Wow, that 7-style chassis has a scary number of welds, each of which could be a point of failure so my hat is off to you for your careful investigation of them . After observing that, it is not so surprising to me that Colin Chapman later went to the central backbone chassis(a steel pipe) design which avoided much of that risk and possibly also saved a few more pounds while likely also gaining some longitudinal stiffness.

Thanks, it's a long road to travel, but I'm looking forward to the work.

great respect for those with the ability to do this kind of stuff

quote:

Originally posted by nasig:
great respect for those with the ability to do this kind of stuff

We shall see.
Luckily, I have the resources/knowledge of a few very experienced people to assist.

If one is curious about or finds Lotus chassis evolution interesting there is an excellent exposition of their lineage here:

https://jtautomotive.wordpress...ering-greatest-hits/

Worth noting is that the DeLorean used the backbone design as well.

Curious, was that frame made from scratch using an engineering diagram, a kit, or off some plans found on the innerweb...

Some of the welds, as best as can be seen, appear to be tack welds, are you going to finish those areas with full welds?

Is there a club for these vehicles in your area, maybe join up, see if there is a tech inspector or welding pro that can come over and review the chassis.

Since you didn't build it, and don't know the talent and experience of the people that did, putting your life and your wife in a home built warrants having a good inspection.

Found an interesting article on super7thheaven regarding frame design. Its too long and involved to copy paste, one interesting point is that if you do square, adding shear panels will strengthen and stiffen the chassis, since you're at the point where it could be done easily... Thought it would be interesting reading.



Link

The plans are widely available online.
They specify length & cut angles, and the builder [typically] assembles on a leveled build table.

All of the tacked welds will be fully finished & the whole frame will get a once or twice over before any parts start to make their way back on.

Will look into those shear panels when I have some time to set aside for some reading.

Hoping to spend a bit of time in the garage this weekend, since the weather is supposed to be pretty wet. Hoping to make some solid progress on getting the frame cleaned up & maybe start on the Ospho.

Maybe you could get it down the Ekstensive Metal Works, might get to meet Bill Carlton and the crew of Texas Metal, maybe get it on TeeVee and be famous! LOL

https://www.ekstensive.com/

Bet they could welderup in no time...

The plans are available at Sevenesque

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
The plans are widely available online.
They specify length & cut angles, and the builder [typically] assembles on a leveled build table.

All of the tacked welds will be fully finished & the whole frame will get a once or twice over before any parts start to make their way back on.

Will look into those shear panels when I have some time to set aside for some reading.

Hoping to spend a bit of time in the garage this weekend, since the weather is supposed to be pretty wet. Hoping to make some solid progress on getting the frame cleaned up & maybe start on the Ospho.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ_Boston:
The plans are available at Sevenesque

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
The plans are widely available online.
They specify length & cut angles, and the builder [typically] assembles on a leveled build table.

All of the tacked welds will be fully finished & the whole frame will get a once or twice over before any parts start to make their way back on.

Will look into those shear panels when I have some time to set aside for some reading.

Hoping to spend a bit of time in the garage this weekend, since the weather is supposed to be pretty wet. Hoping to make some solid progress on getting the frame cleaned up & maybe start on the Ospho.

Yep,
I have ha set of the VoDou plans, which is modified for a 1st/2nd gen Miata donor & IRS instead of live axle.
Was originally planning on doing it from scratch until this partial build fell in my lap for an irresistible price.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Maybe you could get it down the Ekstensive Metal Works, might get to meet Bill Carlton and the crew of Texas Metal, maybe get it on TeeVee and be famous! LOL

https://www.ekstensive.com/

Bet they could welderup in no time...

Yeah, their work doesn't seem to fit into the Locost ethos.

Minor progress this weekend.
Got the front half of the frame done & shot with Ospho. Definitely an impressive product. Left a nice matte gray metal.
Hoping to get some help & spin the frame around, so I can start working on the rear. Easier to work at the front of the garage than the back. Hope to get it to the point of being ready for Ospho by the weekend.

Then it'll be checking the fully finished welds with a dye penetrant kit, then she gets shot with primer.

Small update: Got the rest of the car cleaned up & shot with Ospho.
Once it dries, I'll need to get it flipped over to do a once over on the bottom.
Then, its ready for a coat of primer & some welding.

Used a motorcycle lift as a frame dolly, so I could get some dropcloths down, to keep the Ospho off the garage floor.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: P250UA5,

Make sure you remove all Ospho before putting on primer.... especially if it's epoxy primer.

Read the information put out by Southern Polyurethane regarding proper removal/ neutralization.

Some primers are happy over Ospho but epoxy can fail, so I have read.

Good to know, thanks.

Picked up an engine stand on Saturday.
Need to get some appropriate sized washers & get the Dorito spinner mounted up, so I can start tearing it down. Hoping the insides look better than the outside & it's rebuildable.

Need to coordinate with my dad to bring his Mig down, so we can start getting the frame welding finished up.

Reminds me of the old saying.”What separates the men from the boys are the price of the toys”.Anyway have fun with your projects.

Good to see updates, keep up the good work and of course pictures are appreciated

Once I get the engine mounted up & start disassembly, many photos will follow. For sharing & for documentation.

Got the clutch pulled, now to source a 54mm socket for the flywheel nut.
Hoping one of the local hardware stores has one. Should lighten it up a bit before we hoist it up to the stand.