442 would have a better resale value. If you are concerned about flexing go to 1.25" tubing. Good luck with the build, Russ

Oops guess I forgot to put my location.
I live in Northeastern MN. (Willow River)
As far as longer and not wider, I was thinking if I ended up changing the plans at all to make it longer, a wider chassis might be nice, just cuz then it's a (slightly) bigger car, and I'd have more room to work with. And as far as resale value, if I build this, than I don't think ANYONES gonna get it until I'm in my grave. :) I know stuff can come up, but, for my foreseeable future, it'd stay MINE lol.
And I'd LOVE the opportunity to sit in one. To see the fit, and for the experience of having sat in one.
Thank you!

I'm building a McSorley 442E and I fitted Mazda MX5 ND seats in it. I'm 5-10 and 200lbs, I fit OK. My head does not protrude above the seat headrest. My left arm still sits a bit outside of the car. Chassis width is 46" wide.

If I would start now, I would change the front of the car with the Haynes one, because it is much easier to align the lower control arms on that chassis. On the McSorley chassis a vertical tube is in the way.
I'm using a whole Mazda MX 5 NC rear subrfame, and all the suspension from that car with an LSD as well.

Thanks for the input!
So I'm thinking I'll go with the full 7+442E.
Not sure how the front end plans for the Haynes roadster differ from the normal McSorley, but I was planning on getting the Haynes roadster book anyways so I will check it out then.
Thank you!

Hi Johnny!

I'm just starting to plan my build as well, but I thought a piece of advice I plan to use might help you. Build the cockpit out of cheap plywood and see how you fit! It takes a little tike and effort, but you can get an idea of how big you need the chassis in order to be comfortable. Better to do this with the seats you are using, but if you know the seat that fits and can find the dimensions you can use that to figure it out.

Sumer wrote: ↑May 24, 2025, 10:01 am Build the cockpit out of cheap plywood and see how you fit!

^This or even cardboard. Don't forget to account for pedal assembly and throw as well as seats or cushions.

I'm 6'-5" with 36" inseam and fit as comfortably as I do in a late model Honda. I've done 7+ hour day trips in it and still comfortable. It's about an inch longer than a Book frame and 2" wider at the cockpit (Yellow frame below = Book frame)

If you have access to CAD here's a DWG: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3z0rku1e ... g5tj1&dl=0

Full build: viewtopic.php?t=17715

We love pictures and build threads here, so please share your journey!

This was my inspiration: https://www.locost.ozcarnut.com/

RTz wrote: ↑May 26, 2025, 11:36 am

Sumer wrote: ↑May 24, 2025, 10:01 am Build the cockpit out of cheap plywood and see how you fit!

^This or even cardboard. Don't forget to account for pedal assembly and throw as well as seats or cushions.

I'm 6'-5" with 36" inseam and fit as comfortably as I do in a late model Honda. I've done 7+ hour day trips in it and still comfortable. It's about an inch longer than a Book frame and 2" wider at the cockpit (Yellow frame below = Book frame)

If you have access to CAD here's a DWG: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3z0rku1e ... g5tj1&dl=0

Full build: viewtopic.php?t=17715

We love pictures and build threads here, so please share your journey!

36" inseam, but what about the waist line?

I'm still a long ways out from even beginning on a build, but this thread is actually extremely helpful. For some reason I never considered building a cardboard or cheap wood mockup to figure out fitment. Not only for cockpit fitment, but also my drivetrain choice.

Don't know why doing a mockup didn't come to mind, my next big project before the Locost will be a cargo trailer conversion camper. AKA the Locost Hauler. Was planning to layout the interior on the garage floor with tape to get a better idea of how everything is going to fit and trailer size.

I've reviewed the first page or two of your build thread, planning to finish it up in the coming days. I'm liking the route you took ordering the precut frame, and it would really help out a lot with timeframe when my build starts. So if I wanted a McSorley +442 frame, would you just send them the blueprints for the frame and ask them to cut it for you?