New Zealands Lotus 7 & Clubman forums

spent a bit more time in the shed, now have the back end all tacked up. Now I'm thinking front suspension and brackets.

quick question, when making top wishbones, I want some adjustability there so what size rose joints should I use?
ta John
just realised I need to add more support to the diff before I put the 5mm plate on to take the diff, back to the shed

no build can be completed without parts so I finally found some, a '91 1600 NA roadster. found on trademe. $1500. Have done a few runs up and down the drive way and it all seems ok. Gets the ladies approval, now I just have to add testosterone.....

lots of repairs done, sections rebuilt and cracks sorted.


then a few layers of bog and paint, then make it look like a nose that fits a haynes (+100mm)





throw a tonne of release agent, then layers of cloth and resin, not the best weather for this but Iain might want his nose back soon






once shape is done, i will cut down the middle and widen it another 100mm
cheers
john

popped the skin off the nose and checked it for fit. Now I have to add strengthening and a bit of thickness to it. Looks ok I think. It was a bugger of a thing to get off, but only minor surface damage to Iains nose. it will just buff out
back to the shop to buy some more resin.

got some 50x50x 3 tube and located the work bandsaw. Then started chopping. Brackets for arms almost done.

suspension was doing my head in. I think I have seen every variation made on these cars now, paralysis by analysis had set in, so what to do.....just follow the plans that I started with! with very slight modification.
Will soon have them ready for the TIG welder. Fitted the Sus arm brackets also. onwards we go a bit at a time.

and then a very light tack with the MIG to see what they hang like I will have to make some fillers for the tube ends.
really feels like progress again

lower front arms are coming together nicely

well I have had a slight change in direction with the rear end and have decided after seeing so many US and Aus builds that have used the complete rear subframe. Its a simple attachment that does not need any extra certification

I have my plans in with the LVVTA and they meet on the 5th Nov, so will know for sure then is the direction is approved, I have also got all my front suspension arms and a floor mounted pedal box in the application that was designed arround the haynes pedals but using 25x25x1.6 ERW.

In the mean time I am cleaning MX5 parts through electrolysis, this has been great. and I have sold a few panels and trim to fellow forum members.... if anyone else is after MX 5 parts that are not being used in the 7......

50x25x3 box with crush tubes to connect the rear subframe, this will be triangulated to the seat back.




Electrolysis before and after painting



cheers
John

nothing like change, but I am now going chevron like Earle and Iain. just bought a registration on hold chassis, just needs the motor gear box and diff added.....I got those. MX5 based Chevron here we come.