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Re Chassis; Legal/ Tech
Topic Started: Jun 27 2008, 08:52 PM (570 Views)
hemibum
Unregistered

Looking ahead to next Winters project already!

Basically remove the twin cam, gearbox, back axle, front suspension wishbones coilovers, steering rack. Front clamshells, rear wings, and as much Ally as can be rescued from the tub.

All of the above to be installed in a MK Indy / Locost type spaceframe.

Any legal implications here? Would transfer the SABTVR Vin plate.

Would obviously inform the insurance company as a Re-chassis job.

Any complications here?

I love the old girl, but she's just too damn heavy for the engine.

And NO, am keeping the old twin cam. As per Colin Chapmans ethos, looking to "add" lightness.

Thanks Guys.
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brewnog
Advanced Member
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I have a similar plan for mine for the mid future. Want to keep the registration (tax exempt) but want a spaceframe chassis.
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jon
Advanced Member
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I would have thought you would need another SVA as you are changing 2 of the major components i.e. the Chassis and the Body Tub. You could even end up with a Q Plate like you sometimes get if you swap the body on a standard car for a pre used one.

I would check with DVLA before starting anything.


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Sclub7
Advanced Member
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you mean you are building a LocOst with a LocUst as the Donor?

Same as using anything else as a donor an SVA would be required unless you are considering building a ringer and leaving it as a Locost on the V5.

A bit dodgy!!!

I wouldn't like to be you if there was an accident. As it would be the same as building a Locust on a new chassis using an Escort as the Donor and leaving it registered as a Ford Escort!!!
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DaveB
Unregistered


I looked seriously into doing this as well......... the big problem with it is that a Locust is more Caterham sized than Locost sized (which is longer, wider and the cockpit is longer) so nothing really transfers straight over :( I came to the conclusion it's only worth doing if you build a 7 type spaceframe to fit the Locust dimensions.

If you want to do it legaly it will mean an SVA as well and you wont get to keep the registration you've got.

TBH reading the list of parts you are thinking of transferring across by my reckoning if you were to sell/buy them you would be looking at about £800ish - surely your Locust is worth a fair bit more than that as a complete car?
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Peter
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Advanced Member
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Why not build a new tub out of 1/2" ply instead of 3/4"? An easy 1/3 weight saving
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hemibum
Unregistered

Thanks for the input. The problem with the car is that there is a 1" variation from front pick up points to rear axle location. Also a 1 1/2" twist longitudinally.

Given that the Locust chassis construction was a compromise between economy and stiffness I don't see anything wrong with replacing it with a spaceframe.

I would think that merely replacing the chassis wouldn't require an SVA test, as it's simply one (largish) component.

I'm pretty sure that all the existing body parts ( Alloy Sheet & Fibreglass wings and nosecone) can all be transferred with minimum fettling.

Obviously all running gear will be a straight swop.

I very much doubt that the Insurance company would demand an SVA for what is a straight safety oriented conversion.

It's also on a Q reg anyway but I'm not much bothered about it.

ETA I'm still very much of an open mind though to any suggestions. :)
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DaveB
Unregistered


That's the thing though - very little of it will be a straight swap! I've built a couple of Locosts and I've had a bare Locost chassis sat next to a Locust to see if it would be feasible and..... you'll need new trailing arms and axle brackets, the front wishbones (or chassis) will need modifications to fit, your propshaft will probably be too short, steering shaft will be the wrong length, wiring loom will need extending or shortening, I can't think of much of the alloy you'll be able to reuse (if the Locust is clad with the gauge of alloy specified in the plans it's too thin really anyway) and the list goes on unfortunately........ :(

I'm not saying it can't be done or that you shouldn't do it but it's not nearly as straightforward as it sounds - unless as I mentioned before you build a Locost chassis to Locust dimensions.

It would also probably be a good idea if you don't get it SVA'd as a Locost that you try very hard indeed not to have an accident that involves insurance companies.........
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bb_wales
Advanced Member
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Hi,

I think you will find that any alteration to a chassis requires the car to be SVA'd e.g. a beach buggy with the shortened floor pan requires SVA, a conversion to a Range Rover chassis to make the Dakar also needs a SVA. In fact whilst I was having my SVA the next guy had a converted Freelander and because he had altered the chassis he was there for a SVA.

Talk to Bev and see what a new chassis would cost, that way I am sure you could use your old chassis number and swap everything from your old car to the chassis, this would be a far easier way and as Peter says make a new body to suit the new car.

Regards

Bob
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hemibum
Unregistered

Thanks for the feedback guys. Damn, I thought I was on a winner there!

The car, in it's current guise would never pass an SVA test. An MOT ? nae problem.

Bit of a bugger trying to find a suitable niche within MSA regs for the thing for Hillclimbing and Sprints.

End up competing against all these BEC thingys. Regardless that the engine & drivetrain are over 40 years old.

Fair enough. We'll just enjoy the old girl for the fun and the noise! :)

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