Locost The Kit Car

 Unlike buying a kit car from a manufacturer and supplier, building a Locost takes a lot more personal input and planning. Although this can be a bit daunting, there is no time limit to your build and you will end up with a One Off Kit Car.Sometimes it helps to use tried and tested methods, for example Ford engines, gearboxes, axles and independent rear suspension are all very popular. My own donor car was the humble Escort Mk11 1600Ghia auto, but my kit car runs a 4 speed manual Ford gearbox. As you can see from the picture early Escorts were very common in rallying and motor sport.

DIRECT CAR PARTS ONLINE - FOR ACCESSORIES / STYLING / PERFORMANCE PARTS TO ENHANCE YOUR KIT CAR AS WELL AS YOUR PRIDE AND JOY RIDE !

 Even with the best planning things can go wrong, but So What, Don't Despair! Modify or replace with something different.I personally spent all one afternoon cleaning, de-rusting and tack welding mounting brackets to a Ford Cortina back axle. I offered the axle up in position in the chassis and it looked odd! Further inspection proved the differential was offset to one side by 1inch so the axle would not sit equal either side. So I started again and now run the Mk11 Escort rear axle, Sorted!

If you need to find certain parts for your Kit Car build, a good source is E-Bay. E-Bay is a huge online auction site and using E-Bay, -Cars, -Parts, -Kit Car Parts you will find a treasure trove of goodies. But remember, don't go crazy! Your Locost is supposed to be a budget Kit Car. 

  Throughout the year there are various Kit Car shows across the country. These are invaluable for ideas and supplies. Locost members usually have cars on show as well as all the other Lotus7 based Kit Cars and manufacturers. Visit the trade stands and you will always find parts with show discounts. Also many manufacturers will have GRP panels such as nosecones, scuttles and wheel arches sold with huge discounts because they are scratched or light damaged. They cannot sell them full price, but if you are planning to spray your car any colour at a later date, then these panels can easily be repaired, etch primed and sprayed to your chosen colour.Numerous trade stands can supply all your fittings, fixings and materials.

Use this link to Fastrack to TotalKitCar events page to see whats on where and when! Go enjoy your day out and Don't forget your digital camera! it is fantastic for remembering all those ideas you see. I personally recommend  Stoneleigh Kit Car Show. Once a year the Mecca for Kit Car worshippers.

Take a look at The Story So Far to see my experiences as my build progresses!

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