WE'RE BACK!

Well folks, after a 4 year hiatus, I'm back. A lot has happened (they say that life has a way of acting up while we're busy making plans) since I last posted here, but I'm definitely back! This time I'm ready to actually start construction of my Locost 7! My sweet Wife found me a used wire-feed welder for Christmas. I have a partially finished, but very usable garage/workshop that contains over 1100 sq ft of working space. On top of all that, today I took delivery of 240' of 16 ga., 1" square steel tube to build a cart for the welder, a building table for the car, and the car itself. Please drop in whenever you like to see how things are progressing. I should start cutting and melting steel within the next few days!

New Blog

Just to let everyone know, life has intervened. My Locost plans have now been placed on the back burner. for more info, visit my new blog at tl7homestead.blogspot.com .

New Blog

More Updates and a Change of Plans

OK, here's some more of my CAD production. My new design chassis build table. Well, not really my design, but one I found on LocostUSA.com. It looked good, and will fit in nicely with my change of plans. Thanks Racers Dan & Al. Now, about the change of plans. Many of you will remember that I spent a great deal of time waiting to get an old refrigeration stand from the store where I work. The plan at that time was to build a big, heavy, solid, immoveable table to build my chassis on. At the time it seemed like a great idea since I was blessed with a large (almost 750 Sq. ft.) shop/garage, so a big, heavy, etc. table didn't pose a problem. Notice I said "WAS" blessed. Ah, life has a way of intervening, doesn't it? Due to a family situation, it appears that my shop space will be cut in half. Not a big prob when building something the size of a Locost, but the BHSI table is out! I need something light and portable yet sturdy,true and level. The answer lies in a 1" sq tubing framework (very appropriate for a Locost) with a heavy plywood top. The legs are equipped with levelers for adjustment after moving if needed. For the portable part, I'm working on retractable mounts for the casters that should allow for lifting and moving by one person, even with a partially built car on board. The basic table design is ready to go, but the caster retracts are still on the drawing board, so to speak.

Progress Update

Well, here's what I've managed to run up so far with Google SketchUp. It has been a bit of a struggle to try designing a car chassis while learning to use a new program at the same time. It amounts to overloading the system of my poor old senior citizen brain. As you can see, it's still a work-in-progress. In fact, the file has been dubbed "WIP". BTW, I just notice that the legend doesn't include a description of the RED pieces. They are 1" round tube. Still have more work to do of course, scuttle bulkhead bracing, trans tunnel, structure behind the seat bulkhead, etc. Even though the progress is slow, at least there is progress. More to come!

PROGRESS OF A TECHNICAL SORT

No, I haven't started construction yet, I'm sorry to say. But, I have acquired some new technology which should help speed up the planning stage.

After a late night session working on some drawings of the chassis with the modifications that I plan to use, things went a bit awry, due partly to a need for some sleep, and partly for lack of proper drafting tools. While laying in dimensions on a drawing that I had just slaved over for hours, I discovered that I had inadvertently shortened the car 3 inches. Unfortunately, this was in an area of the frame that would have required redrawing about 2/3 of the whole thing. This lead me to search for an inexpensive CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) software that would allow me to work on the PC rather than the DRT (Dining Room Table). Thanks to the gang at LocostUSA.com, I found "Sketchup", a free (free is always good) program from Google. It seems to offer everything that a drafting "duffer" like myself would need. Now, all I have to do is learn how to use it.

More news as it breaks!

More "Gathering" Pics

Here is a link to more photos from "The Gathering". Be sure to check out the links there to videos and such!

The Mid-West Gathering of Se7ens

Julian Dziurawiec's 280-Z powered Locost.

Well, it finally arrived, "The Midwest Gathering of Se7ens". As of Friday, there were 13 cars in attendance, and around two dozen people, with more expected to arrive on Saturday. On Friday they were on a morning blat that brought them up to my neck of the woods in Missouri, with a stop at my favorite pizza joint, Tony's Pizza House in Protem. My plan was to hook up there with Graham Early and ride with him in his Leitch Super Sprint down to The Hub hotel where the Gathering was headquartered. Well, between the heat, humidity, and lack of planning on my part, my first ever Se7en ride was cut down from about 45 miles to less than a mile.

The Gathering gathers at Tony's Pizza House.

After having to wait for about 45 minutes to board the Peel Ferry for the trip across Bull Shoals Lake, my head started swimming and I swapped my seat in the Se7en for one in an A/C equipped Ford Ranger. A few miles, and a couple of Gatorades later I was fine, but so much for my big first ride. Thanks anyway Graham. It was fun while it lasted.

The Peel Ferry

Upon arriving at The Hub, we checked out all the cars, and then had dinner with the group at Scooters restaurant. Talk about a warm, welcoming bunch of people! Everybody made our family feel like we were old friends that they hadn't seen in awhile. Thanks everyone, it was a great experience.

Russ Amos holds a driver's meeting.

After dinner it was time for the autocross. Nothing high stress, just some guys (and gals) out to have a little fun with the cars. Every body got a few practice runs, and then things got serious... sort of. The runs were timed, but only a few took it real seriously. I don't even know who took FTD! The main thing was everyone had a safe and fun time

Graham Early's 20-valve Toyota powered Leitch S/S.

One of several Brunton Stalkers.

Brunton Super Stalker (note blower drive under hood scoop).

Tom Suppa's Alfa-Romeo powered Locost.

At the end of the day, a grand time was had by all. We met some new friends, got some ideas for our car, and learned that you have to keep well hydrated when the weather gets hot and muggy. Can't wait 'til next year, maybe we'll have something to show off, too! See you there.

Chuck Schaefer's RX-7 powered Locost.

Wendell Karr-ake & Beverly Carlile in their Toyota powered Westfield.

More to come!

Got It!

Sorry for the delay in getting the pics up. Life does have a way of changing our plans, doesn't it. Here is the nose cone that I bought. It really is a nice piece. I also like this one because it has a little more sculpting along the sides whereas most Locost noses tend to be rather slab sided.

Now I have a decision to make. Do I use this one as is? that's probably not an option. I believe it's too narrow,and too small vertically. I can cut it into sections and add material as needed to get the size that I want. Very possible. Or, do I just use this one as a model, expand the dimensions as needed and make a new plug and mold for one the right size and shape, then resell this one unscathed and unadulterated. Decisions, decisions.

PARTS ACQUISITION !

OK, our first honest-to-goodness "Locost" part. Up until now our parts acquisition has consisted of some raw materials (steel tube) and a wrecked Miata. I am now in the process of obtaining a nosecone for the body of the car. If you will recall, the major part of the body is simply aluminum sheet, riveted to the frame. There are, however, six fiberglass pieces needed to complete things. They are the four fenders, the scuttle (or cowl), and the nosecone. The nosecone is probably the most sculpted piece and the one that really establishes the character of the car. I felt confident that I could make molds for the fenders if necessary, and probably the scuttle, but the nosecone, I knew, would probably have to be bought. I have located a nosecone that was cloned from a Lotus 7, Series 2 . The price is right, and it is relatively local so shipping won't be a problem. I should have it in a few weeks and will post pics.

MORE PROGRESS

Well, the chicks are out of the garage, a lot of the kids stuff has been moved to storage, Erik has installed more insulation, and he has started installing new shelving units that he acquired from Borders Books "Going Out of Business Sale". Good, roomy, heavy duty shelves, too. Along with all this, we got the X-fer case out of my F-250 and got it dismantled. The shifting problem should be an easy fix, too. Once we get the truck sold, that should more than cover the cost of the Miata.

We are getting very close to being able to build the chassis table, and finally get started on the Se7en. We are hoping to get it completed in time for the "Fun Under the Sun" car show in California this time next year. If not completed, at least far enough along to show it off to friends and family out there. Speaking of "Fun Under the Sun", my Dad just came home from this year's F.U.t.S. with two (count 'em, "TWO") trophies to his Bugatti's credit. Just a few weeks away from his 85th birthday and still having fun. Ya gotta luv my Dad!

PROGRESS!

No progress on the car itself, but progress nonetheless. The kids arrived in mid March and Erik has been helping me get the garage whipped into shape. We've moved some stuff to storage, and have started arranging other things. At the moment, we have 20 chicks living in the garage until they get feathered out. They can be moved to the chicken coop in a few days, then we can get going in earnest.

In the meantime, I've discovered THE paint job for the car. While playing around with a car painting program, I stumbled onto this!

I definitely had not planned on doing a black car (black is just about the toughest paint there is to apply), but this just looks SO right we have to do it.

Comments are always welcome !

Long Overdue Update

I would like to say "Sorry!" to my followers. It's been nearly two months since my last post. The lack of communication is primarily due to a lack of movement in the project. I've spent the last month and a half mainly trying to stay warm. There's not much about growing up in Los Angeles that will prepare you for temps in the double digit "minus" column. The weatherman has finally relented, and we are now blessed with Spring-like weather with daytime highs in the 60's and overnight lows that stay (for the most part) above freezing. We're still waiting for our kids to return from So-Cal. When I say "our kids", I am referring to our son Erik, our new daughter-in-law Desi (Desiree'), our Grand daughter Zoe, and our new Grand daughter who we haven't met yet, Moxie. Moxie was born in Calif two days before Erik was discharged from the Marines. Anyway, they were all supposed to get home last September, but a run of bad luck with their GMC got in the way. Apparently that has all been taken care of, and they should be home somewhere in the first half of March.

I do have some news regarding the Midwest Locost Gathering. The last time that I checked, they had about 25 cars signed up, and there is still nearly four months left 'til the Gathering takes place. On a sadder note, it appears that Jack McCornack and MAX will not be attending due to a scheduling conflict. You'll be missed, Jack!

The 24th of this month marks the 1 year anniversary of this blog. I've really enjoyed the writing, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it much more when we actually have something to write about. In the meantime, I have been spending most of my time researching the build on the Yahoo Locost group, on USA7s. com, but primarily on www.locostusa.com . BTW, Locostusa.com is a great place to learn about the Locost movement in general. There are some great guys that contribute, and they're only too happy to help anyone that truly wants to learn. I even have a few posts there. You can find me listed as "ngpmike". Check it out.

You Gotta Love My Dad!

My Dad is an amazing guy! You probably wouldn't think of him as a "Gear-Head", but he is knowledgeable about cars and things mechanical. As a little kid, I can remember my dad and my uncles overhauling the engine in one of the family cars (a Hudson I think), and when I was about 15, I helped my dad rebuild the 4 banger out of our '59 Volvo. I don't think he did this because he enjoyed it, it was just something that needed to be done. We did have some fun though in the '70's when my brother Rick and I decided to go dirt track racing. We built a '67 Le Mans and then a '66 4-4-2 and went racing at Ascot Park in Gardena, Ca. More often than not, Dad would be out in the garage wrenching on the cars with us, and he was at the track every weekend in the pits for us.

While Rick and I were into "Muscle Cars", Dad's tastes ran toward classics like the Packard roadsters or the Hollywood Graham (Google that one!) and he sometimes thought about restoring one or even building a replica. When we would visit "Kit-Car" shows, Dad would be scoping out a Mercedes 540K or boat-tail Auburn while I was drooling over Cobras and Grand Sport Corvettes. Ever the practical person that he was, dad's automotive dreams stayed on the back burner. This was to change though.

Some time around 2002, Rick, our brother-in-law and our nephew presented Dad with an unbuilt CMC (I think) Bugatti kit and a VW pan that someone had purchased years before and then left sitting in their garage. Working on a very spare time basis, Dad built his Bugatti in about 6 years. It sits on a Karmann-Ghia pan with disc brakes, IRS and a 1776 cc motor with dual Solex carbs. A few weeks shy of his 82nd birthday, dad had the car completed, licensed and headed off to Knotts Berry Farm for the Association of Handcrafted Automobiles "Fun In The Sun" car show. First crack out of the box and he comes home with a trophy. Several more trophies came from other shows since then, and Dad's still having fun with his little car. After one "Cruise Night" type gathering, Dad was stopped while leaving by none other than Jay Leno who wanted to get a closer look at the "Bugatti" replica.

I can only hope that when I'm in my 80's that I'm still having as much fun. Like I said, "You Gotta Love My Dad!"

New Color

New Color Scheme!

Here's the color that we've settled on. It's still Keith Tanner's car used for illustration. I can't wait until I have my own car to show off. I may add some stripes or graphics to really make it POP! I'm still undecided as to whether to paint the side panels or leave them plain aluminum. Still have lots of time to decide, though.

WARNING! WARNING!

In some of my previous posts, I mentioned that Locosts have been built using any number of cars as a donor. Everything from English Fords, to Pintos, Miatas (mine), Chevy S-10 trucks, the list goes on and on. It has come to my attention that there are some who are considering a donor that I feel dooms their efforts to total failure!

If You Try to build this



Using this



You'll Get This!

Again, a little fun with photo-Shop. Special thanks to Keith Tanner and whoever sent me the Smart Car pic.

"Gathering" News

The 2011 Midwest Gathering is "Gathering" momentum. First of all, they have added a day to the schedule to allow for an impromptu Auto-X. The dates are now June 9th through the 12th (Thurs - Sun). Secondly, they have doubled the block of rooms that are reserved at The Hub Hotel for the Locosters. I have been anxiously watching the posts for other "Locost celebs" in addition to Jack McCornack and MAX.

MAX in his newer, more aerodynamic form.

UPDATE!

Nothing much to report as to progress on the car. At present, my garage is jammed with household storage for our son and daughter-in-law until they can get home to Missouri. At this time, they are stranded in So-Cal 'til they can get a new engine for their SUV. Maybe they can make it home this month. Carol and I are anxious to see them and our grand daughters, including a brand new one that we have never met!

We're also looking forward to the Mid-West Locost gathering in June. I just learned today that Jack McCornack of Kinetic Vehicles, is planning to be here along with MAX (see above), his 80 mpg, turbo-diesel Locost. You can learn more about MAX at http://www.kineticvehicles.com/MAX10.html

MAX in his original configuration.

More to come soon (I hope!)

Great News!

I recently found out that the Midwest Gathering of Sevens for 2011 will be held in North Central Arkansas, more precisely, Marble Falls. In the past few years, it has been held way up north, Minnesota or Wisconsin, or somewhere. Marble Falls is about 2 hours from home, and the weather in June is usually beautiful around here. What really excites me is that I'll get to meet some of the people that I now only know as names on the locost web groups that I subscribe to. Anyone interested in joining the fun? Mark your calendars for June 10, 11, & 12. The location is The Hub Motorcycle Resort, Marble Falls, Ar.

We Have A COLOR!

OK! This is it. No more voting. No more consulting with "focus groups". I've made an executive decision. The car will be bright lime green. Think "Kawasaki dirt bikes" or "Porsche Signal Green". I know the traditionalist will scream out for British Racing Green, but no one ever accused us of being overly traditional. I still have to work up some ideas on graphics, striping, etc. I am also undecided as to whether the aluminum side panels should be painted (as on our yellow/blue car examples) or left natural. Oh well, that decision can wait 'til we actually have a car to paint.