Hi, I'm Bill and I'm a project addict...
As if building a mid-engine, tube chassis, turbocharged 5 cylinder '73 Beetle wasn't enough (build thread here
https://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=20857, I decided I needed to finish something I had to leave behind about a decade ago... a Locost. Back in ~2002 I bought a chassis from the now long defunct CMC (was actually offered their first Miata chassis which ended up with Keith Tanner). I had it about 75% complete, took a new position with a different company and lost my build space. Kept it in storage for 4 years or so, decided it wouldn't ever get finished as we lived in an apt, and ended up selling it. 6 months later we moved into a house with a large garage... isn't that how things work.
Fast forward to today and I decided I needed to pick up (mostly) where I left off and found a stalled Locost project for sale here. You can see the initial build thread here
https://locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4060. I took a long weekend trip from Washington state to California and picked it up a week ago. Still indexing and looking over what I have and the chassis is still in the van, but it's a good start. Miata based (oh no, another one), but that's good in my case as my last track car was a '97 Miata so I know what works and what doesn't on them. I'm sure I'll change a few things, and so far I've ordered seats (Kirkey), pedals (Tilton) and acquired some more tube and sheet to finish things off. Chassis is a McSorley 442, running gear all '94 Miata with a 5 speed and Torsen diff.
A bit about me personally... 59yr old, journeyman machinist/mechanic, worked for both the military and in private business with a decade long stint in automotive restorations. I've been driving on track (AX, SCCA Club Racing, IKR Karts, and instructing) for 41 years this year. I have all the tools to get this done, the only hold up is me currently as I'm undergoing treatment for cancer which slows me down a bit. That should be completed by August though and I'm still capable of tinkering at the moment, just no heavy lifting. I'm a new addition to the Seattle (ish) crew, though I'm over in beautiful Kitsap County, (about 10 minutes from the Southworth Ferry for the locals), so maybe an hour away by car/ferry.
I've been looking through a lot of the builds here and have gotten plenty of great ideas... you guys are an inspiration.
A few pics never hurt...
Me doing an engine out service on a Ferrari 288 GTO back in the day (about 2007-8)
Attachment:
1935032_1183205754313_8024430_n.jpg
The Locost pieces I bought from the sale video
Attachment:
157111728_10223545308454832_5311579210566229433_n.jpg
Attachment:
157162293_10223545308534834_4977363225657460678_o.jpg
And the entire mess in my van... about an 800 mile trip each way.
Attachment:
162823697_10223669131270325_4033073432392117160_n.jpg
Attachment:
164128201_10223669130830314_814277902187927543_n.jpg
Bill J
Fleet at present:
'12 VW GTI
'01 Chevy Van (300k and still going)
'67 International Travelall
'73 VW Beetle
'47 Farmall Cub
and the Locost...