Lotus Seven group build

I started this a few weeks ago but now that the group build was mentioned I though I'd join in the fun. For parts I am using a Miata kit I bought at a swap meet for $5. The book "How to build a sports car for as little as 250 pounds" (which I will refer to as "the book") by Ron Champion provides a lot of reference for modifying/building the frame if I need to.

http://mcsorley.net/locost/default.htm has plans for extending the frame beyond the book specs, so I added a few scale inches in length and width. Width for the transmission, length for a little bit more leg room next to the bellhousing. Using square tube makes extending the frame easier and more consistent. I may also add 2 inches to the height to even out the proportions.

Chop chop..
http://images15.fotki.com/v338/photos/4/43509/3834522/misc022-vi.jpg
http://images15.fotki.com/v337/photos/4/43509/3834522/misc027-vi.jpg
http://images18.fotki.com/v330/photos/4/43509/3834522/misc029-vi.jpg

Hmm..Pic 3 make sme think nasty thoughts;) Good luck on your Cat.

Cool. Looks like an interesting start- but what are you doing? Show and tell is the game here. :wink:

looks good and whats the engine?

I was sort of in a hurry when I posted that, but I've now updated the first post. Working on the model today so some updates soon, I hope.

Miata, huh? Seems like a good choice for a Seven. I'm a bit surprised it wouldn't fit without the chassis surgery. I thought at first you were working to convert the kit to a Caterham SV.

I'll be watching with interest!

I agree, a Miata engine is an excellent choice.

Wow, such precise work on removing the fenders! How did you do it so well? I'm probably going to have to hack off all the fenders (since I'm using the wheels and tyres from a Corvette), and would love to do it so nicely!

Miata? brilliant idea... small four cylinder with about 110 hp. it's a natural choice! :)

You can cut the fenders by scoring them with the back of a #11 blade, then simply break them off. A few passes with a small file, some putty, sand, repeat until smooth. But that's not what I did. I used my sprue cutter and snipped it off which is why it looks jagged in the pic, then used the file, putty, sand method. Much faster.

The Miata engine would fit the stock body but the bellhousing and trans wouldn't, which is why I widened the car. I could've just widened the tunnel but you'd only have enough room for one foot and one pedal. I took ergonomics into consideration first, unlike some people ;). Looking at it I wish I had added another 2 inches to the nose but it's too late since the nosecone is already modified.

There is actually a 1:1 Miata Locost build out there and I have been studying his pics. He even shows how he mounted the Miata IRS in the back which helps me a lot. The rear suspension subframe in the Tamiya kit is surprisingly assembled just like the real thing.
http://rivera.fotomojo.us/g/MX7/100_2145

Bah I say to ergonomics! And I think I'll use your sprue cutter trick myself, now. I'm hacking off the front and rear fenders to fit too-big wheels and tyres.