LocostUSA.com

Here are the photos of my finished undertray just before I put primer on it.


I didn't do a welded "X" on the most forward portion of the footwells for a good reason. I haven't done my front suspension design and brackets yet. I need the chassis to lie as flat as possible when it goes back on the build table, so I can complete that work, and other features.

My strategy for the grinding and finishing was to get all the welds close to flat with a very aggressive 40 flap disc. Following that, I used a conventional grinding disk to get it very close to done. The rigid disks are easier to control for fine work. The last step was to use a relatively fine 120 grit flap disc to smooth finish the welds and gently round them over to meet the side rails of the chassis.



Besides the chassis structure itself, this was the most demanding and labor-intensive part on the car thus far. Oy vey, sick of the grinding! I think Scarlet O'Hara said it best:


I'm with her - at least for a day or two.

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Looking good Lonnie.

Comment: with the staggered weld along the outside edge, You've just set the method for forming the aluminum body. To get a nice crisp corner, you will have to form that bend off the car. Not an issue if you were planning on doing that anyway.

_________________
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

@rx7locost
Thank you, Chuck.

I'm taking an unusual approach to the bodywork. My first effort will be to quickly do some temporary body panels just to get past my State inspections. Martin (hassleweed, San Diego, CA) found some inexpensive, pre-painted panels at a local supplier that I'm going to use at first. You can see his work here viewtopic.php?f=35&t=8967&start=45 . I'm going to attach them in a temporary manner just to cover the chassis and leave off the hood all together. I have a fiberglass scuttle and nose section from Kinetic. If the panels are just OK looking, that will be fine.

The State tests are static and you don't have to take the car on the road, otherwise it wouldn't be safe to do it.

Then I'm going to take my time and develop the "real" body work using removable panels attached in a manner similar to what another Martin (mgkluft, B.C., Canada) did with his. It's going to take me some time to get my metalshaping skills going, so I want to get it legal ASAP.

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

I fully welded that area and ground the welds flat just like you did. then formed around the corner and drilled/riveted thru the floor and tube. I was just pointing it out. Sounds like you have a plan.

_________________
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

@rx7locost
I appreciate the tip. Chuck. I hope I didn't sound defensive. I had actually given it some thought as I've been looking for ways to short cut the path to registration with out having the final work done.

Also, the "check's in the mail."

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Are you sure your ancestors aren't from Canada?

Hey Lonnie, sorry, just kidding, I'll bet if we go back 2-3 thousand years we're most likely related, along with JD's ancesters.

_________________
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

Geeze, what did Lonnie do to pi$$ you off that bad? Heckuva thing to say about somebody...


Peace, Love and "One Big Happy (Dysfunctional) Family" --
JDK

_________________
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

Nope. Not at all.

At the risk of sounding "Canadian", I hope I didn't sound condescending. There. We're even.

Carry on.

_________________
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

Uh, actually they were on my father's side, Perry. But, to be fair, that was before Canada was Canada. They called it Acadia back then.





Yes sir, as directed.

I did get to my near term goal of getting the major chassis features done, and getting my build back on the build table where I can complete the suspension and other features like the scuttle hoop, steering wheel setup, seats and the boot of the car.

Due to the way my rotisserie was attached to the chassis, the front bay of the lower chassis was without any triangulation. I had build a piece to do that out of 1/8" plate some months ago. Taking it off the rotisserie provided a chance to put it in place. I did a pattern of 1/4"x20 weld nuts on the continuous reinforcement, so that later on I can build a cover of perforated metal to keep debris and bad things from coming up into the engine compartment uninvited.




So, after the primer was dry enough it went back onto the build table, but is on blocks. I need to re-level and modify the table to provide access to the new features welded in since initial construction way back when. It's likely to be 2-3 weeks before I get back to it.

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Good job Lonnie, wish my shop was that clean

_________________
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

Lonnie, are you using weld-thru primer?

_________________
Mike - Read my story at http://twinlakesseven.blogspot.com/

@horchoha
Thanks, Perry. I'm glad I didn't take a photo last night. I had to put everything in the garage on the build table side, so mama could park her car, and there is room for the company installing the ceiling storage racks to work. It looks like a hoarder's garage this morning.

In a couple of weeks, I should have a much better setup. In a few months, when I no longer need the build table and can reclaim the steel, I'll turn my side into a real, organized, working shop space. I can't wait.

@ngpmike
I've seen those product advertised, but haven't used them yet, Mike. I'd need to know more about what happens to them after welding to feel like it's worthwhile.

Cheers,

_________________
Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

Thnx, Lonnie. Just curious.

_________________
Mike - Read my story at http://twinlakesseven.blogspot.com/

That's what I thought. Finishing the project $$$$, organizing the garage $$, keeping the wife happy $$$, keeping the build table - priceless

_________________
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

Y'all would not believe the leaves/trash/water that can get blown into your shop, even with all the doors and windows closed, during one little hurricane...

JD