Well it’s been a while now and I've had lots of time to ponder and consider my options resources and time.... I've come to the full understanding that I have an insatiable urge to build things, especially complex mechanical things. Since the project began to form in my head I've had the understanding that this will take time... lots of time. But for me that's fine and preferable. I've since realized I still have much to learn. In the face of all these things I am undaunted and completely determined no matter the length of time nor the obstacles I encounter I will finish this project.
Me and The Wife have discussed this and she totally understands the drive to do this. She has many things I do not understand or see the drive to do but we allow one another to do what we need to do, so long as it does not affect our ability to raise the children in a godly manner and does not interfere with the payment of bills and the reduction of debt.
That being said I have selected my donor
it was once my DD and is no longer due to a multitude of events conspiring against it. it is a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire with a 2200 OHV 2.2L Engine. I will be harvesting the entire drive train and electrical system. I plan to part out the rest of the car on eBay and Craig's list ect. I began to make up an excel sheet to give me an idea what I could expect to get from the part out. Its funny how many little parts on this car people are buying off eBay used. I just searched 01 Sunfire and checked the sold listing box, and I was shocked. All the little parts begin to add up. Just small things that I can easily ship come to over 700 easy. Then there are things like the gas tank, sunroof assembly, trunk lid, hood, windshield... etc that I have seen selling (with freight shipping) that I will list for pickup only. All in all I figure if I only expect 80% ish of what I have seen sold and what they went for (large items included), I think I can reasonably hope to get close to 1k then I will scrap the shell for perhaps 150-200. So this is looking pretty awesome so far. The cash from all this will easily buy the steel for my frame. I will keep the steering components, the Gage cluster, shifter, E-brake, seats and seat belts, wiper assembly, and possibly the lights as well. Everything else will be sold or scraped.
I’ve been getting Quotes for steel from work for a variety of grades sizes and styles. I think I’ve settled on 1.25" square .120 wall tube I can get them in 20' lengths (delivered to work where I can cut them) for <40$ ea and I can bring them in with other orders to save on shipping.
Once I have the Sub-Frame with the Engine and trans axle out I can begin to draw up my frame. The frame is my BIG grey area right now as I can’t do much with out the engine and I only have a vague idea of what I want it to look like. I like the At-om style but don't think I’ll follow that path. I like the simplicity of the Locost frame but I plan to go midi with this car so I will have a lot of work to do to convert it as such. Or I think I may just being drawing and see what shape takes place. Obviously I will be looking though many previous midi build for frame building concepts but I like the idea of paving a new path and doing something different. Only time will tell. But first I begin the tear down. Well actually before tear down beings I need to build a few... many shelves to store parts before they sell. I will add some pics once things fully get under way. Any suggestions on a good midi frame to start with would be appreciated.
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Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. ~Einstein
Build log
http://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=15177