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Been watching this forum for quite some time and decided to take the plunge(after my wife gave me the OK .) Started the build last week it is a 442E that is being constructed from 1.25" square tubing with the tunnel and other bits being made of 3/4."Running gear will be a 5.0 v8 with t5 tranny running threw a 7.5" rear end. I will be posting pics soon and look forward to any pearls of wisdom that can be passed along. Thanks.

1st pearl is dont use a 7.5 diff with a 5.0 liter. Get a 8.8.

What method of welding are you going to use?

Hi Mr. Schmid-
What Egoman really meant to say was "Welcome to the Forum! We all look forward to your build log. And, while the 7.5 might be sufficient for a car as light as a Locost, wouldn't it be better to get the stronger 8.8 found in later model Mustangs and such?"

I'm pretty sure that's what he meant to say...

Take Care-
JD

Welcome aboard, if you hurry up and post some pictures maybe I can copy you!

See if you can find weights for the two rear ends. Rear axle weight is a big deal on such a light car. If your not planning on a strong V8 it might work better. You'll never be able to generate the same loads on the axle as a heavy car would anyway.

He is right ,I just said it in my special code. Remember guys he is also running a standard trans which tends to transfer more shock to a diff.
Dont run a 7.5 and dont let your friends drive drunk.

The reason I want to use a 7.5" rear end is that it is lighter than 8.8." I had a good friend that had a 7.5 in his mustang that had a 331 stroker with AFR205 heads and 400+ horsepower and it held up just fine. Another reason is I had one laying around so in locost tradition I am trying to use what I have avalable, but who knows I may change my mind it is early in the build. I just wanted to show you guys my other "projects" pardon my photograping skills.

Yo-
Hey, what do we call you? Schmid? Smitty? I'm "JD" or, in here, Gonzo...

Like your projects, Dude! I'm always one to be in favor of hot-rod Mustangs and various other FoMoCo stuff, but I really love that "Deuce"!!! That thing is waa-aaay cool! Straight six? You called it a Jeep, most of 'em were Reo's or Studebakers weren't they? I know the Studebaker variety had this huge six in it, thing musta weighed a ton by itself... Any hoo... On with the build! Keep us posted...

JD

Edit- I just realized, you said the Deuce was a 71 model, didn't you? The ones I'm remembering were Korean war vintage... Never mind...

The Duce is a 465 CID turbo straight 6 and Schmid is the last name so lets go with that. Did some more work on the frame today. Finished the basic back of the frame still need to do some bracing. In the market for an engine and trans if I can't find one think I might just use the running gear in my mustang for the time being.



By the way I think you guys talked me into a 8.8" I rather be safe than sorry.

I thought everyone had a deuce project.

Hi and welcome always interested in a V-8 build. IMHOP I think the 7.5" will live a long and trouble free life in a locost. In general ring gear size determines strength and it's true side stepping the clutch will produce higher shock loads; still a heavy Locost is 1600lbs even w/slicks that's less than 1/2 what most 5.0 Must. run. I would look at other factors does it have the brakes, gear ratio, posi and is it 4 lug or 5 (wheel selection) lastly unsprung wieght has a greater affect in a lite car braking, handeling and ride. Besides if it works "YOUR A GENIUSE " and you already have it; if not an 8.8 will bolt in it's place. But never forget it's your build and it's supposed to be fun; do 1 thing at a time, the next logical step and it will flow. I hope this isn't to preachy. GOOD LUCK and keep us posted.

Have not been able to work on the car much as of late due to the holidays. I did get and engine, transmission, and bellhousing though. The engine is just a 5.0 out of a pickup the tranny and bellhousing are out of a late 80's mustang. I picked everything up for only $200 from a friend of mine. I plan on using the engine just for mock up purposes for now. I also can get a steering rack from a 2001 mustang for free and was wondering how well a power rack works when used in a non power setup. I also was wondering if anyone has or knows were to find a program to help me start setting up my front suspension geometry. I have been reading up on suspension geometry but to me it is very confusing . Thanks.

I still say go with the little axle. Especially if you have one. Will your Locost fit in the back of that truck? Don't back that into your house by mistake.

If you haven't built your tunnel yet, would recommend going with 1" square or round tube for the lengthwise pieces. Most of the stiffness of the chassis comes from that tunnel. Also make sure it hooks up well to the other tubes in the engine bay. The round tube on the top 2 tubes makes for more comfort.

Please don't start a build log using your truck's motor!

Yo, Schmid!
Yes, you can use a de-powered steering rack. Lots of builders in here have done it. I can't quote all the details, but there's something about removing the valving for the power assist. Search in the forums, you'll find the instructions.

Didn't the truck 302s come with a different cam profile than the car 302s? I think they're set up for more torque and less top end. Might not matter, just sayin...


JDK