LocostUSA.com

Learning how to build Lotus Seven replicas...together!
It is currently March 29, 2024, 3:57 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 27 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 2:58 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 15, 2009, 10:37 am
Posts: 30
Location: Yuma, AZ
I was thinking...

Has anyone taken a Locost Chassis and mated it with a different body style, say something more along the lines of the 50's Grand Prix/Indy cars?

I was looking at a style like:
The Maserati 250F
Image

Ferrari Tipo 500 F2
Image
Image

Blend that classic style into a 2 seater, like a Ronart W152...

Image

Image


I'm willing to bet the hard part would be making those body panels out of aluminum due to the compound curves...

That would probably blow the "Lo-Cost" portion right out of the water...

Thoughts?

_________________
Bow

Where does that nut go?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 3:15 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: December 4, 2011, 6:19 pm
Posts: 829
If you decide to build one here's a source for a body for it.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/bel ... 1090049595

_________________
Bill H
Winnipeg, MB, Canada


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 5:23 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 15, 2009, 10:37 am
Posts: 30
Location: Yuma, AZ
Thanks for the heads up.

I am planning my chassis now, already have the engine (Nissan KA24DE 2.4L DOHC I-4) plan on a Nissan 5-speed to back it up...

I would like to stick with that style of look..., but I don't know if I'd want to go all fiberglass... I could see a 'glass nosecone...

_________________
Bow

Where does that nut go?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 7:11 pm 
Offline

Joined: February 1, 2006, 3:02 am
Posts: 319
There's a Maserati 250F "replica" that a local (Brisbane, Australia) enthusiast put together. The chassis is certainly Locost-inspired if somewhat modified to accommodate the single seater layout. Here's a few "in progress" photos I could find in my archives from a quick search - I've probably got more buried a bit deeper in the "filing" system :shock:

Image
Image
Image

These are from about 9 years ago - it's long since finished, painted, and superseded by his next project :)

Dominic


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 7:12 pm 
Offline

Joined: January 31, 2008, 5:34 pm
Posts: 781
Location: SW Wes Consin
I have found aluminum to be not all that expensive. And the scrap to be quite valuable :P


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 8:31 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 15, 2009, 10:37 am
Posts: 30
Location: Yuma, AZ
Thanks for the replies,

OzGecko: I'll bet that ended up being a very shape ride when he got done! Is he even running a real Maserati power?

That is exactly what I am talking about... There is a part of me that would love to do a single seater, but since I am married, I'd never hear the end of it.... :shock:

Vroom: I agree, aluminum isn't too expensive, abut my ability to do that type of shaping is a bit... lacking!

I am wondering where to even start with the Chassis...

Actual dimensions, Chassis designs, etc for the Ferrari/Maserati Grand Prix cars of that era are a bit... scarce... to say the least

_________________
Bow

Where does that nut go?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 10:13 pm 
Offline
The voice of reason
User avatar

Joined: January 10, 2008, 4:47 pm
Posts: 7652
Location: Massachusetts
Does it need to be open wheeled for the look you want? There's also the Mercedes W196 or something like that.

I like the closed wheel cars like Jaguar D-type and also Jacks Lalo, the Lola MK1 replica style. THere are several people on this forum working on the Lalo body work. I think they will be very good looking.

One advantage for those style cars (closed wheel) is a few more inches of space for your feet, since the frame doesn't need to slender down before the front wheels. That's a big practical difference...

Keep showing your wife pictures, something she likes will help you get to the end result...

_________________
Marcus Barrow - Car9 an open design community supported sports car for home builders!
SketchUp collection for LocostUSA: "Dream it, Build it, Drive it!"
Car9 Roadster information - models, drawings, resources etc.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 10:40 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: July 29, 2006, 9:10 pm
Posts: 3160
Location: Oregon, usually
Bow wrote:
Has anyone taken a Locost Chassis and mated it with a different body style
Nope. You're the first.
vroom wrote:
I have found aluminum to be not all that expensive. And the scrap to be quite valuable :P
In my case that's a good thing, since when I try to form compound curved body parts in aluminum, I create more scrap than parts.
Bow wrote:
I would like to stick with that style of look..., but I don't know if I'd want to go all fiberglass... I could see a 'glass nosecone...
If you can design something with the look and feel you want with simple curves for the cockpit, I think that's the way to go--glass nose and stern, sheet metal in between.

_________________
Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 30, 2015, 11:57 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 15, 2009, 10:37 am
Posts: 30
Location: Yuma, AZ
JackMcCornack wrote:
Bow wrote:
Has anyone taken a Locost Chassis and mated it with a different body style
Nope. You're the first.


Well hell Jack, I knew you did the Lola, followed it on Mother Earth News... ;)


Bow wrote:
I would like to stick with that style of look..., but I don't know if I'd want to go all fiberglass... I could see a 'glass nosecone...
Quote:
If you can design something with the look and feel you want with simple curves for the cockpit, I think that's the way to go--glass nose and stern, sheet metal in between.


would probably be easier that way...

horizenjob wrote:
Mercedes W196


Yup, Same style I'm looking at...
Image

Even the Kurtis Kraft racer of that era fits the bill...

Image

The Close wheel concept is interesting as well... the Lola body does look good....

_________________
Bow

Where does that nut go?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 31, 2015, 1:43 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: July 29, 2006, 9:10 pm
Posts: 3160
Location: Oregon, usually
Seriously, Bow, I don't think anyone has done a Locost with a classic open wheel body--it has been talked about and there are some nice artists' representations, but to the best of my knowledge nobody has actually done it. I'd love to see it, and my own personal attaboy points will go to he who does it, not he who has the best 3D graphics skills.

I think something with the vibe of the era would do just fine; it needn't be an accurate replica of any particular car. Attempting a replica of something specific will quickly take it out of the locost budget.

Technically, I think the biggest difficulty will be that the driver will be sitting on the driveshaft tunnel. With IRS or DeDion rear suspension, you could get that pretty low, but it'll still put the driver 4" or so above the floor.

PS--I left the...
Bow wrote:
say something more along the lines of the 50's Grand Prix/Indy cars?
...off when I quoted you because I'm a smart alec, but I knew what you meant.

_________________
Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 31, 2015, 8:28 am 
Offline

Joined: March 15, 2013, 2:27 pm
Posts: 94
Location: Montreal, Quebec Canada
maybe withe a BEC you could use a twin chain setup with a shaft going on one side of the chassis?

_________________
Making a Deman SR27 lapping and street car
Any question on driveshaft, i will be more than happy to answer!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 31, 2015, 10:02 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 12, 2012, 8:40 pm
Posts: 472
Location: Mount Airy, NC
The M196 does come in a sports car version. This one is in the museum at Indy.
Attachment:
DSC01802.JPG

They also have a nice looking Ferrari Indy car.
Attachment:
DSC01815.JPG

Or maybe a Birdcage Maserati.
Attachment:
DSC01789.JPG

You can get up close to the cars in the museum but can't climb around them taking measurements. Well worth going to see if you happen to be in the area.


You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

_________________
My car viewtopic.php?f=37&t=16434
1930s Style Sports Car viewtopic.php?f=36&t=16888


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 31, 2015, 10:58 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 15, 2009, 10:37 am
Posts: 30
Location: Yuma, AZ
bobbeysr27 wrote:
maybe withe a BEC you could use a twin chain setup with a shaft going on one side of the chassis?


That would give it the REAL old school look, until you pop the hood...

I already have the engine built, and its been cruising around with me for the 15 years...

JackMcCornack wrote:
Seriously, Bow, I don't think anyone has done a Locost with a classic open wheel body--it has been talked about and there are some nice artists' representations, but to the best of my knowledge nobody has actually done it. I'd love to see it, and my own personal attaboy points will go to he who does it, not he who has the best 3D graphics skills.


I really like the Lotus 7 look, however, it isn't the most aerodynamic critter in the world... hell, the open wheel car in general don't fall into the aerodynamic category...

Quote:
I think something with the vibe of the era would do just fine; it needn't be an accurate replica of any particular car. Attempting a replica of something specific will quickly take it out of the locost budget.


Agreed... it wouldn't be a replica per say, more like an "inspired by"

Quote:
Technically, I think the biggest difficulty will be that the driver will be sitting on the driveshaft tunnel. With IRS or DeDion rear suspension, you could get that pretty low, but it'll still put the driver 4" or so above the floor.


I agree with that. Looking at the 250F photos that Dominic posted, the transmission is offset. I have been reading Racing and Sports Car Chassis Design [Michael Costin] and have gotten to the part where it discusses this very issue...



Quote:
PS--I left the...
Bow wrote:
say something more along the lines of the 50's Grand Prix/Indy cars?
...off when I quoted you because I'm a smart alec, but I knew what you meant.


I have some pretty thick skin... 6 years in the NAVY, and currently a contractor supporting the USMC.... I figure anyone who might take a shot at me probably doesn't think that I'm a total moron!

:D

_________________
Bow

Where does that nut go?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: July 31, 2015, 4:46 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 31, 2012, 12:49 pm
Posts: 1713
Location: Louisville KY
There is a lively group on FB that restores IndyCars. They are slightly more crazy than the norm here I think.

And yes, they tend to be experts in working with aluminum.

_________________
***************
Geek49203 aka
Tim Wohlford
Louisville, KY
Hayes front, S10 +2 rear, Lalo body.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: August 1, 2015, 12:43 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: June 15, 2009, 10:37 am
Posts: 30
Location: Yuma, AZ
Thanks for the photos and information.
Unfortunately (?), I'm not on facebook..

Here is another great example:
Lola Mk II Formula Juior
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z166 ... -MKII.aspx

Image

I need to research that and see how that chassis and drive train are mounted...

Edit:

Found this, but I can't quite pick out the drive shaft location...

Image

_________________
Bow

Where does that nut go?


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 27 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Google [Bot] and 7 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  
POWERED_BY