CobraJim Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 From the internet snooping that I done over the past few years regarding a Locost build, I see that there are a couple of books and a DVD available as well as the McSorley frame plans on the internet. Apparently Ron Champion's book is no longer available, however there's a new Haynes Locost book that is available. Also, I see that Keith Tanner from Flyin' Miata has a book on his Miata-based build. And there's a DVD prepared by Gary Brizendine that's got some good reviews on Amazon. So, what books and resources do you guys recommend? Are the above mentioned books and the DVD worthwhile? Any other books/plans/DVDs that you'd recommend? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KENLUDE97 Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 There is a great site for building a "locost", here is a link for beginning builders. Good luck http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1030 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homebrew Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 Jim, I'd recommend all. There is something to be learned from all of the sources you listed. If you can some how come up with Champion's book then definetly pick it up. Check used book stores or Amazon online. I haven't seen Tanner's book but I followed his build on his website. If you're going the Miata route then get it, if not I'd still seriously consider buying it because there is always usefull info about making a jig to make a part or how that builder mounted the fuel cell or ?? I think you get the picture. I have Brizendine's CD-Rom and it's geared more for the guy who is going to assemble a kit rather than build from scratch. Still lots of good info and it certainly gave me some ideas on how to do a few things. Both the locostusa forum and also locost north america on yahoo. People there are very helpful and willing to share knowledge. Good luck, Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solder_guy Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 Andrew here at Ga Tech has some software for designing a metal cut to fit piece. So it prints out a paper template of the part to fabricate for an exact fit. That's something to think about ... when building your own frame which he is doing ... finishing ... Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 I think Tanner's book is a must-have Seriously, it has a bunch of information that should be useful in any car build. How brakes work, setting up handling, bump steer, etc. I didn't want it to be Miata-specific. The technical information isn't included on my website, but the story of the car build is there in a more rambling form. http://www.cheapsportscar.net Champion's book is good for inspiration, but you'll find that once you have the frame built it doesn't offer any information, just instructions on how to put your Escort parts into the frame. Don't have an Escort? Pity. I think a lot of this was rectified with the newer Haynes book, so that one's probably worth picking up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobraJim Posted October 11, 2007 Author Share Posted October 11, 2007 Well, I've bit the bullet and ordered all three; the CD and the two books. (The Haynes and Keith's books.) I see this potentially being a mulit-year endeavor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 Yes, I think that's fair to say If you're in the area, feel free to drop by and have a look at the final result - I'm on Colorado's western slope, just across the border on I-70. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobraJim Posted October 11, 2007 Author Share Posted October 11, 2007 Ya Keith, I've been to Flyin' Miata's website many times as well as being a frequent lurker on Miata.net. I also re-read your article in Grassroots Motorsports last night about making sure guys building Locosts keep motivated. As you can guess, I'm currently in the active-research mode. And Grand Junction isn't really all that far from SLC. I'll stop by FM if I'm ever in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homebrew Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Yea, Jim this is definetly a multi-year thing. I figured 3 years but finished in 2, er-had it licensed and on the road (don't think you ever really finish, already planning mods for this winter). Like Keith stated in the GRM article keeping motivated and doing something everyday keeps the build on track. I really broke my project down into smaller tasks and tried to finish a task before moving to the next. If I got stuck I'd do something else to keep the whole thing moving. I don't know how many times you see a guy lose interest in the build when he has a problem. Next thing its for sale. As you know there is so much that goes into building a car. Good luck, Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eVox Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 A lot of times, building a locost is more mental than physical. It is reletively easy to learn to use the tools and how to design the car, but sometimes actually working on it can have mental blocks. I am 6 months and $1000 into my build (while at college) and loving it. I definitely recommend it. Check out the locostusa forums, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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