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Learning how to build Lotus Seven replicas...together!
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PostPosted: November 15, 2015, 2:21 pm 
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Joined: August 18, 2015, 12:41 pm
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Location: Seattle area (Woodinville)
If you were to build a second car, is there anything that you would do differently that you think that other builders would benefit to learn about. Conversely, is there anything that worked particularly well that you would recommend to others? Please limit this thread to the exterior.

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PostPosted: November 16, 2015, 1:03 am 
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Joined: June 8, 2010, 8:02 pm
Posts: 621
Location: White Rock, BC, Canada
Having never done serious bodywork prior to the Locost, I learned a lot in this area. I'll throw a few things out and will elaborate further if anyone wants.

-don't go for flat/satin for your first paint job. It's REALLY hard to get right.
-don't use nitrile gloves with acetone. It eats through and gives a pretty painful chemical burn (cleaning gun out). No burn with bare hands.
-don't use plastic as masking. It causes the overspray to flake off it and gets into the new paint etc.
-custom fibreglass isn't so scary viewtopic.php?f=23&t=11633
-spend money on non-lint rags when cleaning for paint.
-Jack's "Steamroller" fenders work great.
-dzus fasteners are really finicky
-anneal anywhere you are curving aluminum. It makes life much easier.
-green masking tape. No white stuff, it sucks.
-buy waaaaaay more paint,mixing cups,filters etc than you think you need.
-yes, you need filling-primer. No matter what the paint instructions say.

Cheers.

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PostPosted: November 16, 2015, 6:13 pm 
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Joined: July 4, 2006, 5:40 pm
Posts: 1994
Location: Novato, CA
That's a great list. I would echo the comment on Jack's steamrollers and add:

Contrary to what the book shows, wood does not make a good metal brake. Square aluminum tubing works great and has nice sharp corners.

I would not try to make the hood out of .050 again. I used .040 for everything else and that was easily thick enough.

I would try to put a slight bow into the top of the windshield frame. Just half an inch or so. I wouldn't mind if the windshield was half an inch taller as well.

I would mount the spare tire about an inch lower.


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PostPosted: November 16, 2015, 9:02 pm 
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Joined: October 19, 2009, 9:36 pm
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Location: meadview arizona
plastic masking is good if you buy the right stuff, it is marked "paint this side"

choose colors that you can buy a paint pen of at the hardware store, that way you can touch up chips easily 'cos its going to get chipped

think long and hard how you are going to attach your hood

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and chrispin chrispian shall ne'er go by,
from this day to the end of the world.
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PostPosted: April 30, 2018, 10:29 pm 
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Joined: December 17, 2010, 1:24 pm
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Location: Gainesville, Mo.
Just thought I'd "Bump" this one in hopes of getting some more ideas. There's already some good stuff here.

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PostPosted: May 1, 2018, 1:09 am 
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Joined: March 19, 2011, 10:22 am
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Location: Holden, Alberta, Canada
ngpmike wrote:
Just thought I'd "Bump" this one in hopes of getting some more ideas

I know I don't qualify for the '2nd' build, but for the 3rd, or in my case the 4th build keep a chair near by - it helps you when you're trying to stand up or get up off the floor :cheers:

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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


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PostPosted: May 1, 2018, 8:03 am 
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Joined: October 19, 2012, 9:25 pm
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Location: Summerville, SC
Make paper templates for panels if you want things to fit really well. It gives you the ability to "tweak" fitment and openings before you ever cut aluminum.

Transferring the shape to aluminum sheet is easy with a light dusting of spray paint along the edge of the paper.

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doll.jpg


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bonnet2.jpg


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http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17496

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http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=15216


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PostPosted: May 1, 2018, 11:30 am 
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Joined: March 19, 2011, 10:22 am
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Location: Holden, Alberta, Canada
Well I do have to admire a man (along with his wifey?) who is able to have build parts in their living rooms.
TooBusy with aluminum panels, JD with pistons, and there are others here also :cheers:
Mine wifey says the bedroom is off limits though, only one thing on that work bench :roll:

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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


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PostPosted: May 2, 2018, 11:02 pm 
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Joined: October 19, 2009, 9:36 pm
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Location: meadview arizona
there's a lot of space under the bed you could use

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and chrispin chrispian shall ne'er go by,
from this day to the end of the world.
but we in it shall be remembered.


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