Our Locost build is moving into unexplored
territory. Up until now, everything we've done, everything we've made, we've made before out of wood. Making the frame out
of steel was different, but only a little. We had to learn how to weld, plus figure out techniques for cutting, grinding,
and finishing metal, and while we didn't exactly master any of that, we got the job done. The project has been loads
of fun so far, as we all know, but now we're calling the frame done, and we're moving on to the next phase of this
two-bit operation, the rolling chassis.
To have a rolling chassis, you need more than just wheels and a frame. You need brakes and steering, which means pedals
and brake lines and possibly a floor, so you can sit down while you're braking and steering. So that's where we're going
next. Of course we still have to finish up the suspension, but to do that we'll need shocks and springs, which
unfortunately aren't in the Locost budget right now, so to hold up the car in the meantime we're going with the usual faux
coilovers, foot-long lengths of wood with holes drilled in either end.
Will look better without all the clamps
A rolling chassis is a major milestone in any Locost build. I'm not sure why. Obviously it's great to be able to roll
your Locost in and out of the garage, but honestly, how many times can you do that before you get bored? I suppose you could roll
the car out onto the street and coast down the hill like we did with our soap box cars when we were 10. That was always a
lot of fun, especially with a solid front axle and rope for steering. But at least in those days we could push the car
back up the hill after we'd coasted to a stop. Now we'd have to call triple-A.
But maybe the best part of having a rolling chassis is that we'll no longer need a build table. A rolling chassis belongs
on jack stands, same as a real car. Our build table served us well and didn't sustain too much damage, but let's face it,
it's huge and it gets in the way. And it warped, which is almost inexcusable. It'll be great to take it apart and stack it
in a corner for later use, although probably not on the Locost. In a pinch, we have a fireplace.
Still need to fit a steering wheel in here
While we wait for our rear suspension links to get TIG welded, we're working on mounts for the pedals and steering wheel.
They all fit through holes in the shelf at the rear of the engine bay, which we've fashioned from 16 gauge steel. The
clutch and brake pedals will squeeze through a 3-1/4" hole on the left, while the gas pedal fits through a 3/4" slot on the
right. The steering column will be nestled between the pedals. So far it looks like everything is going to fit, but of course we've said
that before with less than stellar results. In any case it's going to be close.
In the M.G., the pedals fit neatly through a 3" square hole in the engine bay shelf. In the Locost, we have a 3-1/4"
square hole, so you'd expect us to be okay. Or at least I would. But the problem is, our 3-1/4" hole is almost 2 inches
lower than the M.G.'s 3" hole, and this restricts the throw of the pedals. We still have about 5" of pedal movement, which
translates to 1-1/8" at the brake master cylinder, which is about 1/8" more than the cylinder moves. So that means we
should be okay, but only if we position the pedal box exactly right. And what are the odds of that?
Of course we do have an angle grinder, and we're not afraid to use it, but in any case we're not planning on welding the pedal mounts
in place anytime soon. In fact, we might just weld flanges onto all the pieces and bolt everything together. That would
work. Yes, it's cheating, but I've had enough experience trying to weld sheet metal to know it's not something we want to do
if we can possibly avoid it.
Looks great Nick! I've read and re-read all your posts. I'm sooooo tempted to build one as well! Money seems to be the issue at the moment. If I sell all my toys I think I could do it..... I can't wait to see it complete! - Silver
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