Welll...for Christmas, I'm giving myself the gift of "being okay with not finishing a project".
I think I've reached a point in my life that I need to actively move on from this project and sell it as a whole, or the parts. It's taken a while to reach this decision, but I probably should've made it sooner, perhaps even before my last move from Reno back to Portland (oh yeah, I moved back to Portland, too).
It comes down to three main reasons:
- My hobbies and interests have evolved since I first started this. Especially in the last few years, I've been getting more involved in bike advocacy and city-related work, as well as other crafty outlets, including woodworking and cocktails. There just isn't enough recreational time and, more importantly, initiative to get out to the garage to plan and execute each step to getting a functioning vehicle. Having more garage space for other project types is also pretty valuable, now, too.
- I've "scratched the itch" of designing products and helping build complex vehicles and other products from scratch at work. At this point, drawing up part for my personal car project in CAD, or sourcing components just seems like an extension of my job and I'd rather do something else in my free time.
- I still have a desire for a project car, or other fun vehicle for sport (as opposed to mere transport), but I've also gotten to a point of financial stability and support such that it's now more efficient for me to start with an extant vehicle, and maintain and modify it, rather than build one from scratch. The number of hours that it would take to get the Locost to done just seems not worth it, any more. One avenue I might pursue is go find a premade Lotus/Caterham from somewhere on the planet and drive it back or have it shipped back, depending on location.
So, that said, I'll be actively parting with Locost-related parts, and even the whole car in its current state. I'll take inventory this weekend and make a For Sale thread. I'll probably give priority to someone who wants to take the car over as a whole, but completely willing to sell off installed components if it's compelling.
I've learned a whole heck of a lot through this process, and won't forget the camaraderie that this forum has provided, including a number of in-person meetings with some of you. Those memories and impressions are indelible.